How do you keep students engaged during the summer months? Here are some great submissions from other Program Leaders across the nation:
Emails & Social Media
“Throughout the summer I send emails with fun facts about our trip. The fun facts include pictures from previous trips. Emails are also sent about upcoming fundraisers once the school year starts back up.” ~ Tracy R., Program Leader, Virginia
“We keep our students excited about the trip by sending out periodic emails throughout the summer to keep them updated on how many people have signed up and we also encourage them to keep up on the news going on in DC, etc. We also post a countdown periodically on social media sites and are planning on beginning our fundraising over the summer so the kids can get an early start of earning money for the trip.” ~ Jennifer C., Program Leader, Missouri
“I create a Facebook group for every trip that I’m leading and during the summer I post photos of students from previous trips and I ask where the photo was taken. The students who comment first for each photo posted get a free ice cream cone during the trip, on me!” ~ Margaret H., Program Leader, New York
“I’ve found, the more students know about the history of the places we are going – the more excited they are. So, before school ends, I give the students on my trip an optional reading and movie list. Some students don’t participate, but you’d be surprised how many students actually do take the time to read 1 or 2 books, or watch a couple of movies before the trip. Then, I use Facebook to create open discussions about the books/movies, like a virtual book or cinema club, if you will. I love to see how passionate some of the students get about some of the topics – and when other participants see students discussing the books or movies on Facebook – it encourages them to read or watch, too! By the time we go on the trip – these kids are experts!” ~ Jason O., Program Leader, Texas
“I send emails to the families about the D.C. trip and travel tips. I would like to get a group together to do a fundraiser, if possible.” ~Maureen J., Program Leader, California
Fundraisers & Events
Summer is also a great time to keep students engaged by organizing fundraisers and trip-related activities. (Looking for some fundraising inspiration? Click here for some of our favorite fundraising ideas!). Summer is also a good time to organize “meet and greet” activities for students to get to know each other before the trip. Potluck picnics, community service activities, or a visit to the movie theater are just a few ideas to create camaraderie among the students. Read ideas from our traveling teachers:
“During the summer months, our group does several fundraising activities at Walmart, the rodeo, the county fair and other places. These events allow several students to work and this helps me keep tabs on the group and that helps keep the enthusiasm high. We also raffle items throughout the summer and this helps kids stay excited about their trip.” ~ Chuck C., Program Leader, Missouri
“Every summer I organize a pancake breakfast fundraiser. The students make the pancakes, and local community members can make a donation to the trip for the students. This is a great way for students to raise money for their trip, but it also is a time that students can meet other students that are going on the trip that they may know not yet. I find that the more time students can get to know each other, the more excited they become!” ~ Maggie L., Program Leader, Idaho
“I organize several fundraisers throughout the summer. Since many students go on their family vacation during this time, I hold a different one each month. I usually hold one car wash, one bake sale, and student ‘flea market’. Some students sign up for all three.” ~ Kasi S., Program Leader, Colorado
“We have a few fundraisers planned during the summer months.” ~ Jeniene H., Program Leader, Ohio
Even if you don’t have time to organize a fundraiser this summer, don’t forget to let your students know about our Gift of Education program so they can continue to raise money for their trip over the summer!
Wow, our traveling teachers have some great ideas that are really out of the box! Do you have any ideas on how to keep students engaged? Let us know by sending us an email at socialmedia@worldstrides.org.