Be a Field Trip Chaperone

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By Shel Horowitz

Following up on last month's tip, here's another way to see great attractions and entertainment for free or very cheap chaperone a school field trip.

Most schools require a few extra adults to come along, to keep the kids in line. And as it turns out, my kids' school does not have a bus contract, so they rely on parents to drive as well.

If you have enough flexibility in your schedule to help out, you can see some wonderful things. And typically, either the school will absorb the cost of your admission or you'll at least get a greatly reduced price. Sometimes the activity wouldn't cost anything anyway, but by participating with a class, you can learn a whole lot more.

My kids' school believes heavily in cultural and educational enrichment, so I've gotten to tag along to
* At least three historic villages, with all sorts of hands-on activities from trying on 18th-century clothes to cooking over an open hearth
* Concerts and plays, including an incredible African dance performance in our area's finest theater, performances of Oklahoma and Oliver by our resident opera/musical company (whose productions are always top-notch), and many others

Not only do I get to see all sorts of great stuff, but it's a wonderful way to get in my required volunteer hours (the school is a parent co-op). Plus it gives me a chance to observe the teachers working directly with the students.