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Student Group Travel: Take a Band Trip to New York City

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A high school band trip is one of the most exciting moments in the school year for the student musician. For the high school band, a trip to New York City could mean the ultimate in performance opportunity.

There are certainly plenty of choices for a student group interested in performing in either an adjudicated music festival setting or a performance that is not judged in New York City. This article will give band leaders, music teachers and other student trip planners an overview of some of the major performance and adjudicated music festival venues in the New York City area.

Take the Band to an Adjudicated Music Festival at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey

For high school bands that wish to compete, Six Flags Great Adventure in NJ is just a short bus ride from New York City, and offers superb stages outfitted with excellent equipment. Perform in the auditorium and spend the rest of the day at Six Flags riding the roller coasters, log flumes, and other fun activities.

The Six Flags Music Fest usually occurs in mid-May and is a great opportunity to perform and compete. Bands who do not want to compete in the adjudicated music festival with other schools may still perform and receive a rating from judges. This Six Flags Music Festivals are attended by high school bands, orchestras, ensembles, and choirs from across the United States. Six Flags Great Adventure provides musical performance stages with microphones and amplifiers as well as some percussion instruments.

Adjudicated Music Festivals Held at Universities and Colleges in Early Spring

College is still in session in early spring. Many high school bands that visit New York City compete at two universities within a short distance: Montclair State University or Rutgers University. Student band trip planners may book adjudicated appearances March-April.

Student performances are staged and judged in college auditoriums and award dinner ceremonies are held at nearby restaurants. The benefits of performing in a collegiate setting include ample seating, excellent acoustics and a quality sound system set-up and ready for student performances. Many of the judges are well known as musicians and directors of the finest bands and orchestras in this country.

Band Trips: Perform at New York City Venues

If the high school band wants to perform publicly in New York City without adjudication there are some wonderful venues to select from that will give the students excellent visibility. The company I own, Educational Travel Consultants, has booked student performance groups at the Statue of Liberty, United Nations, or Lincoln Center. Consider one of these locations as a place to reach out and find a wider audience for a high school band. Remember to book well in advance (6 months to one year) to ensure the performance will take place at the chosen venue.

Complement public performances for the high school bands with some exciting itinerary choices. Add some variety to the student travel itinerary. Many student trips to New York City tour Lincoln Center, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or Chinatown. Student groups may enjoy some of the best art museums in the world or take in a Broadway show. Students may also visit some of the finest delicatessens in the U.S. and dine at the Hard Rock Cafe, or a Medieval Dinner theater.

Most importantly, work with an educational travel consultant who is experienced in music festivals and touring New York City. Whatever a student group trip planner chooses for entertainment and dining — a qualified student travel consultant will assist in building an excellent trip to New York City designed specifically for the high school band. Email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Articles, Washington D.C.

A Senior Class Trip to Washington D.C. with Some Fun Sprinkled On Top

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by Howard Clemens

For high school seniors, two events define their final year: the senior class trip and the prom. Spring is the time to celebrate senior year together by taking one last trip as a class. For those student trips looking for excitement and world class entertainment, a trip in and around the Washington D.C. may be in order. Here are some ideas on what to include on an itinerary for a senior class trip that will be unforgettable.

A Day at the Beach: Ocean City Maryland
What better way is there to spend at least one day on the senior class trip then at the beach relaxing, sunning and enjoying the surf. Ocean City, Maryland is just a short bus ride from Washington D.C. and provides one of the widest beaches and largest boardwalks on the East Coast. Students can spend some time on the beach, then head for the boardwalk to visit arcades, amusement parks, and shop for souvenirs.

Go to the Game: See the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitols in the Spring or the Baltimore Orioles in Summer or Fall
Many students who visit from different areas of the United States do not live in towns or cities where there are major league baseball, hockey or football teams. A visit to the Washington D.C. area is the perfect opportunity to have a night out at the ballgame. Baltimore Orioles or Washington Nationals are an introduction to the major leagues for many students. In the early spring, student trips can see the Washington Wizards play basketball or the Washington Nationals play professional hockey. Whatever the student group leader’s preference for the choice of game, attendance is bound to be a great experience.

Spend the day at Six Flags America Theme Park
Just a half hour from downtown Washington D.C. is a student favorite: the Six Flags America Theme Park. There are serious roller coasters and other thrilling rides as well as a water park. Entertainment includes live music and performances all day long and into the evening. Student groups can enjoy a diverse choice of food, shopping, and games when they take a break from rides.

Dance the Night Away on a Spirit D.J. Dinner Dance Cruise on the Potomac River
Washington D.C. Spirit Cruises has a special event that appeals to young audiences: they host some of the best DJs in Washington D.C. for the evening. Students will definitely remember the Dinner Dance Cruise on the Potomac River. They will have a Grande Buffet Dinner and enjoy a three-hour cruise of Washington harbor with panoramic views of the city, including some of the monuments.

Take in a Show: Medieval Times Dinner Show or a Broadway Dinner Show
Students trips that journey a short distance into Maryland will be intrigued by the Medieval Times Dinner Show, which includes a jousting tournament with knights in armor who also fight with swords as entertainment. A four-course meal is served during the tournament. If the group is not in the mood for a medieval tournament, then perhaps a Broadway Dinner Show would be in order. The Broadway shows that make it to Washington D.C. are on par with those performed regularly in Manhattan. Many of the most popular Broadway musicals, such as Wicked and High School Musical have been performed in the area.

For a senior class trip, the choices for entertainment in and around the Washington D.C. area are interesting, fun, and memorable. Washington D.C. is more than the nation’s capital; it is also a diverse, large urban area with many different choices for dining and entertainment. Remember to book a senior class trip to Washington D.C. with a qualified educational travel consultant.

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Take a Student Trip to Lowell, Massachusetts and Journey Back to the Beginning of the Industrial Revolution

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by Howard Clemens

When bringing a student group to tour Boston, you may also want to consider adding a short excursion to Lowell, Massachusetts. Lowell was founded as a manufacturing town in the Merrimack Valley and is considered the “cradle of the American Industrial Revolution.” Also the birthplace of author Jack Kerouac, Lowell is rich with history and stories of the beginning of the United States.

Historical Sites of Interest to Student Groups
Lowell is home to the Lowell National Historical Park, a 141-acre park. Though it is not the first urban national park, it is the largest in the country. The park includes a Visitor Center, and many restored and un-restored sites from the 19th century. The Visitor Center provides a free self-guided student tour of the history of Lowell, including exhibits such as the patent model of a loom by local inventor S. Thomas. The visitor center also includes a 20 minute video entitled “Lowell: The Industrial Revolution.”

Right Outside of Boston, Mass. Lowell Provides Insight into the Industrial Revolution
The Boott Mills sit along the Merrimack River, on the Eastern Canal, and are the oldest and most fully restored manufacturing sites in the district. The Boott Mill provides a walk-through museum with living re-creations of the textile manufacturing process in the 19th century. Adjacent to the Boot Mills is the Tsongas Industrial History Center, a hands-on center where weaving, creating canals, testing water wheels and working on an assembly line are some of the interactive activities for students.
A walkway along the river leads to several additional un-restored mill sites, providing views of restored and un-restored canal raceways once used by the mills. Additionally, the park includes the Patrick J Mogan Cultural Center, which focuses on the lives of Lowell’s many generations of immigrants.

The park includes a 5.6 mile power canal system. Boat and trolley tours along the Pawtucket Canal are offered late Spring through fall. Reproductions of 1901 electric trolley cars operate Spring through Fall. Other exhibits include canal boat tours exploring some of the city’s gatehouses and locks and the River Transformed/Suffolk Mill Turbine Exhibit, which shows how water power, namely the Francis Turbine, was once used to run Lowell’s textile factories.

Lowell is also home to Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Vandenberg Esplanade, and the University of Massachusetts Lowell Radiation Laboratory which houses a small nuclear reactor. Lowell is the birthplace of Jack Kerouac and Academy Award-winning actress Bette Davis. Jack Kerouac’s gravesite is in Lowell’s Edson Cemetery. Another literary historical site of interest to student tour groups is The Worthen House, where Edgar Allan Poe allegedly wrote “The Raven,” a story known to all American students.

Women’s History in Lowell, MA
The term “Lowell Mill Girls” is used to describe the city’s 19th century female textile workers, who comprised about 75 percent of the city’s textile workforce. In 1845, the women organized a group called the Lowell Female Labor Reform Association and demanded a ten-hour workday. The petition they sent to the Massachusetts General Court led to the first government investigations into labor conditions in the United States.

Lowell is also the birthplace of Mary Hallaran, former director of the United States Women’s Army Corps. When asked by a superior what someone of her short stature could do for the military, she famously replied, “You don’t have to be six feet tall to have a brain that works.”

Touring Lowell with Student Trips
The Western Avenue studios provide an artistic picture of Lowell’s culture for student groups. A converted mill on Western Avenue which houses over 160 working artists and musicians, the studios are open to the public on the 1st Saturday of each month from 12-5 p.m.

With Lowell’s textile history, it is particularly suited as home to the New England Quilt Museum. The Quilt Museum includes 150 quilts which showcase the history of American textiles in quilts and quilt tops. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and has special hours on Sundays from May through December. The museum also offers discount tickets to students.

Lowell, MA. is the Perfect Add on to a Boston Student Trip
The city uses old freight lines to run streetcars from the center of the city to many of the city’s historical destinations. It also runs a public transit bus system throughout the city and is connected to Boston through commuter rail making it easy for educational groups visiting Boston to add Lowell, Massachusetts to their itinerary. Your educational travel consultant can help you make the best arrangements for your student group.

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Learn the Importance of Science and Math: Plan a Student Trip to Boston, MA

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When it comes to science and math, student trips offer some of the most memorable and insightful experiences of a young person’s academic life. Boston, MA has long been considered one of the brightest spots for educational tours, as it offers customizable class trips to exciting destinations such as: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), The Boston Science Museum & the New England Aquarium. All of these venues showcase eye-opening exhibits highlighting: engineering, chemistry, space exploration, technology, medicine and much more.

Student Trips to MIT Celebrate the History of Science

MIT is home to some of the most innovative and profound breakthroughs in math and science in the world. If you’re planning a student trip, be sure to visit the Edgerton Center Corridor Lab (http://web.mit.edu/Edgerton/www/CorridorLab.html). This lab is filled with interactive displays that give students a hands-on demonstration of various scientific and engineering properties. The MIT Museum (http://web.mit.edu/museum/) has its share of wonders as well including Kismet, the world’s first sociable robot. Whether it’s holographic, oceanic or architectural, students are bound to find something that’s truly captivating.

The List Visual Arts Center is also located on MIT campus. Here students can explore the creative arts, science and mathematics, especially in the mixed-media art gallery. There are over 1,500 permanent pieces on display, and the center also frequently hosts temporary exhibitions by world-class artists such as Pablo Picasso and Michael Heizer.

Have a Hands-On Class Trip at the Boston Science Museum

The Boston Science Museum is a perfect destination for an upcoming math field trip, as space exploration is one of its most extensive exhibits. The museum includes over 700 permanent exhibits, as well as countless temporary exhibits and shows. For students of astronomy, the museum offers a planetarium with shows scheduled throughout the day. For students craving more visual stimulus, the museum also includes a high-end laser show, an HD 3D theatre that requires no glasses to witness, and an IMAX theatre. All in all, the museum offers an in-depth, exciting look into life sciences, earth and space sciences, math, physics and nanotechnology. And best of all, group rates are available for student trips.

Discover the Seas at the New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a must-stop venue for any class trip. The aquarium sees over 1.5 million visitors per year, and they have experts standing by for customized educational tours (http://www.neaq.org/education_and_activities/index.php). With over 20,000 animals on site, student tours will get an intimate look at African penguins, Atlantic Harbor seals, sea dragons, and even a giant Pacific octopus.

One of the aquarium’s greatest draws is the 200,000-gallon salt-water tank. It stands over four stories tall and gives guests the opportunity to see a Caribbean ecosystem first-hand. The tank has over 600 species inside and can be viewed from all angles, including a view straight down into the coral reef from above.

For student groups interested in a Whale Watch, schedule a time to take the Voyager II, a high-speed catamaran that takes groups 30 miles off the coast of Boston to the whale feeding grounds. Voyager II leaves from the New England Aquarium dock. Whale watching is seasonal so check with an educational travel consultant to see if it is in sync with the student trip being planned.

Explore More on a Student Trip Boston

Boston has long been considered one of America’s brightest cities. Student trips can also include popular historic destinations in and around the city such as the Boston Commons, the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, the Freedom Trail, Salem, Walden Pond, Faneuil Hall, the U.S.S. Constitution, Quincy Market and more. Its streets are lined with history, and its universities are admired throughout the world. An educational science tour through the halls of MIT will undoubtedly make a lasting impression. And whether it’s the vast expanses of space at the Museum of Science or the brimming life in our oceans at the New England Aquarium, one cannot help but feel a rare sense of awe and wonder at the utter complexity and magnificence of planet Earth and all its inhabitants.

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Boston, Massachusetts is Ideal for Student Trips

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If you are looking for a great destination for a history or social studies tour, Boston is an ideal choice for an educational trip with students. Boston, MA is a city steeped in American history from the Puritans who founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630 to the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution to America’s first subway. Student tours in and around Boston are easily managed in what is known as the “Walking City.”

Boston is an indoor-outdoor museum of history and architecture. All educational trips to Boston should include at least a portion of the Freedom Trail. The Freedom Trail is 2.5 mile walking tour through Boston that winds its way around 16 significant historic sites from the USS Constitution to the Boston Commons. Guided tours are available for student groups but the Freedom Trail is well-marked and the Freedom Trail Foundation offers maps and other resources for educators at www.thefreedomtrail.org.

Educational Travel to Boston: Excursion to Lexington and Concord
Boston was one of the epicenters of the American Revolution. It was home to many famous patriots including Paul Revere, best remembered for his ride through the countryside warning the Minute Men that the British were marching toward Concord. Lexington and Concord, the sites of the first battles of the American Revolution, are just west of downtown Boston. Here history students can come face-to-face with the Daniel Chester French’s Minute Man statue and the Old North Bridge where the Massachusetts militia defeated the British shortly after the “shot heard ’round the world” was fired.

Adjacent to the Old North Bridge is the Old Manse, the ancestral home of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Nathaniel Hawthorne lived and wrote in the Old Manse for three years and Henry David Thoreau tilled a garden there for Hawthorne and his wife. Not far away, students can visit Walden Pond where Thoreau lived and wrote in semi seclusion for two years. History, social studies, and American literature almost come to life for students in Concord and Lexington, Massachusetts.

Student Trips to Boston Should Include Salem
A short jaunt north along the coast takes student groups to Salem, a town associated with one of the darkest and most fascinating episodes in American History: the Salem Witch Trials. The Salem Witch Museum takes student visitors back to Salem in 1692. The museum offers a dramatic history lesson through the use of stage sets, life-size figures, and a narrated overview of the Witch Trials. The museum also has an exhibit, Witches: Evolving Perceptions, examining the changing definitions of “witch” and “witchcraft,” stereotyping, witch hunts, and even the modern practice of Wicca. This exhibit also includes contemporary examples of witch hunts based on the “fear + trigger = scapegoat” formula, bringing the past into a present day perspective for students.

A Salem, Massachusetts building that will inspire students’ imaginations is the House of the Seven Gables, complete with a hidden staircase. Author Nathaniel Hawthorne, a descendent of Witch Trial judge, John Hawthorne, spent time in this house owned by his cousins, the Ingersols, when he was a child. Stories he heard about it merged with his family’s history in his dark romantic novel of the same name as the house. Hawthorne’s birthplace is now located on the grounds of the House of the Seven Gables as well.

Include Plymouth in Student Trips to Boston
A field trip to Boston, Massachusetts wouldn’t be complete without an excursion south along the coast to Plymouth. Here students can see Plymouth Rock where the Pilgrims first landed in 1620, visit the Mayflower II, and visit the living history museum, Plimoth Plantation. The plantation is located at the site of the first colony in New England. It recreates life in a Wampanoag village and a 1627 English settlement bringing two worlds together and to life making a great experience for students studying Native American and Colonial history. Teachers can find a variety of resources and curriculum guides for Plimoth Plantation on the museum’s Web site, www.plimoth.org.


Educational Trips to Boston are Enriching Experiences
Educational travel to Boston, Mass. can include many other points of interest like the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science. Student trips to Boston can also feature whale watching trips or even a Boston Red Sox game. Contact an experienced educational travel consultant to help you plan the best trip for your student group.

Blog, Washington D.C.

ETC Student Essay Contest on Washington D.C.: Rules

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ETC Student Travel Essay Contest 2009
$300 Prize for a Winning Essay on Washington D.C.

Essay Contest Topic:
Write a 500-750 word essay about your school trip to Washington D.C. and describe any attractions, events or people you saw that were memorable and inspirational.

Rules:

– Teachers from grades 6-12 must make the assignment to their class. Teachers to filter and only submit the best essays of the class.
– Deadline for Essay submissions is June 30th.
– Length of Essay: 500-750 words
– The contestants must have taken a trip with Educational Travel Consultants to Washington D.C. beginning in September of 2008 and ending June 30th 2009. The winning essay will be announced Sept 1, 2009.
– First Prize for the student essay is $300.
– The teacher of the class with winning essay will win $200.
– Students cannot submit their own essays directly. Participating class essays will be selected by the teacher and submitted to the contest.
– Judges come from the secondary school system from various parts of the United States and have traveled to Washington D.C.
– Award Notification ? The winning essayist and teacher will be notified first by telephone and then in writing on September 1, 2009.
– Employees or family members of ETC are not eligible to compete in the Student Essay Contest. Essays must be typed. The essay will not be returned so please do not submit the only copy. Teachers please submit 2 copies of the essay. One copy should contain the student and teacher names, address, email and phone number along with school affiliation. The other copy of the essay should only have a title, with no name or school affiliation.
– No digital copies will be accepted, hard copy only.
– The winning essay will be published on www.EducationalTravelConsultants.com.
– ETC reserves the right to use excerpts of other student essays in promotional materials.

(Essays must be postmarked by June 30th to be eligible)
Submit Essays:

Educational Travel Consultants
PO Box 1580
Hendersonville, NC 28793
(828)693-0412

For further information email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com, but PLEASE do not submit digital copies of essays.

Blog, Washington D.C.

Educational Travel Consultants Announces Essay Contest on Washington D.C. Student Trips

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(Washington D.C.) Educational Travel Consultants (ETC) is proud to announce The ETC Student Travel Essay Contest for 2009. Students who traveled with ETC to Washington D.C. from September 2008- June 30 2009 are eligible to compete.
Entrants must write a 500-750 word essay on the subject of their recent trip to Washington D.C. and describe any events, attractions, or people that were memorable or inspirational.

The teacher submits the best essay(s) in the class and they may compete for the $300 prize. The teacher of the class with the winning student essay will also receive a $200 prize for participating. The contest is designed to highlight the best of educational experiences available to the student traveler in Washington D.C.

Howard Clemens, CEO of Educational Travel Consultants, says he started the contest because, “I know student travelers are having unique, once in a lifetime experiences. Often, students coming from as faraway as the West Coast or Midwest have never visited Washington D.C.” Capturing the best of a student trip to Washington D.C. in writing is a way to help students remember what they have learned. Awarding a cash prize to a student and teacher is also a way to inspire young writers and thank teachers for their part in the contest.

“Educational Travel Consultants is dedicated to active learning and academic excellence,” added Clemens, “and the Student Essay Contest on Washington D.C. fosters both of these.”

All contest entries must be submitted by teachers and postmarked no later than June 30, 2009 to be eligible for the competition. A winning student essay and teacher of the class that produced that essay will be announced on September 1, 2009, the kickoff for the 2009-2010 student travel season. The winning student essay will be featured on the Educational Travel Consultants website.

The Educational Travel Consultants Student Essay Contest will be judged by two professional educators from the secondary school system in the United States. ETC employees and family members are not eligible to compete in the contest.

Educational Travel Consultants have been serving the student travel industry for nearly 25 years. As student travel experts, the company specializes in customizing tours for any curriculum. ETC has developed special student tours that focus on art, performance, black history, science and eco tours. The company serves the entire United States, but specializes in student tours to Washington D.C., New York City, and Orlando. Email info@educatiionaltravelconsultants.com or Request a Quote via the web.

Articles, Washington D.C.

Planning an Exciting Band Trip: Educational Student Tours Near Washington DC

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In today’s modern world planning student trips everyone will enjoy can be a daunting task. Planning a trip for the high school or junior high band can add even more complexity. Band trips can be designed to have something for everyone. If a student group plans to attend one of Washington D.C.’s most popular festivals, the trip can be designed to suit music and art students. Here are a few suggestions for your next student band trip.

A Band Trip to Washington D.C.: The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

In 1912 Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo gave the gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the city of Washington D.C. in honor of the relationship between the United States and Japan. In 1915 the United States returned the sentiment with a gift of flowering dogwoods for the people of Japan. By 1935 the first Cherry Blossom Festival was held and the tradition has continued ever since. Currently over one million people visit Washington DC each year to see the cherry trees in full glory and to enjoy different festival events, which include the annual Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is one of the highlights of the festival each year. Huge parade balloons, musical performers, celebrities, marching bands and more fill Constitution Avenue while TV stations broadcast the parade live. The parade features a wide variety music including:

1. Singers like American Idol finalist (2nd season) Kimberly Locke, Grammy winner Thelma Houston, Disney Radio star Joey Page and Miss America 2009 Katie Stam.
2. Student Performers come from far and wide to play at the festival. Students from the Creative and Performing Arts High School in Philadelphia, the All-Star Tap Team and Youth Choir and marching bands from as far as Elko High School in Nevada make it to the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.
3. Broadway performances by the cast of Chicago and songs from Mamma Mia! have also been part of the festival and the Broadway tradition will likely continue.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is the perfect destination for a high school band trip to Washington DC, whether students want to watch on the sidelines or participate in the parade fun. To plan an extra special band trip consider attending the 2012 Cherry Blossom Festival, the centennial anniversary of Japan’s beautiful gift to the nation’s capital. Always plan at least a year or more in advance to schedule band performances in the parade. Be certain to work with a qualified student travel professional that has experience in putting together band trips.

Make Sure to Wear Green on Your Student Trip to the Washington D.C. St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Another great plan for a high school band trip is to attend or participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Washington, DC. Started in 1971, the annual St. Pat’s parade is a community endeavor supported by the Irish American Club and city officials. Each year a noteworthy person is chosen as the parade Grand Marshall. A parade theme is announced and the honored title of Gael of the Year is bestowed on a deserving member of the community.

Invitations are sent to marching bands, performers, organizations, floats and groups the parade committee feels are appropriate for the parade celebration. Student band trip itineraries can be created to secure great seating to watch the parade or groups can schedule time to perform in the parade. To learn more about receiving an invitation for your band visit the parade web site at www.dcstpatsparade.com.

A Band Trip to Virginia Students Will Love: The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

Each year more than 250,000 visitors descend upon the small town of Winchester, Virginia to enjoy a week of fun activities that comprise the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. For student trips headed to Washington D.C. the Apple Blossom Festival is a great addition. Since 1924, the annual festival has grown to include parades, dances, band competitions, floats, a 10K run, music, a carnival, a circus, sporting, events, car shows, craft shows, delicious food and the traditional Apple Blossom Pageant.

High school band trips, student musical tours and student performance trips to Washington D.C. can all be planned around the Apple Blossom Festival. Musically inclined students may enjoy seeing some famous faces. In the past the Apple Blossom Festival has been proud to host celebrities like Fantasia Barrino, Wayne Newton, Sea Astin, Dan Akyroyd, Katie Couric, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Lucille Ball who have served as grand marshals. In 2009 American Idol star Bucky Covington will headline the week’s concerts.

A must see event for band trips and student groups is the Coronation of Queen Shenandoah and the annual Pageant. The coronation ceremony is fashioned after the ceremonies of the British monarchy and the Pageant originally featured a performance by over 1,000 local school children. The annual Pageant has been held on the steps of Handley High School since 1925 and the traditional Royal Command Performance is presented by the Handley Singers.

If you are planning a band trip, student performance tour or a simple group excursion festivals can be an excellent plan whether you are in Washington DC, New York City, Philadelphia or anywhere else in the United States. Email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com or Request a Quote for a student travel company that can help manage all of the details, itineraries and events.

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Student Trips to Boston May Request a Revolutionary War Tour Theme

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by Howard Clemens

For students reading about the Revolutionary War in social studies or history classes, Boston, Massachusetts is a great choice as a destination for active learning. Visits to select destinations bring the early days of the Revolutionary War alive for student travel groups. Student trips headed for Boston, Mass. will learn about the Revolutionary War from multiple perspectives, with some sites offering living history programs.

Leading men who fought for freedom from England during the time period include: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Paul Revere. These are just a few of the well-known figures of the Revolutionary War who come alive on a student tour. Countless farmers and families who mustered as Minute Men and defended their properties while under attack by British troops supported these leading figures.

Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre occurred in 1770 in downtown Boston, just outside the Old State House at the corner of Devonshire and State Streets. British soldiers had occupied Boston for nearly two years and tension between the colonists and soldiers reached a peak. An agitated crowd began to complain loudly to soldiers and one of the British fired into the crowd, killing five people that day. This event was widely publicized and well documented. John Adams, a lawyer then, defended Captain Preston and six of his troops were acquitted, while two men were found guilty of manslaughter and discharged from the army. The first patriot to die was a freed slave who worked on whale ships: Crispus Attucks.

John Adams: Roles in Revolutionary War History
John Adams was at one time a lawyer, and he actually defended Captain Preston in the case of the Boston Massacre. Despite his beginnings, he became one of the most esteemed figures of the Revolutionary War period. Adams gifted his extensive collection of books to the town of Quincy, Massachusetts in 1822 at the age of 86. Today, parts of this collection are being digitized for easier public access. The collection as well as Adams’ papers is housed in the Boston Public Library Copley Square Rare Books and Manuscripts Department. Student trips may tour this part of the library to gain an understanding about the life of one of the influential figures in drafting and signing the Declaration of Independence. Adams was the first Vice President and the second President of the United States. He also served as a diplomat to Paris and Holland. Though he and his wife Abigail lived frugally on a public servant’s salary, Adams invested a huge sum in books, which is evident from visiting the library. Teachers and students may access special educational materials from the John Adam’s library at http://www.johnadamslibrary.org/explore/teachersandstudents/.

John Quincy Adams
The son of John Adams, John Quincy became a capable diplomat and linguist. Long before he became the 6th President, John Quincy Adams held many distinguished governmental roles, including Secretary of State for James Monroe, where he was instrumental in drafting the Monroe Doctrine. John Quincy can be studied in depth at the Adams National Historical Park. Student travel groups may tour the Visitor Center. With reservations, the student group may also take a Ranger guided tour of the Old House and the Presidential birthplaces. Historical narratives by costumed interpreters John and Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson are also presented in season. Check with your student travel agency to see if there will be any living history performances while a student group is on tour.

Lexington and Concord
On any student trip to Boston to study the Revolutionary War, a trip to the Minute Man National Historical Park, which spans the Lexington and Concord battlefields, is a must. Here is where the first battle of the Revolutionary War was fought by the Minute Men or troops from the New England countryside. For groups with time, a 3 ? hour battle road trail walk gives the entire perspective of the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Student groups may also visit the Minute Man Visitor Center and watch the film and visit the exhibits. At Hartwell Tavern, Rangers demonstrate firing muskets from an authentic early American rifle. Or, students may want to add a visit to The Wayside, where Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott both wrote. The Lexington and Concord Museum ranger programs and historical sites draw upon information from the Concord writers of the Revolutionary War period. Teachers who would like to prepare a curriculum for the student trip may visit http://www.nps.gov/mima/forteachers/index.htm.

Walking Tour of Boston
The Freedom Trail is a fun, healthy way to see Boston through the lens of the Revolutionary War period. This walk may take several hours so students are encouraged to dress accordingly, wear comfortable shoes and bring some drinking water. The Freedom Trail begins at Boston Common and includes Beacon Hill, The Union Oyster House (for lunch) and a visit to Paul Revere’s home, a two-story clapboard house across from North Square. Groups also stop at Old North Church, where the first bells of the British Colonies were rung in North America. The Freedom Trail ends with the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument. The USS Constitution has been nicknamed “Old Ironsides” as a result of engagements with the British in the War of 1812. Student groups love to take The Freedom Trail tour because it is mostly outdoors and a wonderful way for a group to see Boston in the spring or fall.

Educational travel can be a great way to get students excited about periods in American history. Boston is a city where student travelers can experience Early American architecture, artifacts, politics and art and it should not be overlooked as a worthwhile student travel destination. Email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com for information about a student tour of Boston or Request a Quote.

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The Ultimate Chicago Student Trip! Plan a Student Tour of Obama’s Chicago

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by Howard Clemens

A majority of teachers in the United States chose the teaching profession because they believed they would have the opportunity to educate, inspire and nurture young minds. In the classroom children of all ages learn about themselves and the world around them. Outside of the classroom extracurricular activities like sports, academic clubs, band and school field trips provide experiences to help kids imagine all of the possibilities ahead of them.

Create a Chicago Student Trip Itinerary to Inspire Students of Any Age

President Barack Obama’s life has been an amazing journey with struggles and triumphs. He is proof that with hard work, dedication and passion people can live their dreams. President Obama’s story shows children from all walks of life they can be anything they want when they grow up. Here are some ideas for a Chicago student trip itinerary that include some destinations on the “Obama Tour.”

Take a Student Trip to Chicago and Explore the Personal Life of the Obama Family

In order to understand where it all began student tours can follow the suggestion of the Chicago Tribune and visit the Chase Tower, the former home of Sidley & Austin, the law firm where Barack and Michelle Obama first met in 1989. Then stop by to see 1400 East 53rd Street, the location of a brick building that used to be a Baskin Robbins ice ream parlor. It was here that the president and First Lady had their first kiss. Student trips can also include a stop at the basketball courts on Hayes and South Lake Shore Drive where President Obama and his brother in law regularly shot hoops. Next visit the South Shore Cultural Center where the Obamas held their wedding reception in 1992.

At 5450 SE View Park student tours will catch a glimpse of the condominium where Barack and Michelle lived for twelve years before purchasing their Kenwood neighborhood home in 2005. According to an article in the Chicago Sun Times written by Mark J. Konkol, Michelle Obama stated “I love living in Hyde Park, so close to so many of our friends and family. The community is diverse and very family-oriented, and, as the mom of two daughters, I really appreciate that.” The Obama Family Home is not currently open to the public.

Student Tour Destinations that Explore Barack Obama’s History as a Professor, Politician and President

A Chicago student trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the sites associated with President Obama’s academic, political and presidential past. First on the list is the Holy Rosary Catholic Church rectory located at 351 E 113th Street. Obama worked here as a community organizer during the 1980’s. Next students can enjoy a tour of the University of Chicago Law School. President Obama taught here from 1993 until 2003.

In order to spark student conversation about President Obama’s political views stop by Federal Plaza, where then Senator Obama gave a speech against the Iraq war at a rally in 2002.

Student groups may then take a student tour of the campaign trail, which includes:

–233 N Michigan Avenue: the pre-election campaign headquarters.
–151 E Wacker Drive: the Hyatt Regency Chicago where Obama watched the election results.
–East Congress Parkway: Grant Park’s Hutchinson Field where approximately 250,000 came on election night to hear president Obama’s victory speech.

Enjoy Some of Obama Family Favorites on your Student Trip to Chicago

In order to complete a Chicago field trip itinerary include some practical, affordable destinations students can experience first hand. The Chicago Tribune suggests these Obama family favorites.

Shopping Favorites

1508 E 55th Street–What the Traveler Saw Gift Shop
Shop in the gift shop located next to Obama’s former barber that the President would visit.

135 N Jefferson Street: Maria Pinto Boutique
Get a feel for the style of the designer who dressed First Lady Michelle Obama for the Democratic National Convention.

1301 E 57th Street–57th Street Books
Visit this co-op bookstore where the President and First lady are members. President Obama held parties here for the release of his books and Michelle Obama is quoted in the Chicago Sun Times by writer Mark J. Konkol as saying, “The variety of titles, the programs for kids and the neighborhood feel make it a wonderful place to take a walk to and browse around.”

Dining Favorites

445 N Clark Street?Topolobampo
Choose a blue-and-white fabric-covered booth on the south side of the restaurant like the Obamas and make sure to try the guacamole and sopa Azteca.

1518 E 53rd Street–Valois
Located in Hyde Park for over eighty years Valois offers simple, cafeteria style dining.

5412 W Madison Street–MacArthur’s Restaurant
A well-known, soul food restaurant beloved throughout Chicago MacArthur’s is the place to be. Make sure and try an Obama favorite: turkey legs and dressing.

980 N Michigan Avenue–Spiaggia
The president and First Lady ate here the Saturday after the election. According to the Chicago Tribune, rumors say President Obama “loved the wood-roasted scallops.”

Outdoor destinations
2500 North Halsted Street?Mural of Barack Obama
Student travelers: do not miss this eye-catching mural of Barack Obama.

55th Street in the Hyde Park Neighborhood–Promontory Point
Known to Chicago locals as simply The Point, Promontory Point is part of Burnham Park and opened to the public in 1937. The man-made peninsula extends out into lake Michigan and is a popular spot for sunbathers, kayakers, windsurfers and swimmers in the summer.

With all of these destinations to choose from that are linked to President Barack Obama’s past and present, there’s a great deal to see on an Obama tour. Select some top destinations on the Obama tour and add them to a student tour of Chicago. Portions of the Obama tour will also fit nicely into an art or performance tour of the windy city. Whatever a student group’s focus while on tour of Chicago, some short stops on this tour can provide insight into the new President’s formative years as a professor and a politician and his character as a whole.

For more information on the Obama Tour of Chicago, email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com or simply fill out the brief Request a Quote form.

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