Fourth Grade Field Trip Fun

I was fortunate to get to chaperone Elise's field trip to the coast on Friday. I know the teachers sometimes feel like they are pulling teeth to get volunteers for events, but this trip is really popular. People jump at the chance to chaperone. I was fascinated that easily half of them were dads. I can't imagine ANY dad ever chaperoning a field trip when I was a kid. What a great improvement in society that is! Initially, I didn't sign up quick enough, and all the chaperone spots were full. Somebody dropped out though, so I lucked into going.

We showed up at the crack of dawn to load the bus. Some of the car-driving parents poked fun at those of us who chose to ride the bus. I still can't figure out why they felt like they made the better choice. They spent easily $50 in gas to drive themselves to the coast and back while I paid $10 to sit in a comfy bus, read a book, watch a movie, or sleep. It seems like a no-brainer to me. The kids were great. They quietly listened to iPods or watched the movie.

We arrived at the U.S.S. North Carolina battleship with weather that couldn't have been more perfect.

As we toured it, I asked Elise to think about what it might have been like to live on one of these ships during WWII. Her great-grandfather was stationed on a carrier in the Pacific, so she got a feel for what his life might have been like.

Elise must have been going for some sort of Ashton Kutcher trucker hat look.

After the battleship (and spending too much time in the gift shop), we had a nice picnic lunch on the waterfront in Wilmington.

Our next adventure was a boat ride over to Masonboro Island. The marine life educators who ran this part of the tour were fantastic. I decided that over the years, they must have figured out every trick for giving tours to fourth graders. Their presentations and organization were flawless.

While on the island, we collected shells, learned about marsh critters, and did some crabbing.

At the end of the day, we took the boat back, got on the buses with smiles on our faces, and relaxed on the way home (or those who drove had to stay awake to drive while I peacefully slept on the bus!).

It was such a nice day. I'm glad I have two more girls who will at some point be fourth graders. Hopefully I can do this trip again (or let J.C. have a chance.).

Comments

[Nancy]

Glad you enjoyed it! I was thinking "oh no, what if she goes and HATES it after I so highly recommended it!" When I went, they wouldn't allow any parents to drive - we all had to ride the bus. As someone who very easily gets very motion-sick (especially when I'm not in the front seat), I can tell you that I would have LOVED to have been able to drive myself... but it worked out fine. Ms. L. assigned seats and put us in the very front of the bus so no problems.

[Carey]

That looks like an awesome field trip! And I'm with you - would love to ride the bus.

[Audrey]

Riding the bus seems obvious to me, too. I would have hated to have to get in the car and drive all the way home after a full day like that!