Fieldtrips for Homeschoolers

If you think back to when you were in school, some of your fondest memories probably revolve around field trips. Not necessarily because the subject matter was something you were interested in, but because you were excused from classes for the day.

As a rule, homeschool field trips are different. Since they are parent planned, they meet the interest of the students who will be participating. They are usually more ‘hands on’, because of the fact that they are much more individualized. Just imagine all of the fun and educational fieldtrips you can take with your young children. Some ideas include trips to local art and historical museums, science centers, aeronautical centers, historic homes in the area, state or city capitol buildings, and zoos and wildlife centers.

There are many field trip opportunities for high school homeschoolers too. There are traditional ones such as museums, amusement parks, art centers and college campuses. Volunteer-related field trips are always a big hit, as well.

If you live in or near a large city, there are countless field trip destinations available to you. There are factory tours and theater trips. Many businesses in the food industry offer students the chance to gain hands-on experience in the field. Bakeries, large restaurants and food manufacturing plants are often willing to accommodate students for the day.

There are theme camps all across the country, which offer a wonderful extended field trip opportunity for homeschoolers. Space camp, drama camp, computer camp, sports camp and music camp are just a small sample of what is actually available. Many of these camps offer a need-based scholarship program, if the cost of tuition is an issue.

Another great option for a high school field trip is a city tour. Major cities such as Chicago, Washington D.C., New York, Boston, Nashville and Atlanta are just a few interesting choices worth considering.

When planning a city tour of this type, involve the students who will be traveling. Incorporate the travel planning into your curriculum. Stipulate a budget. Discuss and agree on different methods of earning money for the trip. It may take several months, or even longer, to raise the needed funds. But, the learning experience is well worth it.

The most important thing to remember when planning a field trip for your high school homeschooler is to give them several options. The more interest they have in the destination, the more they will learn and the more enjoyable it will be for all.

Fieldtrips can add spontaneity and fun to the learning experience for children of any age so go for it! Plan a fieldtrip today!