Let me say, it now has and I choke up when I am asked about when she leaves and how things are going. The reason being is, even though we are still fundraising, her task for her last meeting was to pack her suitcase as if she were leaving because she had to bring it. She and I sat down Saturday afternoon (5 May) and went through the list I made up and checked things off as we put the items in zip lock bags. Wow!!! We discovered we didn't have everything and added to our checklist. She will have to make a list of what is in her suitcase to put in her backpack. (I forgot about that one)
We arrived at the meeting and as usual there was video discussion and then trying to get all questions asked before our Bon Voyage in June. I thought I had everything I needed but, yes, there were more things to learn. Luckily I brought paper to take notes. (2 pages worth)
First, we got to see what the sweatshirt would look like that we voted on to get the kids to help them look uniform, not to mention it will be winter in Australia. It is navy blue with 4 pictures on the back and the trip name and year on the front. She is excited to get it and wear it.
Second, we discussed the phone tree. What we would get emails about or when we could get a phone call.
The students were given their assigned travel number (13). It will be written in all their clothing and on their stuff. They will do count offs on the trip so of course they practiced. They were also told that they would start over if someone was not paying attention. It was important so no one was left behind. They timed them to see how fast they could get threw. (12 seconds) Also, when they meet the other half of the delegation there would be a race to see who is faster.
We discussed all about the Airport stuff. Arrival, luggage, check-in, passport handling, customs questions, jet lag (drink plenty of water and sleep to help deter). They weighed the suitcase and she is currently at
27 lbs. so she is good if we add in a few more items. Which I am sure will happen. We were told that we needed to be there 3 hours in advance. They may let the group check in at once but not necessarily. They could split check in times. We will get to eat dinner with her and then turn her over to the leaders at security. I am tearing up now as I write this. The kids were told to put really important things in their backpack ie... their camera, money, ipod, phones. We also got a glimpse at their itinerary. As soon as they arrive the first thing they will be doing is swimming. They were told they need to be able to locate suit and towel quickly on arrival. They also told them when they meet their liaison in Australia to be sure to put their information in their journals. And to make sure that we print and put the itinerary in their journals as well. With that said the kids were given a sheet with journal ideas and camera taking ideas.
The kids learned the 3 important travel guidelines as well: 1. Be Aware 2. Take Care 3. Share
We then discussed the Bon Voyage Party in June of which yours truly is in charge of organizing the supplies we need and to get parents to sign up. So, Ms. Karen was very nice she called me to the front! (of which I was happy to do at my table since I do not like getting in front of people) and on top of that gave me a microphone too. I have to say I did pretty good and didn't faint. Although, Kaitlyn laughed at me when I sat down. She said "Mom your face looks weird and all red", I told her that is what happens because it scares me to get in front of people. She said "oh, ok" but did not deter her smile a bit. I told her at least I didn't pass out.
To end the meeting the children had to take the camera they are taking on the trip and were given time to practice. Later to review the pictures and see what they learned and what to do better. The kids separated into groups and had to discuss their current event. They also did a relay course with their luggage. That was fun, Kaitlyn complained the whole time she needed a smaller suitcase. It is the right size. They had to go around the school doing different things and had to answer question about what an item that should be in their bags and then had to produce it. If they had it they got a point. I stood in the playground area where the kids had to take their suitcase and backpack up stairs and through a tunnel and then down a ramp. It was funny to hear them say "how are we suppose to do this" and similar responses. But I did see team work. It was Great!! Carrie |
| Up the stairs and through the tunnel and down the ramp for a quiz!! |
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