Trip management

The information meeting, in addition to providing details about the trip, should have three objectives: establishing credibility, addressing expectations, and communicating. Our research shows that the first meeting is an important opportunity to tell the students a bit about who you are. Show them that you’re a credible guide. Model organization, good communication, and curiosity. At this time, you need to be crystal clear about the objectives of the trip. Let the students know what they should expect and what you expect. Remind them that this is a group excursion and that while they will have time to pursue individual interests, there will also be times when they’ll have to bend to the collective will. Finally, this is a chance for you to establish clear lines of communication. Prior to the meeting, you should  have a Facebook page (or an equivalent) set up to allow students to reread key information, post questions for you, and communicate with one another. Setting up a channel for communication will be the first step in creating a community.