Top Tips for First Time ACIS Group Leaders

Thinking about planning your first-ever ACIS tour? We’re here to help you every step of the way.

That support includes a new ebook: Tips for First Time Group Leaders. We’ve gathered advice from longtime ACIS Program Consultants and Group Leaders on a range of topics from selecting an itinerary to communicating with your Tour Manager, all to make the process as smooth as possible.

Here are a few preview tips!

1. Plan early and keep kids engaged throughout the recruitment process.

“Start mentioning your trip in class on day one (I always do a presentation of what I did this summer, including any trips I’ve done, and also hang pictures of past trips in my room.) I also specifically create lessons that focus on something that we would learn about on the next tour, if I can tie it into my curriculum.” – ACIS Group Leader Beth M.

2. DO: Encourage (or better yet mandate) students pack in a carry on. You lower the risk of lost luggage and make ground transportation smoother.

3. Practice walking! It may sound silly, but practicing walking for long stretches is one of the best ways to get ready for the tour.

“Set up a travel club or group meetings to keep them excited and prepare them for what’s to come. And at the end of each session, WALK together so that they get used to the amount of walking they’ll find on tour.”- ACIS Program Consultant Tom

4. DON’T: Plan every spare moment of the trip. Leave room for the unexpected detours, which more often than not turn out to be the highlights.