Chaperoning 101

By Catherine Digioia-laird, New jersey fccla alumni

Chaperoning 101:
How to transition from member to chaperone!

I remember my first national meeting as an alumna of FCCLA. I was of course excited to be attending another national meeting, but soon after arriving at the airport, I was not feeling as comfortable as I had hoped. I was stuck between wanting to be a part of the kids and having responsibilities as a chaperone. Who was I to tell students barely younger than me where to go and what time to be there? It took me a few trips to realize that not only was I qualified, but as an alumna of FCCLA, I would make a great chaperone. As a chaperone for eight years and a teacher for four, here are my tips to help you quickly transition into a great chaperone for students!

1. Have a great time, but remember that your primary responsibility is to the students. Enjoy the meetings, speakers and theme parks, but the students needs should come before yours. As a leader, you are guiding the way for their great experience in this organization.

2. Safety is key! When it comes to the safety of children, nothing else is more important. Discuss emergency exits and designate a place to meet outside of the hotel in case of a drill or urgent situation. Have them travel in groups of three or more to ensure that no one gets left behind. When at a public place, select a location and a time to check in and meet to leave. Always make sure that at least one chaperone/adviser in your group is carrying the medical forms for the students in case of injury. Stay alert to the surroundings to be prepared for dangerous situations.

3. When students understand your expectations, there is a better chance they will abide by your standards. What you think is common courtesy, may not be to all. If you lay down clear expectations and consequences you will have a much better chance of the students following them. For example, my biggest rule tends to be, “You must let me know where you are going, so that I know where you are at all times.”

4. Be tough, consistent and fair. This can be the hardest of them all! If a student breaks a rule, I find that having a serious discussion with them may do the trick. However, if you come across a really challenging situation, the student may no longer be given the freedom to attend activities by him or herself without an adviser or chaperone. Treat all students equally and give them the opportunity to explain and apologize if necessary.

5. Show that you trust them by giving them freedom when possible. Chances are the students you bring along are going to be great kids! Give them the opportunity to show you that by allowing them freedom to do things without an adult present. Appropriate activities without a chaperone present could be the pool, lunch or dinner, attending workshops, etc. After arriving at a theme park or museum, allow students to explore in chaperone-free groups. Once they show me that they are responsible, punctual and respectful, I know I can trust them.

6. Set a good example. Students watch everything that you do. Demonstrate your maturity and leadership in the way you speak, dress and behave.

7. Support the leader in charge. It is tough to be in charge of students and chaperones. If you don’t agree with a decision, voice your concerns privately. It is important for the students to see a united front! This includes following conference rules.
 

8. Make friends with the adults. Whether it is because you know all of the students or you share the same love of roller coasters, try your hardest to occasionally spend some time with the adults in the group. They asked you along, so chances are they want you around! The students need to see you as an authority figure and also need some kid time!

9. Invest in their experience. Alumni make the best chaperones because they care and are knowledgeable about FCCLA. Attend the sessions and discuss them with the students, help them prepare for their STAR events, and get to know the great people they are. You have the unique opportunity to directly impact their experience at the meeting.

10. Bring your Chaperone Survival Kit. Every good chaperone will have a cell phone to take down the groups phone numbers (great for changes in plans), a flashlight, Band-aides, a sewing kit (to repair any business attire gone awry), a whip and chair (just kidding), and a positive attitude. Students will come to you for these things. Trust me!

Chaperoning for local, state and national meetings is one of the best and most important ways to give back to FCCLA. By doing so, you will provide opportunities for students to grow and learn in this amazing organization. What to chaperone? Contact your former chapter adviser today!