What to take to the parks when taking a Youth Group

[Sarah & Brian Waterbury]

Our first trip to NoJ with the Youth Group is coming up and we are trying to plan ahead. We are taking 2 adults (ourselves), and 5+ teens.

What would we need to take to MK with us?

What should we take to MK with us?

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

That will be during the rainy season. My husband and I usually run to Wal Mart before a trip and grab a few ponchos for 99 cents and take those to the parks. They are significantly cheaper than anything in the park and small enough to fit easily in a purse or even some pockets. Also, consider taking some sunscreen. I doubt the teens will think to bring some or will think that they don't need it, but that sun can be pretty brutal in the middle of the day. Of course you will likely want to bring a camera, as well. The photopass photographers are great and all, but they can't capture all of the fun candid moments that you will have.

 

[scdak]

I can't wait to see some of the answers I am thinking Xanax or Valium LOL but my answer as a nurse would be permission from the parents to sign for medical treatment in the event of an emergency and I am not sure of the rules in every state but I have been told that it should be notorized with a raised stamp on it to cross state lines, hopefully someone else will know that for sure.
I took 4 teenage girls on a cruise after high school graduation and found forms on the internet that each family completed, had notorized and sent with me, it included pertinent information on emergency contact, insurance information, allergies, pertinent health history etc and gave me permission to authorize emergency medical care ...............it was never needed for which I was grateful and I gave the forms back to the girls to give to their parents when we returned home.

 

[Sarah & Brian Waterbury]

Thank you JennaDeeDooDah! Already had thought of the ponchos, but in this early state of planning, hadn't thought about sunscreen. Adding to my list!

scdak, haha Valium. Definitely great advice on the permission slips. I already have a form like that signed for the students on an annual basis, covering any event that the students are under our care. I once chaperoned a Grad Nite trip (the last year they had one '11 i believe) and a student drank vodka brought in a water bottle by a student from another school. We were summoned along with the head chaperone to identify the student in Disney security before he was ushered to the hospital. The same night a student dislocated his knee while dancing in the DJ/dance area. So, I don't take the chance, even during in-church activities. Thank you!

 

[lauradis]

I can't wait to see some of the answers I am thinking Xanax or Valium LOL but my answer as a nurse would be permission from the parents to sign for medical treatment in the event of an emergency and I am not sure of the rules in every state but I have been told that it should be notorized with a raised stamp on it to cross state lines, hopefully someone else will know that for sure.
I took 4 teenage girls on a cruise after high school graduation and found forms on the internet that each family completed, had notorized and sent with me, it included pertinent information on emergency contact, insurance information, allergies, pertinent health history etc and gave me permission to authorize emergency medical care ...............it was never needed for which I was grateful and I gave the forms back to the girls to give to their parents when we returned home.

I was thinking lots and lots of vodka

Emergency medical papers.
Sunscreen
List of everyone's cell numbers
Small first aid
If you have girls coming period stuff
Safety pins
Ponchos

 

[Sarah & Brian Waterbury]

Thank you lauradis! Adding to the list!

 

[Southern Bell]

Some of what I mention has already been mentioned but this is what we take to the parks. First of all we always take a fanny pack, or backpack. Then we each take a bottle of water(some people like the packs of lemonade or whatever flavor to help the taste of theme parks water, for later refill). I found it still to be just as bad! LOL! I just buy something after my water is gone! We take a small snack for instance 1 of these(bag of peanuts, breakfast bar, crackers & peanut butter etc.,), small travel size of sunscreen, sting stick, band aids, tylenol (if allowed to for the kids, if not at least something for a headache for yourself), rain poncho(very expensive if you get caught in the parks without one, like I have), comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses if you wear them, of course your camera.

Even if we all have our phone, we have a meeting place if we get separated, in case the phone doesn't work or whatever.

 

[Sarah & Brian Waterbury]

Thank you, Southern Bell. Adding to the list.

 

[Southern Bell]

You very welcome!

You are allowed a small soft sided cooler. I've only taken this with grandchildren and their stroller, but...some take it with food, drinks, and rent a locker.

 

[cgattis]

You very welcome!

You are allowed a small soft sided cooler. I've only taken this with grandchildren and their stroller, but...some take it with food, drinks, and rent a locker.

This was going to be my answer. If you are going to be in the park through two meal times, it might be a good idea to bring food for one meal--like subs or something. When I've taken groups of kids places, inevitably some parents drastically underestimate how much money their child will need for food . You hate to see them spend ever penny on a hot dog and a coke, and then really wish for a tshirt or whatever, especially when it's something they may never do again.

 

[lauradis]

Make sure they understand they can get free water from any counter service location.

 

[Sarah & Brian Waterbury]

Thank you cgattis. I agree with bringing a meal (or even just good snack foods). My DH and I usually bring uncrustables with us so we can much while we're in line. It's really helpful for queues near food, like in the Land Pavilion where you are smelling food while waiting. I carry a bag big enough for food so we don't get stuck buying snack foods or large meals throughout the day.

Thank you lauradis. That was already on our list. That's something I take advantage of when we go. I bring a plastic bottle that I use the free water and Crystal Light packets with all day. Drives my DH crazy, but it saves money and you always have a drink. They can't tell you to throw that away like they will paper cups with soda.

 

[lauradis]

Just thought of something else if you are taking teen girls
Hair ties on a hot day can be a life saver.

 

[Sarah & Brian Waterbury]

lauradis, yes, definitely something I wouldn't have thought to bring for the group. Adding to the list.