Safety guidelines for Group Leaders
Throughout the years, we’ve found that teachers know best when it comes to caring for their students. That’s why Group Leaders work closely with their Tour Director as the point person for each traveler’s safety and conduct.
Prior to tour, the Group Leader is responsible for:
Setting expectations for good behavior
It’s a Group Leader’s responsibility to maintain appropriate traveler conduct while on tour. Before departure, they set clear expectations for travelers’ behavior (curfew, rules regarding drinking, etc.). They also take disciplinary action should there be any infractions of these rules.
Meeting with chaperones and other Group Leaders
Prior to tour, Group Leaders should meet with their chaperones from the group to discuss their roles and responsibilities. On arrival day, they will meet with the other Group Leaders on tour to discuss their objectives for the trip, as well as rules and regulations. Discussing plans together and addressing any questions or concerns daily promotes cohesion within the larger group.
Group Leaders need to be aware of their travelers’ medications and health concerns. They should collect this information before tour using the Traveler Health & Medical Profile form.
On tour, the Group Leader is responsible for:
Supervision of the group at all timesThe Group Leader (or a designated responsible adult) must accompany the group at all times, including during meals, sightseeing excursions, and optional excursions on tour.
Checking in with travelers with medical and behavioral health needs We recommend Group Leaders periodically check in with travelers that have medical and behavioral health needs, making sure they’re comfortable in taking any medications according to schedule, and to determine if they may need any extra support.
Assisting with room assignments
The Tour Director may need the Group Leader’s help upon arrival at each hotel as traveler rooming configurations may change from one hotel to the next.
Checking attendance and “counting heads”
Group Leaders will ensure that all travelers are accounted for. This might include having travelers count off or divide into smaller buddy groups.
Staying behind in an emergency
In the case of illness, accident, lost passport, or anything that causes a traveler to remain behind, the Group Leader must stay with this traveler. They also must ensure that the rest of the group is accompanied by a responsible adult. If there are no other adults, the entire group will stay behind.