Kleenex: preserving the art of the field trip

School field trips offer, in my opinion, unmatched experiences -- to learn and do and see with your own eyes (outside the confines of a classroom) is incredibly valuable to the ever-expanding mind of a child. While I don't have many moments to kick back and wax nostalgic on my childhood, I can remember a few of my favorite school field trips as if they were yesterday.

Experiencing history 1st hand at Charlestowne Landing
Photo credit by DiscoverSouthCarolina.com

Growing up in historic Charleston, South Carolina, there was literally a treasure trove of field trip opportunities ripe for the pickin'. Every nook and cranny of downtown Charleston has a story to tell from the past, not to mention the area plantations and Civil War landmarks like Ft. Sumter. I always loved visiting Charlestowne Landing, in particular the living history settlement at Albemarle Point.  I remember spending a day there once with my class. We dressed up like colonists, cooked lunch over a fire and learned about what life was like back in the day... as in the 1600s.

Here in NYC, the possibilities for learning outside the classroom are, in a word, endless. For example, check out just a few of the programs going on now and this fall at the fabulous American Museum of Natural History:

Mini explorers at the Museum of Natural History
Photo credit: amnh.org

Beyond Earth: The Future of Space Exploration Beyond Earth launches visitors into the exciting future of space exploration as it boldly speculates on humanity’s next steps “out there” in our solar system and beyond. The exhibition features a full-size recreation of a lunar habitat, a model of an elevator reaching up into space, a walk-through diorama of the Martian surface, and challenging computer interactive exhibits. 

Mystery at the Museum: An Accomplice Experience
From the creators of Accomplice, theatrical experiences set on the streets of New York City, Hollywood, and London, comes an exciting new way to explore the American Museum of Natural History. Part game, part theater, and part walking tour, Mystery at the Museum is an immersive and unique adventure through the Museum’s halls. Appropriate for ages 10 and up.

Adventures in Science: Twinkling Stars: Mythic Creatures in the Skies
The Adventures in Science program introduces children to a wide variety of scientific disciplines through thought-provoking, hands-on investigations and interactive tours of Museum exhibits. Three-day workshops and week-long day camps explore topics such as astrophysics, human evolution, robot design, frogs and extreme mammals. 

With my adoration for class field trips out in the open, I'm so excited to spread the word about a new initiative from Kleenex.  By "liking" their official Facebook page, you can vote on your local accredited school (public, private, religious - doesn't matter). If they are among the top 100 schools chosen, they'll win $5,000 to spend toward class field trips for the 2011-2012 school year.  Doing the quick math, that's a $500,000 donation by Kleenex -- nice!!

Today, as a matter of fact, Nanny A and Toddler S are on a field trip to the Bronx Zoo.  It's never too early to start, right?! 

Check out Kleenex's field trip initative when you have a moment!

Disclosure: The opportunity to write about this Kleenex promotion was brought to me by the lovely ladies at The Motherhood. I am being compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions expressed are, as always, my very own.