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, cell phone usage, 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 (if applicable) 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.

Being familiar with medical histories
Group Leaders need to be aware of their travelers’ medications and health concerns. They should collect this information before tour using the Traveler Health and Medical Profile form.

Assigning roommates
Prior to tour, Group Leaders are responsible for assigning roommates. Learn more about rooming here or talk to your Tour Consultant for more information.

On tour, the Group Leader is responsible for:

Supervision of the group at all times
The Group Leader 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.

Checking attendance
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, or anything that causes a traveler to remain behind, the Group Leader must stay with the group. A chaperone or responsible adult will remain with the affected traveler.