This is a brief commentary on my experience with the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades of Holy Redeemer Christian Academy field trip to Florida; as the parental chaperone.

It was marvelous! The teachers did a wonderful job putting this field trip together. They left nothing out and no idle time for the young minds. I really believe the children appreciated their time away from Milwaukee.

Some of the children had never rode on an airplane, my son being one of them. It was ’screaming’ in the way up and on the way down! ) So funny.

The teachers had booked vacation homes for us; 4 bedrooms each, full kitchen, living and dining rooms two full baths, and an enclosed swimming pool at each house. Each morning, in our house, we had devotion, and everyday on the bus we had devotion together.

On Wednesday morning we went to a Christian academy that a former member of our church now teaches at. Let me say, that I was blown away by how the children learn. The students that exceling by leaps and bounds don’t watch any t.v. or limit their watching and don’t care; shoot they aren’t missing anything! It was wonderful! I was with the 4th graders; they stood up to give their answers, they were respectful as kids can be to each other. Gave me something to share with administration when I go back (oh wait, this is the parental part) Gives me something to think about doing differently with my boys since they are still in school.

In the afternoon, we took the kids to downtown disney, they had a great time there, spending money! My son, as well as a few other children, had a characture(sp) done. They spent time at the lego and disney store. We ate dinner at planet Hollywood and that was VERY EXCITING. To see the old movies, new movies, and videos that were kid friendly was awesome! The displays of movie characters was great, especially for us adults trying to figure out what was what.

On thursday, we went to disney world; magic kingdom. I can’t explain how elated I was that my son got to go, and how appreciative all the children were. Both parades were exciting. The rides (let me say here, I don’t ride rides but……..) were kid friendly and I rode on a few. Didn’t have a heart attack, didn’t die! ) I almost lost my group at the night parade and I was about to lose it then….but God is good and was with us the entire time.

On Friday, our last day, we went to the Holy Land Experience. It was great! I can’t even express into words how it was. I saw the crucifixtion remake and I………well words can’t explain. The people there would pray for you, talk with you and ministered to the children intensely! We thought that children woudn’t appreciate the holy land experience as the adults would..but when we got to the airport, the older boys were having a conversation about endtimes and salvation that was captivating. It showed that they their minds were on what will happen next for them and what they have to do to prepare for it. The entire trip was great. Even though kids will be kids, I will do it all over again.

I am sharing this here because it takes a lot to plan a fun ‘filled’ vacation for 4-6th graders!  These women are good at what they do as teachers and unpaid travel professionals.