Unbreakable Rules and Packing List
Respect the curfew! There is no acceptable reason for participants to be outside their hotel rooms after the curfew.
Stay with a buddy at all times! The buddy system is in effect for the entire trip. You may not leave the tour group individually at any time. All free time activities must be done in groups of two or more.
Be considerate of other hotel guests! Running in the hallways, jumping in elevators, SLAMMING DOORS, loud shouting, for example are all unacceptable behaviors. Hotel security and management will strictly enforce the local laws that guarantee the rights of their guests to a restful night’s sleep. Any theft of, or damage to hotel property will create a participant financial responsibility for restitution.
Timeliness matters! Group travel depends on individual participants being on time to all scheduled activities. We are able to move only as fast as our slowest member. Tardiness is more than an inconvenience to others. It may cause us to miss tightly scheduled activities.
Safety first! Do not open your hotel room door for anyone who is not accompanied by a Muirlands chaperone (including police, fire fighters or hotel management). Instead, call a tour chaperone immediately (see your tour id card). Listen carefully to safety instructions given by chaperones before free time activities. We are traveling in large urban areas and your buddy group must obey the geographic and time limitations set by chaperones.
Practice good manners! Restaurants, hotels, airlines and historic sites will praise our group’s behavior. Our tour group has an excellent reputation developed over twenty-six years of group travel to uphold. You are now part of this tradition. You are emissaries who represent San Diego, your community and your individual families for the duration of the trip.
Safety first! You must use electronic devices safely. When you are walking around the tour, phones and other electronic devices (earphones, ear buds, smart watches, etc.), should not be out. Electronic devices must be used appropriately on the plane, bus, and in the hotel rooms. Inappropriate and/or unsafe usage of electronic devices may result in their removal, as well as other consequences (see “Range of Consequences for Student Misbehavior”).
We are all in this together! You have a responsibility to support your roommates, friends and classmates. Help each other to follow the rules, remember the scheduled times and cope with the inevitable days of delays and frustrations. This will not be a perfect trip, but if we look out for each other, it will be a great trip.
“In loco parentis” does not mean you have crazy parents! It is a legal term from Latin for chaperones’ responsibility to act in place of their parents. Follow all chaperone instructions in the spirit of cooperation and respect. Chaperones make decisions for the welfare of the entire travel group, not just individuals. Over the past twenty-six years the chaperones have heard every exceptional circumstance, fantastic story and woeful lament. The rules and expectations apply to all students at all times. No exceptions.
Zero Tolerance: Any use of alcohol, tobacco, dangerous objects, weapons and or illegal drugs constitutes breaking the law. Any infraction in this area will automatically result in law enforcement action. It may also lead to you being sent home from the tour immediately at your parents’ expense.
Acceptable Use Policy: Electronic devices must be used appropriately. Inappropriate usage (viewing inappropriate sites, loud use of phone after curfew, uncourteous behavior, etc. is unacceptable and will result in removal of electronic device(s).
Exercise good judgment! There will not be an explicit written rule that prohibits every possible student behavior. Your parents and chaperones have confidence in your ability to demonstrate good character away from home and school. Remember, you were invited to participate on the trip in order to learn history at special places. Enjoy a great travel experience and make lasting friendships. If in doubt about a course of behavior, think for yourself, or ask a trusted adult.
Range of Consequences for Student Misbehavior
Chaperone counsels participants.
The Tour Director calls parents.
Participant(s) grounded to the hotel room for the night.
Not allowed to participate in activities on the trip
Local law enforcement consequences (has never happened yet!)
The participant is sent back to San Diego at parents’ expense
What to Bring
Clothing for wet and cold weather (pants, extra socks, gloves, scarves, hats, coat, rain gear)
Clothing for warm weather
Comfortable walking shoes (at least two pair)
Clothing appropriate for theater and weather: pants, collared shirt, and sweater, or pants, and sweater, or dress with tights
Sunscreen; lip balm
Personal hygiene items
Extra batteries, postage stamps, quarters, film
Snacks
Phone card or cell phone
Diversions (playing cards, cheap electronics, reading materials etc.)
Compact umbrella
Inexpensive, reliable watch (phone acceptable)
Portable charger for phones and electronics
Pen and pencil
Muirlands ID card or other photo ID (a must have!)
One piece of luggage to be checked with the airline (less than or equal to 50 lbs.)
One carry-on bag (backpack is best)
Cash in small denominations (total recommended not to exceed $200-250)
What NOT to Bring:
Expensive electronics (e.g. laptop computers, expensive camera)
Valuable jewelry
Clothing that violates Muirlands dress code (except hats and sunglasses)
Wallet chains
Credit cards (unless students know how to use them and be responsible with them)
Uncomfortable clothing or shoes (e.g. platform shoes, high heels)
Laser pointers
Expensive sunglasses
Prescription medications that need to be administered by the Chaperone
Annoying and disruptive items (e.g. smoke bombs, stink bombs, finger boards, squirt guns, super balls)
Potentially dangerous items (e.g. lighters, knives, fake guns, darts)
Anything that will delay us in security checks
Expensive makeup or personal items
Anything you cannot afford to lose!