Safety is the highest priority for everyone, not just teachers and parents, but also for tour operators, hotels, motorcoach companies and and other vendors. In general, teachers can break down safety into four areas: Student eligibility, choosing chaperons, vendors and on-trip safety.

Safety and student eligibility is pretty straight forward. If a student behaves in a way that indicates he/she may be a danger to himself/herself or others, he/she should not be allowed to go on the trip. See the article on removing a student from a trip for more information.

Chaperones. Unfortunately we live in a society where we need to do background checks on potential chaperones. This has become fairly standard and inexpensive. If an adult has contact with students, many school systems and youth programs now require a background check. The second part of safety as it relates to chaperones is adequate chaperone training. All chaperons should participate in safety training. Adults responsible for students need to know their roles, the trip rules and key issues to be watchful of.

Vendors. You need to do your homework with vendors. The vendors that are generally the most important as it relates to safety are motorcoach providers and hotels/accommodations. Whether you are working through a tour operator or booking vendors directly, you need to ask about their safety records. Motorcoach carriers in theU.S. and in many other countries need to be registered in good standing with the government. In theU.S., motorcoach carriers register with the U.S. Department of Transportation. For specific online safety data on a specific motorcoach company, check it out on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website  (http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/sites/company-safety.htm).

With hotels you or your tour operator can ask them about any specific problems in the previous three to six months. Ask them to tell you about any thefts or assaults. If you are concerned at all about a hotel self-reporting, you would be surprised what you can find out from local police departments.  Many have crime alerts that you can access online or with a simple phone call. Another good source of information is Trip Advisor reviews. As with any review site, these should be taken with a grain of salt. However, if there is a prolonged history of issues, it should be apparent there.

Other vendors that are especially important to check out for safety records include adventure activities in foreign countries and background checks on long-term home stays.

On-trip safety. Some of the more important issues that effect on-trip safety include: students getting separated from the trip, injuries while standing up in a moving motorcoach, students misusing drugs and alcohol, not dealing with illnesses effectively, drownings and thefts in hotels. The good news is that the number of times that these things happen is very, very rare, but one incident is one too many if it’s your group. In future editions of “Ask the Travel Professor” we will address some of these issues. For now just know that these are issues to be aware of and always, always, always require students to travel with a partner or in groups at all times. Younger students, of course, should always travel with their chaperones.

Participation in any school activity is contingent on students following a written code of conduct and a set of rules. Traveling on a school trip is no different. It needs a code of conduct and rules as well. The key is to define in writing the expected code of conduct and the trip-related rules. This is best done in the registration materials and should be signed by the student and their parents. (I always suggest both parents when possible.) Normally the code of conduct/trip rules starts with a statement that all school rules apply. As participation goes in any school activity, the basis of the rules is to ensure that the student will not behave in such a way that may hurt himself/herself or others. If a student can’t follow directions in school prior to the trip, that should jeopardize the ability to go on the trip. Some schools treat going on the trip in the same way they treat eligibility to participate in after-school activities–a minimum grade requirement and behavior component. For example, if the student is not doing his or her schoolwork and failing classes or caught using illegal drugs, he or she is usually out!

The second part of this issue is to make sure that all parties (parents and students) know what happens to their deposit. Normally the written rules say they will forfeit their deposit if they are removed from the trip. This is similar to what normally happens if there is a sports pay-to-play fee. The deposit is often set at a level to cover the “fixed” cost of the trip. The “variable” cost of participation is things like meals, refundable tickets and other expenses that are not incurred if someone drops out. The “fixed” cost is the expense that will be incurred even if someone drops out. “Fixed” expenses are things like a student’s share of the motorcoach cost or a non- refundable ticket. The bottom line is that students should know that going on a trip is a privilege, not a right, and that they need to behave appropriately for their own safety and for the safety of others.

Welcome to the friendly City of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Known as “The City of Hospitality,” this bustling suburban community is just 17 miles west of downtown Chicago, 25 minutes from both Chicago’s O’Hare International and Midway airports, and convenient to four major expressways that connect the city to Northern Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.

Oakbrook Terrace is home to a number of corporate headquarters such as Red Box and the largest automobile trade association in the U.S. The 31-story Oakbrook Terrace Tower is the tallest office building in Illinois outside of Chicago and truly a suburban landmark.

Tour operators find the Oakbrook Terrace an ideal base of operations, too. They prize its central location, affordable accommodations, and wealth of dining and shopping possibilities.

Lodging

Oakbrook Terrace is home to seven outstanding hotels, ranging from comfortably affordable to purely luxurious. Each hotel offers complimentary, pre-arranged shuttle service within a five-mile radius. Choose from the following:

• Comfort Suites Oakbrook Terrace, 103 rooms. Amenities include a free hot breakfast, fitness center and indoor pool with sauna, plus in-room microwave and refrigerator. (630-691-1500, csobtc.com)
• Courtyard by Marriott Oakbrook Terrace, 147 rooms. Sporting a newly remodeled lobby, the hotel offers a fitness center, indoor pool and The Bistro, open for breakfast and dinner. (630-691-1500, marriott.com/chiot)
• Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook, 211 rooms. Adjacent to Drury Lane Theatre and Conference Center, the hotel offers two-room suites featuring a large living room with sofa bed and a working desk and a wet bar with refrigerator and microwave oven. Amenities include an indoor pool and fitness center. The Atrium Restaurant is open for breakfast daily, The Terrace for lunch and dinner. (630-941-0100, oakbrookterracesuites.hilton.com)
• Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/Oak Brook, 128 rooms. Amenities include an indoor pool and fitness center. Each room has a refrigerator and microwave. The Great American Grill is open for breakfast and dinner. Located adjacent to Drury Lane Theatre and Conference Center. (630-941-1177, chicagooakbrookterrace.hgi.com)
• Holiday Inn Chicago Oak Brook, 232 rooms. Guests enjoy the use of a fitness center and indoor pool. New on-site restaurant, Bar Louie Bar and Grill, offers American favorites. (630-833-3600, holiday-inn.com/chi-oakbrook)
• La Quinta Inn Chicago/Oakbrook Terrace, 150 rooms. Among the amenities: free hot breakfast, fitness center, local shuttle and outdoor pool. (630-495-4600, lq.com)
• Staybridge Suites Chicago/Oakbrook Terrace, 112 suites. Each studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suite has a fully-equipped kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, stove and refrigerator. Guests enjoy a seasonal outdoor whirlpool spa and free hot breakfast. (630-953-9393, staybridge.com/chicagoiloak)

Attractions

Oakbrook Terrace is home to Drury Lane Theatre, renowned for its Broadway-style musicals, concerts and other productions since 1984. Shows regularly win rave reviews from critics and earn honors, including the Chicago theater community’s Jeff Awards. Executive producer Kyle DeSantis continues the legacy of his grandfather, Anthony DeSantis, who started the Drury Lane theater empire in Chicago more than 60 years ago.

Drury Lane Theatre

During the 2012-2013 season, the 971-seat, proscenium-style theater, resplendent with red-plush seats and magnificent chandeliers, will feature shows like Singin’ in the Rain, Sunset Boulevard, Xanadu and Hairspray. Upcoming concerts include the Glenn Miller Orchestra (May 21-22) and Loretta Lynn (June 22-24). Discounted rates for matinee and evening performances are available for groups of 20 or more.

Dinner-theater packages include a meal in Drury Lane’s elegant restaurant, The Dining Room. Group meals for dinner feature a choice of two entrees from a list that includes stuffed chicken breast, baked salmon and roast pork. At additional cost, groups can add extras like unlimited wine or a shrimp cocktail.

With its central location, Oakbrook Terrace is within easy access of many other cultural attractions in west suburban Chicago. In nearby Wheaton, for example, is the magnificent estate of the late Col. Robert R. McCormick, editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Groups can tour the mansion, gardens and First Division Military Museum. The Billy Graham Center Museum, on the campus of Wheaton College, is a showcase of Christian evangelism and revivalism in America.

Morton Arboretum in Lisle is a 1,700-acre oasis with trees, shrubs and plants displayed in woodlands, wetlands, gardens and a restored native prairie. Guided tours in open-air trams are available.

Attractions in nearby Oak Park include the Ernest Hemingway birthplace and museum and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. Also within easy driving distance of Oakbrook Terrace is Brookfield Zoo, one of America’s premier zoos.

Mayslake Peabody Estate, on the Mayslake Forest Preserve in Oak Brook, encompasses the historic Peabody Mansion and Portiuncula Chapel, a replica of the Portiuncula Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy. Nearby is historic Graue Mill, a water-powered, 19th century grist mill in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve.

Shopping

Oakbrook Center

Oakbrook Terrace is minutes from Oakbrook Center, a beautifully landscaped outdoor mall on two levels. Department stores include Macy’s, Sears, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Lord & Taylor. For women’s apparel, check out Ann Taylor, Talbots, White House Black Market, Coldwater Creek, Chico’s, H&M and J. Jill, to name just a few. Other specialty retailers include Coach, Louis Vuitton, Disney Store, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Paradise Pen Company, Barnes & Noble and Godiva Chocolatier. Tiffany & Co. and Swarovski head the list of fine jewelry purveyors.

Several other shopping areas are within a short drive. REI, the outdoor gear superstore, caters to outdoor enthusiasts, from campers to skiers. Just down the road, The Shops at Oak Brook Place features stores like Cost Plus World Market and Nordstrom Rack. A bit farther west is The Oakbrook Promenade, a collection of upscale shops and restaurants in a European village setting.

Yorktown Center in Lombard, a major regional shopping hub, includes an enclosed mall, plus the al fresco Shops on Butterfield at Yorktown and The Plaza Shops at Yorktown. Entertainment choices at Yorktown include a multiplex cinema and bowling action at upscale Lucky Strike Lanes.

Dining

Cuisine choices are virtually limitless with over 40 restaurants located in Oakbrook Terrace, including the restaurant owned by legendary Chicago Bears coach, Ditka’s. Some other popular spots include Anyway’s Chicago Restaurant & Pub, Costa’s Greek Restaurant & Bar, Giordano’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, Gulliver’s, Redstone Grill and Volare Ristorante Italiano.

The Drury Lane Theatre & Conference Center can accommodate banquets of up to 2,500.

With its wealth of hotel, dining, shopping and entertainment options—not to mention a convenient location—the Oakbrook Terrace area is tailor-made for group tours. And it’s all just a short hop from one of the world’s great cities.

For more information, contact:

The first thing to remember is that with today’s technology, communications is almost instantaneous. The first information about an emergency, however, is not always accurate (some would say most of the time it is inaccurate). You should expect that there is misinformation that has been disseminated. If this is students sharing what they know about fellow students breaking a rule, it is a whole different story than parents learning about a motorcoach crash from cryptic text messages. The key is to get accurate information out as soon as possible even if the information is only a recognition of the emergency, that situation is being addressed, and that you will provide additional information as soon as possible.

Share what you know with those who need to know and follow procedures that were created in anticipation of the emergency. There are certain issues that need to be anticipated prior to the trip: a student may get sick, an accident may happen, rules are not followed, something gets stolen by a pickpocket or someone gets lost. Make a short list of these things prior to the trip and list what you should do and who needs to be contacted. This doesn’t have to be a 20-page crisis management plan, just 5 or 10 what ifs and a few bullet points. In most cases you will find that the key is to communicate with people. These include: the school administrator, parents, chaperones, trip participants, the tour operator and other vendors.

If you have taken my advice, you will have an extra adult on the trip to handle medical emergencies. This may to the person who handles the situation while the group leader or someone else handles communication issues. This so-called “two deep” leadership is key. Someone not handling the situation needs to be taking responsibility for communications. Who you call first and in what order will depend on the emergency. If it is a sick student, the first call may be to his/her parents. If it’s a student breaking a trip rule, the first call may be to the school administrator, who will end up dealing with the student and his/her family back at school. Don’t forget to tell the other trip leaders what is going on and in most situations keep all students on the trip informed as well.

Photos above in order of appearance: ZARKANA, New York City; “O”, Las Vegas; The Beatles LOVE, Las Vegas

Assisting guests in creating experiences as unique and memorable as the shows themselves, Cirque du Soleil has become a destination for individuals and groups alike. With as few as 12 attendees, Cirque du Soleil can offer guests the choice between any of the company’s one-of-a-kind productions in Las Vegas.

The Beatles™ LOVE™ by Cirque du Soleil® at The Mirage

With LOVE, Cirque du Soleil celebrates the musical legacy of The Beatles through enhanced versions of their timeless, original recordings. The exuberance of The Beatles is channeled through the youthful, urban energy of a cast of 60 international artists. With panoramic sound and visuals, audiences experience The Beatles as never before.

“O”™ at Bellagio

Cirque du Soleil® weaves an aquatic tapestry of artistry, surrealism and theatrical romance in the timeless production, “O.” Inspired by the concept of infinity and the elegance of water’s pure form, “O” pays tribute to the beauty of the theatre – from the simplest street performance to the most lavish of operas – where anything is possible and where the drama of life plays itself out before your very eyes. World-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers, divers and characters perform in, on, and above water to create a breathtaking experience.

Mystère™ at Treasure Island

Mystère is classic Cirque du Soleil®, combining the powerful athleticism, high-energy acrobatic and inspiring imagery that has become the company’s hallmark. Deemed a theatrical “flower in the desert,” Mystère thrills generations of audiences with its exhilarating blend of whimsy, drama and the unimaginable brought to life on stage. Presented exclusively at Treasure Island, Mystère provides the ultimate discovery that life itself is a mystery.

Zumanity™, the Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil™ at New York-New York

Zumanity, the Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil, is a seductive twist on reality, making the provocative playful and the forbidden electrifying! Leave all inhibitions at the door and let loose as this adult-themed production takes you on a sexy thrill ride full of sensational acrobatics and naughty fun. Zumanity was created for adults 18 and over.

KÀ™ at MGM Grand

You can see it. You can experience it. But, you won’t believe it!

KÀ, the unprecedented, gravity-defying production by Cirque du Soleil® takes adventure to an all new level. Be awed by a dynamic theatrical landscape, as an entire empire appears on KÀ’s colossal stage and a captivating display of aerial acrobatics envelopes the audience.

CRISS ANGEL Believe at Luxor Las Vegas

Criss Angel, in partnership with Cirque du Soleil, presents CRISS ANGEL Believe, an illusion spectacular based at Luxor Hotel & Casino. Recently awarded Magician of the Century, Criss Angel brings his arsenal of magic feats that truly delve deep into the minds of audience members and leave guests in a state of bewilderment, awe and fascination. The 90-minute production includes some of the most amazing illusions ever-presented on stage from feats that Harry Houdini dared decades ago, to the newest of illusions straight from the creation of Criss Angel – the most spectacular illusions from the Magician of the Century!

Viva ELVIS™ at ARIA Resort & Casino™

Viva ELVIS, a harmonious fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music, is a tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley. Nostalgia, modernity and raw emotion provide the backdrop for his immortal voice and the exhilaration and beauty of his music.

Significant moments in his life – intimate, playful and grandiose – blend with the timeless songs that remain as relevant today as when they first hit the top of the charts. Viva ELVIS focuses on the essential humanity of the one superstar whose name will forever be linked with the history of Las Vegas and the entire world of entertainment: Elvis Presley.

In addition to offering a group rate, Cirque du Soleil will work to make each and every show an extraordinary event for your group.

Some of the benefits of bringing your group to Cirque du Soleil include:

• Priority access to tickets when you book in advance
• Personalized service with a sales account executive
• Ability to assist in completing your evening with pre or post show dinners or receptions at the finest Las Vegas restaurants
• Cirque du Soleil branded souvenirs, such as show programs or music CDs from the shows

Performing in Los Angeles

Performing in Orlando

Performing in New York

Zarkana from Cirque du Soleil returns to Radio City Music Hall® to thrill audiences once again! Don’t miss the breathtaking acrobatics of this grand spectacle, seen by over 1.5 million people around the world! Plunge into a fantastically twisted world where 71 international artists perform highly-acrobatic feats, heightened by original live music. Zarkana transforms the most majestic stage in the world into a world of unreality as only Cirque du Soleil could imagine. The fantastically twisted world of Zarkana must leave New York on September 2nd, so don’t miss your last chance to see it!

Contact Information

To book your reservations for Las Vegas, Los Angeles or Orlando today call 877-826-0255, use the Contact Form below or email us at:

Lasvegas.sales@cirquedusoleil.com
Orlando.sales@cirquedusoleil.com
LA.sales@cirquedusoleil.com

Reservations for Zarkana in New York City

212-790-9540
NY.sales@cirquedusoleil.com

Carved into a granite peak in the Black Hills of Western South Dakota, it’s been called the “Shrine of Democracy” ever since the phrase was coined during the 1930 dedication of George Washington’s head. His 60-foot-high visage was followed by the chiseled faces of three other U.S. presidents—Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt—in a herculean, 14-year project undertaken by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and a team of 400 workers.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, so much a part of our national identity, is almost a cliché. But even the most jaded come away in awe of the carving’s sheer size, its artistic splendor and the lofty ideals it embodies. Most inspiring is the patriotic pageantry on summer nights in the amphitheater, when a ranger talk and stirring movie are followed by the playing of the National Anthem and floodlighting of the faces, stark white against the starry Dakota sky. Touched emotionally, many leave with a tear in their eye or a lump in their throat. Even as you depart, you’ll find yourself glancing back for one final look.

Mount Rushmore may be the face of South Dakota tourism and a must-see on any group itinerary, but hidden surprises abound within the state’s borders—and they’re not all in the popular Black Hills region. The astounding collection of rare instruments at a museum in Vermillion is the envy of music institutions worldwide. A tour of a Hutterite colony will remind you of Amish enclaves to the east. Admire the works of one of America’s favorite artists at his hometown gallery. Or how about sampling fruits of the vine at a South Dakota winery?

South Dakota, our 16th largest state, stretches 380 miles from east to west, from the tabletop flatness of the eastern farmlands to the forested hills and ranch country of the west. Dividing the state approximately in half is the mighty Missouri River, prized by outdoors-minded vacationers for its huge reservoirs, known as South Dakota’s Great Lakes.

In the eyes of many travelers and tour planners, South Dakota tourism is heavily weighted toward the Black Hills and Badlands National Park in the west. Besides the plethora of natural and manmade attractions, the region’s compactness is another plus. Most points of interest are within two hours of each other.

Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup

The fifth granite face in the Black Hills appears in the form of the famous Lakota leader Crazy Horse. The Crazy Horse Memorial, a work in progress since 1948, is the world’s largest mountain carving and eventually will show the fierce warrior astride a horse; a visitor complex features the Indian Museum of North America. At Custer State Park, a nearby crowd-pleaser, Jeep safaris venture into the backcountry for closeup looks at one of the nation’s largest publicly- owned buffalo herds.

In the southern Black Hills, near Hot Springs, groups can tour The Mammoth Site, a working paleontological site and museum, and mingle with wild mustangs at Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary. Not far away is Wind Cave National Park, which offers tours of the world’s fourth-longest cave system.

Rapid City (pop. 59,610), the state’s second largest city, makes a good base camp for touring the Black Hills and is 45 minutes from Mount Rushmore. Besides offering more than 4,000 guest rooms, Rapid City has a number of group-friendly attractions itself. The Journey Museum spotlights the natural history and culture of the Black Hills, with excellent exhibits on pioneer life, Sioux arts and crafts, and even a planetarium program in the theater. At a drive-through park called Bear Country U.S.A., groups can see a variety of wildlife, including elk, bison, wolves and black bears. Reptile Gardens is reputedly the world’s largest reptile repository.

Rapid City is 90 minutes away from Badlands National Park. Both barren and beautiful, the park presents a stark, eerie moonscape of deep gorges, jagged spires and bands of colorful rocks. Visitors may see buffalo, mule deer, pronghorn and prairie dogs.

The old Black Hills mining town of Deadwood, an hour north of Mount Rushmore, has emerged as a group tourism hotspot since small-stakes gaming became legal there in 1989. In the past two decades, more than $220 million has been invested in this quaint Victorian town tucked in a gold-filled gulch, making Deadwood one of the largest historic preservation projects in the nation. Old storefronts and warehouses are now casinos, restaurants and hotels.

Visitors to Deadwood, once known as the wildest and woolliest town in the West, discover brick-paved streets, intriguing museums and Main Street shootouts, not to mention parades, rodeos and other special events. Tourists can take underground tours at Broken Boot Gold Mine and visit the graves of Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok at Mount Moriah Cemetery (Boot Hill).

The town’s newest pride and joy is Deadwood Mountain Grand, a casino, restaurant and concert hall that opened this past summer in a converted slime plant that processed gold ore. Musical acts have included Charlie Daniels and the Oak Ridge Boys.

EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA

Redlin Art Center

Tourist spots in Eastern South Dakota may not be as nationally famous, but there are treasures waiting to be discovered. In De Smet, the “Little Town on the Prairie,” groups can visit homes that inspired author Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved “Little House” series. The Ingalls Homestead offers covered wagon rides and hands-on pioneering activities.

Watertown (pop. 20,237) is home to another famous South Dakotan, Terry Redlin, one of the most widely collected painters of wildlife and Americana. The imposing Redlin Art Center, a colonialstyle, four-story brick building supported by 24 granite columns, offers a video presentation and displays more than 150 of his original oil paintings.

The Aberdeen CVB can arrange tours of a Hutterite colony, offering groups a chance to meet the people of a self-sustaining farm community that makes its own clothing, crafts its own furniture and generates its own electricity. Visitors can witness the Hutterites’ farming operations, see their schoolhouses and watch them sew perfectly pleated skirts.

In the southeast, Sioux Falls, near the border with Minnesota and Iowa, is South Dakota’s largest city (pop. 156,500). Located on the Big Sioux River at the junction of I-90 and I-29, it’s the commercial hub for the whole region. Falls Park, near the downtown district, has a triple waterfall, five-story viewing tower and a summer sound and light show that presents the cultural heritage of Sioux Falls. Other attractions include Sertoma Butterfly House and Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History.

Corn Palace

Mitchell, an hour east of Sioux Falls on I-90, boasts one of America’s true folk art icons—the Corn Palace. Topped with whimsical onion domes and minarets, the Moorish-style building pays homage to South Dakota’s agricultural heritage and is decorated every year with interior and exterior murals made from corn, grasses and grains. Tours of the fanciful 1892 landmark, originally built for farmers to showcase the fruits of their harvest, are available.

In the state’s southeastern corner, on the campus of the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, is the National Music Museum, the premier institution of its kind. The global collection of some 15,000 musical instruments spans five centuries and represents virtually every culture and historical period. Rare items range from zithers and harpsichords to Stradivari violins and guitars.

South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center

Pierre, the capital of South Dakota, lies smack dab in the middle of the state. Prime options for groups in this delightful city of 14,000 include a Capital City Queen cruise that visits Missouri River sites associated with Lewis & Clark. Tours of the powerhouse at Oahe Dam show how the water in Lake Oahe is harnessed to generate electricity. ChrisaMari Vineyards invites groups to tour and taste. Other attractions in Pierre (pronounced “peer”) include the South Dakota State Capitol and South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center.

Aside from the awesome sights in this all-American state, a solid tourism infrastructure, along with a state tourism department providing an array of group services, makes South Dakota a tour planner’s dream. The state’s hefty “Group Tour Planning Guide” is a gold mine of information, offering a rich sampling of the potential routes and themes that can be mixed and matched to build the perfect tour in this land of Great Faces and Great Places.

A FEW MUST-SEE LOCATIONS

• CEDAR PASS LODGE/BADLANDS INN
• CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL
• CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA
• AKTA LAKOTA SIOUX MUSEUM
• CEDAR SHORE RESORT
• CUSTER STATE PARK RESORT

Near Badlands National Park Visitors Center. Delicious meals, comfortable lodging plus unique gift shop with Native American crafts and souvenirs. Coach parking; open mid April to October.

Badlands|480-998-7199

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The epic American Indian story starts with the world’s largest mountain carving. Indian Museum, sculptor’s log studio home, art galleries, Indian artists, antiques, restaurant, gift shop, nightly laser show.

Black Hills|605-673-4681| memorial@crazyhorse.org

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Experience the history and Old West flavor of the Missouri River corridor. Native American culture, festivals, rodeos, pow wows, birding and attractions abound. Come for a stress-free adventure. Free Visitor’s Guide.

888-386-4614|info@sdgreatlakes.org

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The Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center in Chamberlain preserves and promotes the arts and history of Sioux Indian culture. View beautiful artifacts. Free Admission.

Chamberlain|800-798-3452| aktalakota@stjo.org

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Relax along the beautiful Missouri River. Full-service resort featuring 99 rooms, indoor pool, pontoon rentals and walking path. I-90, Exit 260.

Oacoma/Chamberlain|605-734-6376| info@cedershore.com

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Take your group on a backcountry Buffalo Safari Jeep Ride and see up-close one of the largest bison herds in North America. Ride horseback, and experience a Chuck Wagon Cookout with entertainment.

Black Hills|888-875-0001| info@custerresorts.com

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• DEADWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITORS BUREAU
• THE LODGE AT DEADWOOD
• DEADWOOD MOUNTAIN GRAND
• RUSHMORE BORGLUM STORY
• MITCHELL
• CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER

National Historic Landmark. Final resting place of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. You’ll discover Western hospitality at 40 restaurants, 80 gaming halls and 1,500 guest rooms.

Deadwood|800-999-1876| philysr@deadwood.org

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Nestled on Mt. Roosevelt is a luxurious full-service lodge; opened in 2010! 140 guest rooms and suites, Las Vegas-style casino, incredible restaurant and sports bar, plus a breathtaking panoramic view of the Black Hills.

Deadwood|605-584-4800| info@deadwoodlodge.com

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Housed in the completely refurbished 1906 Homestake Mining Co., Deadwood Mountain Grand features a state-of-the-art casino, a 2,500-seat entertainment and event center, and an exceptional restaurant.

Deadwood|877-907-4726| info@deadwoodmountaingrand.com

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World’s largest Borglum art exhibition. A must-see before going to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. Experience the awe of standing next to an actual size replica of Lincoln’s eye. Group discounts. Free Parking.

Keystone|800-888-4369

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Experience Mitchell – Home of the World’s Only Corn Palace, Carnegie Resource Center, Dakota Discovery Museum, McGovern Legacy Museum, and Prehistoric Indian Village. Free tour planning services. Located on I-90.

Mitchell|866-273-CORN| cvb@visitmitchell.com

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Visit the place where South Dakota history comes alive! Learn about our American Indian and pioneer history and the changes of the 20th Century. Discounted group tour rate.

Pierre|605-773-3458| jeff.mammenga@state.sd.us

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• AMERICA TOURS WEST & K BAR S LODGE
• UNPACK IN RAPID CITY. UNWIND IN THE BLACK HILLS.
• STAGECOACH WEST BUS INC./MOUNT RUSHMORE TOURS
• SIOUX FALLS – THE HEART OF AMERICA
• BEST WESTERN RAMKOTA HOTELS OF SOUTH DAKOTA
• WATERTOWN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Customized tour planning, knowledgeable step-on guides and lodging at the memorial K Bar S Lodge. Secluded, yet easily accessible to area attractions – majestic view of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Rapid City|866-568-9748

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Rapid City is centrally located to unique attractions, scenic drives and great memorials like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.

Rapid City|800-487-3223

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“Absolutely the best tour and entertainment in the Black Hills of South Dakota.” Call or email today for your free Black Hills Promotional DVD.

Rapid City|888-343-3113| laurabryan@mountrushmoretours.com

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South Dakota’s largest city….abundant shopping, local flavor restaurants, vibrant downtown, accommodating hotels and the historic Falls Park! Need assistance? Tour itineraries, step-on-guides… we’ve got it! Free visitor’ packet!

Sioux Falls|800-333-7072| cbuchhelm@siouxfalls.com

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Fabulous family-friendly, full-service hotels featuring swimming pools, indoor waterparks, wonderful restaurants and lounges, fitness centers, and free high speed Internet access. Five locations in South Dakota: Aberdeen, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Watertown.

800-528-1234|info@ramkota.com

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Enjoy the home of Terry Redlin’s original paintings, the Mellette House, and exhibits at the historic Goss Gallery. Find adventure at Bramble Park Zoo. Free planning assistance.

Watertown|800-658-4505| karen@watertownsd.com

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Grapeland Elementary School’s Eija Kumlander, 11, is playing the part Hamletta in a performance piece with six other classmates. Like Hamlet, Hamletta has a dilemma. She has to decide whether to sit in the front-row 2B seat at a baseball game or not.

You know, 2B or not 2B. Sounds silly? Well, it is.

Eija and the student group Odyssey of the Mind revel in silliness. They are more than happy to let their guard down in exchange for a few laughs.

It’s this silliness that gave the group the opportunity to go to Iowa State University, where they will compete in the Odyssey of the Mind world finals next month.

The New Jersey-based Odyssey of the Mind is an educational program that encourages team-building and creative problem-solving.

Teams formed around the world work throughout the school year to create a project in the categories of mechanical, technical, performance and others.

Members of the Grapeland team put their brains together for an eight-minute musical theater piece based on William Shakespeare’s famous line “To be or not to be.”

Everything from the idea of the play to the props were imagined and created by the students. Madelyn Coelho, 10, learned how to saw pieces of an unwanted fence and transformed them into stadium seating.

Team coach Heidi Schiaretti said her role is merely to coax and guide the students.

“When they want to jump off the diving board, that’s where I come in and ask, `Is that logical?”‘ Schiaretti said.

The play is about Hamletta’s dilemma. She is offered a ticket upgrade at a baseball game and decides to take it and leave her friend behind in the nose-bleed section. But once she takes her coveted seat, Hamletta finds herself next to an obnoxious guy talking on his cell phone and a new mother with a baby throwing up.

In Palms Springs, the Grapeland group won the regional competition to qualify for the statewide contest near San Francisco.

“When we won state, we were all slapping ourselves in the face,” Madelyn said.

From May 23 to 26, the group will compete against their peers from all corners of the globe.

via Rancho Cucamonga school group’s creative silliness earns trip to Iowa for Odyssey of Mind finals – DailyBulletin.com.

Twenty University of South Florida students in the school’s Honors College recently spent seven days in London. It’s something anyone in the Honors College is eligible to apply for, but it takes hard work and dedication to achieve it.

“Last year 2010 another advisor and I took some students to work on the devastation still remaining from Hurricane Katrina,” said USF Honors College Academic Advisor Amanda Cutchens.  “It was so rewarding I said I would do it again in a minute.” She did, and this year, her husband Josh was also able to go along and chaperone.

“It was hard eliminating the students who applied who didn’t get to go,” Cutchens said. But we were limited to twenty.”

While some of the fees are self-paid, trips taken by Honors College students that are tied to a course are partially paid through Honors College program money. The London trip cost each student $1,200 plus their ticket, Cutchens said. But they each got a $600 scholarship toward that and if they lived in the dorm, they got an additional $200.

Many had to work either full time or part time jobs to make up their portion of the fees.  Some work all year to put themselves through school. Both the youngest and oldest students who took the trip work more than one job year round.

Brandi Hollis, who recently moved to this area from Fort Lauderdale, has two jobs as well as her work as a student. At 27, she was the oldest student to go on the trip. Hollis has had to work hard to get her education, and eventually wants to be a magazine journalist. “People say print news is a thing of the past, but I still believe in it and want to be in the field,” Hollis said in a telephone interview April 5.  “To work for a magazine like Time would be my dream job.”

The youngest student to take the trip was 20-year-old Sacia Mullins of Ruskin. Mullins works hard to stay in the Honors College yet she holds a full time job in the office of M & M Printing Company owner of The Observer News and besides this is doing an apprenticeship with Siggybunk Productions as a production assistant and camera woman. Sacia MullinsThe artsy Liberal Arts major says she hopes working at small, independent film companies will give her the experience she needs to go after an acting career. Along with her school and jobs, she has studied music, plays the violin, harp, piano and sings; dances and does gymnastics.

Cutchens says all her Honor College students are serious about making something of themselves. Fortunately, some others were also available for interviews.“I definitely enjoyed this trip,” said Alexandra Parrish. “I think one of the things that I liked the most was that this was the first time that I was able to go on a trip without my parents, and it was fun to make my own decisions. I also learned a lot about budgeting my money. My favorite part of the trip was going to see Phantom of the Opera, followed by the visit to Westminster Abbey. I also enjoyed meeting a bunch of new people and getting to experience a different culture.”

via Observer News – USF Honors College students give their impressions of London trip.

What about justification for those school districts where students have traveled a lot. The first thing most teachers will agree is that just because one segment in the school has traveled doesn’t mean that everyone in a school has. School trips are often the only cost effective way to give students the experience of travel. The value of travel for these schools has many of the same benefits as any school:

• Hands on trip experiences may be the only way to reach certain students;
• Unique museums and attractions can drive home learning objectives
• What you may be able to see and do on an educational trip may be something completely different that what was accomplished on a sight-seeing trip with the family.
• For some types of trips, such as music performance groups, you just don’t have the same opportunities locally that you do in another destination. Playing is a unique experience in New York’s Carnegie hall, on a Broadway stage or in the home of the composer which might be New Orleans or Vienna.
• If the mission and the purpose of the trip is identified and it is the driving factor in selecting what to see and do, it almost always provides new experiences for all students
• And by the way, the shared memory making experience is hard to top in creating a great bond between students and teachers.

One of the best explanations that I know of on why to travel is found on the Student Youth Travel Association website (www.syta.org). It reads: “Travel brings the classroom curriculum alive, inspiring students to learn through first-hand, interactive experiences. Travel motivates students to achieve and improves academic performance. Travel teaches understanding of other people, communities and cultures. Travel offers educational opportunities for a shrinking globe. Travel helps young people gain self-confidence, a sense of independence, and a feeling that they can make a difference in the world. A group travel experience is one your participants will remember for the rest of their lives.”

Bottom line is that it is hard to argue with hands on learning experiences!

From Disney World to Dollywood, entertaining theater can be found throughout the U.S. But some cities and regions are especially known as theater hotspots. Whether your students are interested in magic, comedy or show tunes, this sampling of theater destinations will provide some valuable itinerary ideas:

Orlando, Florida

Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba

Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World features Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage, a lavish, 25-minute Broadway-style musical. Animatronic animal characters star in shows like Country Bear’s Jamboree and The Enchanted Tiki Room at the Magic Kingdom. Downtown Disney is home to Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba production in a theater that seats over 1,500. The only Cirque du Soleil resident show in Florida offers an out-of-this-world experience.

If Disney is not on your to-do list, Universal Orlando Resort has shows for visitors of all ages. Examples are the comical Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue at Universal Studios and the stunt-filled Eighth Voyage of Sindbad at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. For night-time entertainment, consider The Blue Man Group at Universal’s Sharp AQUOS Theatre.

Outside of the theme parks, Arabian Nights is Orlando’s No. 1 dinner attraction. A magic genie narrates a show filled with thrilling music and stunts performed on horseback. The show takes place in the Palace of Horses, the world’s largest indoor equestrian arena for a permanent show. If your group is looking for a truly interactive experience, Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Show involves guests in solving a murder mystery. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity during hors d’oeuvres, formulate questions with your table over dinner and interrogate detectives to get to the bottom of this whodunit.

Chicago, Illinois

Les Miserables

The Windy City is a hotspot for entertainment, and theater is no exception. From improv shows to Broadway classics, Chicago has plenty to offer. Spots such as Second City and ComedySportz pay tribute to Chicago’s reputation for improvisational comedy. Second City just debuted a new performance space with restaurant seating.

If your group wants a taste of the old Mafia days of Al Capone, get tickets to Tommy Gun’s Garage, a long-running, interactive dinner show located in a “speakeasy” that features music and dancing from the Roaring Twenties.

See popular Broadway classics such as Cats or Les Miserables, plus current Broadway hits, on the stages of the Oriental, Cadillac Palace, Bank of America and Auditorium theaters in Chicago’s Loop, plus current Broadway hits. Chicago is also home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Joffrey Ballet and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Blue Man Group continues to pack in crowds at the Briar Street Theatre on the North Side.

Los Angeles, California

Cirque du Soleil's Iris

Referred to as “Creative Capital of the World,” it is no wonder that Los Angeles has a booming theater scene. Broadway hits like Anything Goes, Chicago and Jersey Boys can be seen on one of L.A.’s many stages.

For a magic spectacular, Intimate Illusions will deliver. Watch magician Ivan Amodei mystify the audience using tricks of magic and illusion. Visit the Kodak Theatre to see Cirque du Soleil’s Iris: A Journey through the World of Cinema.

The Los Angeles Music Center ranks in the top three largest performing arts centers in the nation. Comprised of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theater, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall, the center is always bustling. For dinner and a show, take part in the Dinner Detective, America’s largest murder mystery comedy dinner show.

Branson, Missouri

Branson's Acrobats of China

Branson, the “Live Music Show Capital of the World,” boasts more than 50 theaters. From country to rock ’n’ roll, Branson has something for everyone. For side-splitting laughter, get tickets to the Jim Stafford Show, 3 Redneck Tenors or Baldknobbers Jamboree Show. Baldknobbers has been running for over 50 years and performs country’s golden oldies to today’s top hits. Presleys’ Country Jubilee Show is another show to put on the group’s “don’t miss” list. Credited as Branson’s first country music theater, the show blends bluegrass, gospel and comedy for a fun-filled time.

For a spiritual theater experience, be sure to visit Sight and Sound Theater, which has been called the “Christian Broadway.” Sight and Sound presents jaw-dropping set designs, incredible special effects and inspiring music selections on its 300-foot wraparound stage. Joseph plays from April 14-Dec. 29, 2012.

Showing at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, Legends in Concert is a live tribute show bringing legends such as Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley back to the stage. Acrobats of China and The Legend of Kung Fu are two unexpected gems in the Branson area. Acrobats of China, put on by the New Shanghai Circus, showcases performers defying the limits of balance, contortion and magic. The Legend of Kung Fu was featured as the opening for the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and continues to awe audiences with its heart-warming story and mystical movement.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Dixie Stampede

This vacationland in the Smoky Mountains has Southern charm and shows galore. Dolly Parton’s Dollywood features live entertainment from gospel to classic rock. After your group has exhausted the coasters and shops at the park, sit back and relax for one of the many shows including Country Crossroads and Dreamlands Drive-In. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner attractions combines a meal and a show filled with music, drama and equestrian stunts.

Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud is a dinner show that will provide “feud’n, feast’n family fun.” In the show, the Hatfields and McCoys are family rivals but somehow end up at the same barn dance. Enjoy a traditional Southern meal while laughing and signing along with the performers. For the early bird groups, the award-winning Country Breakfast Jamboree featuring the Blackwoods is filled with comedy, patriotic tributes and inspirational music

At Comedy Barn Theater the shows are focused on family-friendly comedy with performers that can even do magic and breathe fire. Smoky Mountain Opry is a newly renovated theater that stages music from the 1940s to today. Also popular is the Smith Family Dinner Theater, which presents a wholesome variety show with country, gospel and other music.

—Coley Nelson