{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Nicola Hilliard, Creative Content Producer","standfirst":"As we all know, it\u2019s important to be prepared \u2013 so, we\u0027ve put together some top tips for adult volunteers leading trips with our ultimate day trip life hacks for a stress-free adventure.  ","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW203397736 BCX4\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW203397736 BCX4\u0022 data-ccp-border-bottom=\u00220px none #000000\u0022 data-ccp-padding-bottom=\u00220px\u0022 data-ccp-border-between=\u00220px none #000000\u0022 data-ccp-padding-between=\u00220px\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW203397736 BCX4\u0022 data-ccp-parastyle=\u0022Body\u0022\u003EYou\u2019ve got all the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/activity-information-form/\u0022 title=\u0022Activity information form\u0022\u003Eforms\u003C/a\u003E, completed your \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E, have an \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/intouch/\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E process in place, so now you\u2019re getting ready for some serious fun on a day trip or day out.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW203397736 BCX4\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW203397736 BCX4\u0022 data-ccp-border-bottom=\u00220px none #000000\u0022 data-ccp-padding-bottom=\u00220px\u0022 data-ccp-border-between=\u00220px none #000000\u0022 data-ccp-padding-between=\u00220px\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW203397736 BCX4\u0022 data-ccp-parastyle=\u0022Body\u0022\u003ESo whether you\u0027re going to \u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022 title=\u0022Gulliver\u0027s Theme Park Resorts\u0022\u003EGulliver\u2019s theme parks\u003C/a\u003E, or somewhere else, we\u0027ve got you covered with top tips to make an unforgettable day even more magical.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW203397736 BCX4\u0022 data-ccp-parastyle=\u0022Default\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPreparation and planning\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGo against the flow:\u003C/strong\u003E Make the most of your time by moving against the flow of the crowds, such as going around the venue in the opposite direction to others or having an early off-peak lunch.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPlan waiting games and activities:\u003C/strong\u003E Have some ideas to keep everyone entertained while waiting, such as cards or travel games. Take a look at our ideas for 5 minute filler games and circle games.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECheck for shows and events:\u003C/strong\u003E Look for parades, talks, or other scheduled activities you\u2019d like to catch. Plan a rest break nearby so you can grab a good spot without missing out.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUse apps to plan:\u003C/strong\u003E Use a venue\u2019s app to plan a route and throughout the day to hit popular attractions when queues are shorter.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/21431/gullivers-allia-2.png","width":0,"height":0,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommunication\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUse code words for emergencies:\u003C/strong\u003E Have adults use code words, such as \u2018Code Orange\u2019 for a lost person or \u2018Code Yellow\u2019 for other incidents. This keeps things calm and avoids causing panic. Always follow the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safe-scouting-what-to-do-in-an-emergency/\u0022 title=\u0022Safe Scouting and Emergency Procedures\u0022\u003EPurple Card\u003C/a\u003E in an emergency.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMake separate group chats:\u003C/strong\u003E Set up a messaging group just for the trip, such as on WhatsApp, to share updates. You might also want a leaders-only group to help coordinate the day.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECreate a signal:\u003C/strong\u003E Clap a rhythm or raise a flag to signal it\u2019s time to move. It\u2019s much more effective than shouting.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReady for emergencies\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDescribe lost people, not names:\u003C/strong\u003E Call out their description, instead of their name, such as \u2018I\u2019m looking for a 7 year old with black hair, glasses, and a blue dinosaur top.\u2019 You could take a group photo at the start if people have photo consent to make it easier to describe what they\u2019re wearing.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUse temporary tattoos for contact info:\u003C/strong\u003E Write emergency contacts on temporary tattoos for kids. They\u2019ll last all day and won\u2019t get lost.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPut luggage tags on bags:\u003C/strong\u003E Attach brightly coloured tags or wristbands to everyone\u2019s bags for easy identification if something gets misplaced.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStick to a buddy system:\u003C/strong\u003E Pair up everyone to make it easier to keep track of the group and help prevent anyone from wandering off. At theme parks, pair people with a buddy for rides and group them by thrill preferences\u2014adrenaline junkies in one group, gentle ride lovers in another.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/pcgiuqga/two-squirrels-on-a-fairground-ride.jpg","width":6000,"height":4000,"altText":"Two young people in red tshirts and neckers on a motorcycle fairground ride","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELooking after leaders\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPlan rest breaks for yourself:\u003C/strong\u003E Make sure adults have chances to relax and recharge during the day, even if it\u2019s a quick toilet break or coffee run.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKeep spare clothes for yourself: \u003C/strong\u003EPack some spare, dry clothes and lots of layers for yourself. A spare pair of dry socks and a warm jumper can help warm you up.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPack snacks and drinks for you:\u003C/strong\u003E Pop in some of your favourite energy-boosting snacks and water to keep yourself going.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPhotograph receipts:\u003C/strong\u003E Snap pictures of receipts as you get them to make sorting out expenses later easier. A separate wallet can help keep track of receipts and expenses.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat to pack\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUse a group identifier:\u003C/strong\u003E High-vis jackets in an unusual colour, matching caps or even a fun theme (such as animal headbands) can help you spot your group in a crowd.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERemember the duct tape:\u003C/strong\u003E You never know when you\u2019ll need duct tape to fix a shoe or broken bag strap!\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETake something to sit on:\u003C/strong\u003E Bring a picnic blanket, foldable chairs, or sit mats.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPack a \u2018quick-dry\u2019 towel:\u003C/strong\u003E For wet rides or accidental spills, a compact microfibre towel is a lifesaver. You can even use a squeegee to dry off picnic benches or slides.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMake sure you have spares:\u003C/strong\u003E Bring spares of useful items, such as water bottles, waterproofs, suncream and hair ties, in case anyone forgets.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECreate a bag or shoe container:\u003C/strong\u003E Use a bag for life, trolley, collapsible box or picnic blanket to put everyone\u2019s belongings on or in, especially in places where shoes or bags need to be left behind.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUse bumbags:\u003C/strong\u003E Put your must-haves in a bumbag, such as a pen, your phone, portable phone charger and hand sanitiser.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBring a mascot: \u003C/strong\u003EBring your mascot along with you. They could pose in photos to document your day.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPut together a sensory bag:\u003C/strong\u003E Bring ear defenders for noisy places. You could also make a sensory bag if needed, with sensory toys or fidget toys in.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/21265/four-boys-on-a-water-log-flume-they-are-laughing-and-sat-in-the-boatmin.png","width":7360,"height":4912,"altText":"Four Scouts in blue and green neckers smile in a water log flume.","caption":"","link":null}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"15 November 2024","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Find out more about Gulliver\u2019s Theme Park Resorts","url":null,"newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Staying safe in Scouts","url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/","newWindow":true}],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Planning an outing in Scouts","url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/running-a-beaver-colony/running-your-colony/planning-an-outing/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Risk assessments","url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Learn more about InTouch","url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/intouch/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Activity information forms","url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/activity-information-form/","newWindow":true}],"id":82939,"nodeName":"24 top tips for running a fantastic day trip with Gulliver\u2019s Theme Parks","title":"24 top tips for running a fantastic day trip","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/teiffamu/scouts-on-a-ride-at-gullivers-world-medium.jpeg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dab80cfd13c2e0","caption":"Scouts On A Ride At Gulliver\u0027s World Medium","type":"jpeg","size":145526,"width":640,"height":427,"altText":""},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"24 top tips for running a fantastic day trip","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84MjkzOSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2024/december/24-top-tips-for-running-a-fantastic-day-trip-with-gulliver-s-theme-parks/"}