Turning “No” into “Go”

Securing Parent and Administrator Support for First-Time Student Travel

Imagine your students returning from an expedition more confident, inspired, and eager to explore their world—because they didn’t just learn about science, they lived it. expeditions spark that kind of transformation—and your support is the key to making it happen.

Before you can move forward, there’s an important step: gaining support from parents and school administrators. For many, this might be their child’s or school’s first time engaging in an experience like this. Their concerns are valid, and your confidence, empathy, and preparation can turn hesitation into wholehearted support.

To help guide those conversations, we’ve outlined key talking points and action items below, designed to build trust, address common concerns, and spotlight the lasting value of this one-of-a-kind learning experience.

 

 

1) WHY EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING MATTERS—AND HOW EXPEDITIONS DELIVER ACADEMIC IMPACT

Imagine your students returning from an expedition more confident, inspired, and eager to explore their world—because they didn’t just learn about science, they lived it. expeditions spark that kind of transformation—and your support is the key to making it happen.

Before you can move forward, there’s an important step: gaining support from parents and school administrators. For many, this might be their child’s or school’s first time engaging in an experience like this. Their concerns are valid, and your confidence, empathy, and preparation can turn hesitation into wholehearted support.

 

Two teens in a dense tropical forest looking up into the canopy, one using binoculars and the other gazing with the naked eye, during a botanical or wildlife observation expedition.
A team of students on a boat conducting a hands-on examination of a nurse shark partially submerged in clear blue water, with some members leaning over the side to monitor and collect data on a nurse shark..
A group of teens participate in an archaeological dig, carefully excavating and brushing around stone ruins in a forested area.

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A close-up of a colorful toucan being gently held by researchers while one person uses calipers to measure its beak, with a smiling woman in the background, set in a forest environment.

 

This approach isn't just engaging—it's essential 

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IS PROVEN TO:

  • Build skills and boost confidence
  • Spark interest in careers and future planning
  • Improve understanding, even in young learners

FOR EXAMPLE:

  • found that 66% of young people are unsure about their future careers, and 62% don’t feel in control of their path. Hands-on, career-connected learning can help them imagine new possibilities.
  • found that experiential learning increases career clarity and sparks a desire for further real-world opportunities.

expeditions are intentionally designed with these benefits in mind. Students actively contribute to environmental research alongside scientists and educators, gaining experiences that strengthen college applications, class projects, and long-term academic goals.

Tip: Share sample learning objectives and curriculum connections to illustrate the academic value.

 

 

2) SAFETY YOU CAN COUNT ON

At , safety is at the core of every expedition. Whether you're speaking with school leaders or concerned families, it’s important to emphasize ’s long-standing commitment to participant well-being.

EACH EXPEDITION INCLUDES:

  • Comprehensive risk assessments are conducted before each project
  • Trained field staff with emergency procedures in place
  • Carefully selected accommodations appropriate to the location and research
  • Access to safe drinking water at all research facilities
  • 24/7 emergency support from ’s incident management team
  • Emergency travel, medical, and evacuation insurance included
  • 24/7 access to On Call International for medical, travel, and mental health support, including emergency evacuation assistance and up-to-date travel information;

KEY TALKING POINTS:

  • Adult supervision and teacher-to-student ratios
  • Safety protocols and secure accommodations
  • Emergency support and communication plans

Don’t forget: provides a detailed briefing and logistics document you can share with your school or parent community to help address questions and build confidence from the start.

 

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Smiling young girl wearing glasses and a bright orange life jacket while rowing a boat at sunset, with trees and a soft evening sky in the background.

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Group of smiling women seated in a modern, tiered meeting space, attentively listening during an information session; one uses a laptop while others take notes or hold notebooks.

 

3) HOST AN INFORMATION SESSION

Sometimes, all a family or administrator needs is a little reassurance. A live or virtual information session offers a calm and open forum for sharing details and answering questions.

INCLUDE:

  • Purpose and learning outcomes
  • Daily schedule highlights
  • Safety and supervision details
  • Fundraising ideas and payment options
  • Rooming policies and travel logistics

Tip: Use visual aids like photos, short videos, maps, or printed handouts. If possible, invite a past participant or parent to share their experience.

 

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4) ADDRESS FIRST-TIME CONCERNS

For many families, this may be the first time their child is traveling without them—an exciting milestone that can also bring understandable anxiety. Acknowledge their feelings and offer reassurance by highlighting the support and structure built into every expedition.

EARTHWATCH HELPS EASE THESE FIRST-TIME JITTERS BY PROVIDING:

  • Caring adult supervision from trained scientists and field staff
  • Age-appropriate research tasks that build confidence and independence
  • A safe, supportive environment that encourages personal growth

Tip: Encourage small gestures that can ease the transition, like writing a note for the plane ride or sending a quick text during travel days.

 

A man hugging a teen girl at the departures area of the airport.

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5) PREPARE FOR COMMON QUESTIONS—AND PROACTIVELY ANSWER THEM

Both parents and administrators want to know you’ve thought this through. Be ready to answer the following:

IS THIS EDUCATIONALLY JUSTIFIABLE?

Yes. Expeditions are designed to enrich and extend learning through hands-on research and interdisciplinary exploration.

IS IT SAFE?

Absolutely. has over 50 years of experience, detailed emergency protocols, and trained field staff on every expedition.

WHAT WILL IT COST? 

Costs vary by expedition; however, many schools fundraise, apply for grants, or find local sponsors. also provides an online crowdfunding tool to help educators and students raise funds.

WILL OUR STUDENTS BE READY FOR THIS? 

Yes. expeditions are designed with age-appropriate activities and scaffolded learning, ensuring that students new to scientific research or conservation can actively contribute while developing their understanding and confidence throughout the expedition. Many students thrive in this setting, even those who struggle in traditional classrooms.

WHAT WILL IT MEAN FOR OUR SCHOOL? 

Schools that support experiential learning stand out as leaders in innovation, environmental education, and student-centered learning. Expeditions often lead to student presentations, local media coverage, and increased community engagement.

Tip: Consider creating a simple FAQ handout or slide to share during meetings or info sessions. Having answers prepared—and visible—shows you’ve done your homework and helps build trust with families and school leaders.

 

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Smiling woman sitting at a desk, holding a phone and looking at a laptop, engaged in a cheerful virtual conversation in a bright, home-office setting.

 

6) KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING

Building support doesn’t end after the first conversation—it grows through consistent, thoughtful communication. Keep families and administrators engaged by sharing regular updates that inform, excite, and reinforce their trust in the experience.

STAY CONNECTED WITH

  • Planning progress updates to show things are moving forward
  • Important dates and reminders to keep everyone on track
  • Fun facts or stories about the expedition location to build anticipation
  • Quick check-ins or newsletters to maintain momentum and interest

Tip: Set a simple communication rhythm—like a short monthly email or update slide—to keep your community in the loop without overwhelming them.

 

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7) BUILD A LASTING TRADITION

The first expedition is just the beginning. When students return inspired and energized, their enthusiasm becomes contagious—sparking interest across grades and generating long-term momentum.

LAY THE FOUNDATION FOR A SCHOOL-WIDE TRADITION BY::

  • Inviting returning students to share their experiences with younger peers
  • Daily schedule highlights
  • Highlighting success stories and outcomes from past expeditions
  • Involving teachers and administrators in reflection and planning for future trips
  • Documenting the journey through photos, videos, or blogs to create a lasting legacy

Tip: Consider forming a student ambassador team to keep the tradition alive and growing year after year.

 

Two teens work with a scientist in a tropical forest to measure a small mammal held by one of them, while a third person takes notes in the background.

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READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

Gaining support isn’t about convincing—it’s about sharing your vision, being proactive, and offering clear information. With the right tools, you can bring your community along on this inspiring journey.

Download the Student Group Expeditions Brochure and PowerPoint Presentation or connect directly with an Expedition Advisor for personalized help.

Let’s turn this opportunity into a lifelong memory. With your support, we can take learning beyond the classroom and into the world, where students grow, connect, and discover their full potential.

 

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