Group Visits
Group Leader Role
Group leaders (teachers, chaperones, camp counselors, other adults) can make the visit more successful and relaxed by following some simple guidelines.
Recommended Ratios
One adult receives free admission for every 10 paid children in the group. However, the visit will go more smoothly and be more enjoyable if group leaders actively supervise smaller numbers of children.
- Groups of children, age 6 and younger: We recommend 1 adult for every 3-5 children
- Groups of children older than age 6: We recommend 1 adult for every 5-10 children
Before the Visit
Make sure that all group leaders understand their responsibilities. Some helpful suggestions are to:
- Have each group leader learn the names and faces of the children in their care
- Have each child learn the name and face of their group leader
- Have each group leader understand scheduled transition and departure times
- Create a shopping schedule of small groups to avoid a delayed departure
During the Visit
Group leaders guide children to and from the building, supervise children in the museum, and ensure that all children are present and have their belongings when they leave the museum. Equally important, group leaders facilitate learning by being engaged with their charges as they explore the museum. Some helpful suggestions are to:
- Ask them open-ended questions (Why? How? What?) to stimulate thinking
- Encourage them to experiment and make observations about what happens
- Ask staff (blue aprons) or volunteers (green aprons) if you have a question
