For the past five days I have been chaperoning a trip to New York City for my daughter’s high school band trip. It was a trip. Exciting. Fun. Frustrating at times. Exhausting. Rewarding. The students were fantastic. I can’t think of one time where they acted inappropriately, where they were in need of serious correction or where I had to raise my voice or reprimand anyone. Pretty amazing when you consider that we had over 105 people on the trip.

I couldn’t help but remember the many trips I took kids on through the years. I remember especially those trips where you went to amusement parks (ever lead those trips!). Kids would emerge out of the woodwork for such activities (Ski Trips had this effect, as well - go figure). I also recall stressing over the behavior of the kids when I took such outings. Often my stressing was unfounded. But, I remember a few times when I had some real challenges with kids participating in activities from my church… LARGE holes in walls from rough housing, run aways, smoking, stealing, over the top attitude and rudeness taking place on those “amusement” park trips.

I guess I was prepared for some real problems as I set out Wednesday night for 4 nights and five days with a large group of public school students. Imagine my surprise - they were quiet and respectful on the charter buses, they were polite, on-time (we didn’t wait more than five minutes for anyone at meeting times/places), stayed in their assigned rooms, hung with their chaperones, laughed at the right times, were quiet and respectful when asked, and behaved in a manner I would have been proud to have led from any church group. Sure there was some whining, complaining, a few tears, and a few blisters… but, the kids were fantastic.

So, I haven’t really taken kids on longer trips in the past 5 years… so is this the norm? Are kids generally better behaved? Is this generation of kids (what Strauss and Howe call the Millenial Generation) just in general more well behaved and group oriented? Was my experience an anomoly? Was it because they knew the school had a way to enforce discipline if they messed up? I was shocked - I couldn’t believe that we didn’t have any “incidents,” no arguments, fights, real drama or broken rules. The greatest frustrations came with the actual tour schedule and planning (or lack there of) - and the kids rolled with it and everyone had a great time.

So, what are your thoughts - about touring, taking trips with kids - is it easier these days? or harder?

A couple of highlights from NYC…

Beauty and the Beast, on Broadway

Carmines Italian Restaurant

Blue Man Group at the Astor Place Theatre in East Village

Shopping on Canal Street!

Leading 17 guys through Times Square and Mid-town Manhatten through music stores and the sights!

Sunday Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Watching my daughter enjoy a great time with friends in an amazing place!