As a counselor, what is an essential item to carry with you during field trips?

The most essential item to carry during field trips is a first aid kit. This kit is crucial because it contains necessary supplies to respond to injuries or medical emergencies that may occur. In active and sometimes unpredictable environments like field trips, having immediate access to first aid supplies is vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. Being prepared to handle minor injuries, allergic reactions, or other medical situations is part of the responsibility of a counselor.

While personal phones, extra snacks, and whistles may all have their uses during a field trip, they do not address health and safety in the way that a first aid kit does. A phone may help with communication, snacks can keep energy levels up, and whistles can be useful for getting attention or signal in a crowd, but none of these items can provide medical assistance when it’s needed most. Therefore, prioritizing a first aid kit reflects a commitment to safety, readiness, and responsibility as a counselor.