Preparations for a Fantastic 2010 Season

I can’t help but be excited about the launch of our 2010 travel season, and I’m sure you are all feeling the same way around your own homes. It all starts for us in just 8 days as our first delegations depart on June 2!

All of us here in our Spokane program offices, along with our many partners that we work closely with around the world, are very busy putting the final touches on our programs in preparation for the summer travel season. To get ready for the travel season we’ve put in hours of preseason training just to make sure we are on top of every aspect of the travel experience. We also spend a great deal of time preparing for the less–likely and unexpected events that occasionally pop up while on program so that we are ready for most anything.

Annual Leader University
A big preseason training opportunity happened just a few weeks ago when we invited all of our area directors and many teacher leaders to Spokane for our Annual Leader University. Each area director is responsible for a number of leaders within their region or home area. These people recruit, train, and manage their assigned leaders throughout the year. Twice a year, generally in the fall and spring, the area directors bring together all the leaders in their region. Normally the fall training focuses on preparation for the enrollment and interview process for the next season, but much of the training agenda is reserved for sharing best practices, updates on all policy changes, and a review of safety protocols we instill in our leaders. In the spring, the area directors bring all the leaders together for the last group training with a focus on ensuring that every leader is updated on the latest procedural information so that programs go off without a hitch!

This year we expanded our conference to three full days. The first day was dedicated to new area directors. We are pleased to say that most of our area directors have been with us for many years, so the opportunity to step into one of these roles is very limited. Each of these new area directors (ADs) has been a leader on our programs for many years and has earned the privilege of stepping into the area director position. We provide them the additional training before the veteran ADs come to town in order to bring the new area directors up to speed on information they will need to be successful.

The next two days are jampacked with information presented in a train–the–trainer format. A vast amount of information is shared for these ADs to take back to the teacher leaders in their areas. This network of training sessions ensures everyone in the organization - from the president to every single teacher leader - is on the exact same page. At the conference, every single person involved with the management or training of a teacher leader was in the same room hearing the same thing at the same time. We firmly believe that this translates into a higher degree of consistency in how each program operates no matter what part of the world the delegation travels to.

This year we had much new information to share. We conducted training sessions on everything from new changes in 2010 for the Americans with Disabilities Act to how to handle a coaching opportunity with a student who has trouble following the expectations set out prior to the program.

Leading the Way with New Tools
We also introduced new tools like the newly revised Leader Travel Handbook and our GPS–equipped cell phones. Each delegation carries no fewer than four phones on each motor coach: one with our delegation manager, one with the motor–coach driver, and two held by the leaders escorting the students on the program. This year, one of the two phones used by the leaders is equipped with GPS technology. Having this system on our phones allows us to pinpoint within feet exactly where every delegation is at any given point in time. Amazing!

We believe we are the first educational travel organization to introduce this technology on all of programs. Over time, it is our hope that other travel organizations will follow. Clearly, having the ability to know exactly where all delegations are at all times provides our students, their families, and all of us with a greater degree of security and safety for our students and leaders. If an unexpected event were to happen around the world, we could instantly check the locations of our groups and direct them out of harm’s way before a problem developed.

Be Prepared
These events rarely happen, but back in the summer of 2005 there was such an event when a bombing occurred in London. People to People Ambassador Programs had 2,500 students in the U.K. at the time, and, of those, 524 were in the London area. Working with our partners, we were able to quickly inventory every delegation to ensure their well-being and move them all out of the area very quickly. All of this happened in less than 30 minutes! During an event like that, every minute counts, and this is exactly why we have made the investment in the new GPS tracking technology. If a similar event were to happen in the future, we could simply pull up our screen and see exactly where each and every group was located.

With the software developed by Cellhire, our cell–phone–rental partner, we can literally see the road a delegation is standing on with a pin mark bearing the name of the leader who is carrying the phone. By use of phone and SMS messaging, we can then simply provide directions to exit any area that poses any type of threat. We piloted this system last season with great success on approximately 70 programs, and this year we are rolling it out to every group.

This type of phone is also available to rent for the student. Parents can even sign up with Cellhire for a minimal fee and be given access to track their child. By using the street–view option, parents can even see many of the wonderful places students will see! To find out more about phone rentals and the types of equipment available, just go to www.cellhire.com/ambassador. Cellhire has many other phone options, but I have to admit after working with these GPS phones - they are pretty cool!

Until next time, I’m wishing you safe and happy travels,

Mike

Nutrition for Travel

The top tips for maintaining good nutrition while traveling with People to People Ambassador Programs are to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.

Stay Hydrated
Preventing dehydration both before and during travel is vital to maintain energy levels, overcome jet lag, and stay healthy while abroad. Not only does dehydration have a negative impact on body temperature, but it also affects heart function and the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the working muscles. Poor fluid intake leads to fatigue and a delayed immune response, which greatly increases the chance of becoming ill while traveling.

1. Bring a water bottle

• Student Ambassadors should be in the habit of carrying their water bottles with them wherever they go. This can begin at home weeks prior to travel, which will help ensure adequate hydration before the trip. Be sure to pack the empty bottle in your suitcase rather than carrying it on to avoid delays at airport security .

2. Drink extra on the plane

• Aim for at least 1 cup of fluid for every hour of travel. Don’t be shy about asking the flight attendants for water. Many international flights have glasses of water already available in the kitchen/galley areas for passengers to help themselves. (This gives you an opportunity to stretch your legs, as well!)

3. Drink beyond thirst

• Adolescents and children have a diminished thirst sensation. As a Student Ambassador, you will be very active during travel, which will also dull your thirst mechanism and require an increase in fluid intake.
• In preparation for travel abroad, get in the habit of drinking fluids throughout the day, even when you don’t feel thirsty.
• When taking fluid breaks, drink more than necessary!

4. Choose water

• Drinks that contain high amounts of sugar can lead to further dehydration and/or intestinal problems.
• Limit soda, coffee, and tea, as these act as diuretics and can worsen dehydration.
• Your delegation manager will be a good source to determine if tap water in a specific country is suitable for drinking or if bottled water is the best option.

Eat a Balanced Diet
A variety of healthy foods, eaten consistently throughout the day, will help ensure adequate blood sugar levels, assist in overcoming jet lag, and increase immune health.

1. Have 3 meals and 2-3 snacks per day

• Spread snacks and meals evenly throughout the day to maintain energy levels.
• Snacks should mostly consist of whole grains , fruits , and veggies, but they should also contain some protein to avoid sudden spikes in blood -sugar levels.
• Portable travel food ideas: If it is available, grab an extra piece of fresh fruit at breakfast to eat as a snack later. There will be many opportunities to purchase snacks along the way. The best choices would include items such as trail mix with dried fruit, cereal, nuts , yogurt , milk , chocolate milk , string cheese , whole -grain crackers , peanut butter , granola bars , and WATER, WATER, WATER!

2. At each meal, choose at least one item from each of the following groups:

• Whole -grain products
• Milk products
• Vegetables and fruit
• Meat and protein alternatives (nuts, beans, eggs , etc.)

For more information, visit: KidsHealth.org

April Davis, RD, CD, CES

Safety First on the Mountain and Abroad

In addition to my duties as the senior director of health and safety for People to People Ambassador Programs, I also deal with health and safety issues in my personal life. Every Friday night, I serve as a ski patroller at Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park. On the mountain, my role is to serve as a friendly host for mountain management, and to respond to any customer who has fallen or is injured. My first introduction to the ski patrol happened when I lived in Minnesota at the famous Buck Hill, where Olympic Gold Medalist Lindsey Vonn got her start.
I bring up Buck Hill not because of the connection to Mrs. Vonn or the many other champions that learned to race on this small hill, but instead to share an important lesson I learned there. This lesson has had a direct impact on what I do today for People to People Ambassador Programs; more specifically, on how our teacher leaders are trained.

That's Not Your Name!
One night, while in the aid room of the Ski Patrol building at Buck Hill, I found myself in conversation with a medical doctor who also happened to be a patroller at Buck Hill. The patroller’s name tag was not the name I knew, and I had to know the reason behind his deception. I asked him, “Why do you have that name on your name tag? That’s not your name!” His answer was that in his daily life he is an orthopedic surgeon, but when he is on the mountain, his role is to perform as a ski patroller, not a doctor. The reason he changed his name tag and went by a completely different name while on duty was his way of reminding himself that he is only to perform the duties and skills a regular patroller is expected to perform.
At the time I didn’t grasp the magnitude of what he was saying; in fact, I found it a little strange. This man possessed the knowledge and skills to perform corrective surgery right on the hill, but deliberately chose not to. In hindsight, I should have known better, as this topic was covered as part of my initial training at Buck Hill, and it came up again when I went through the entire Outdoor Emergency Care Course (OEC) to become a patroller for Mount Spokane.

Leader Roles and Requirements
At People to People Ambassador Programs, our teacher leaders face a similar dilemma. Many of our leaders are school nurses or student counselors in their normal role as a teacher, but when they are on our program they are responsible for the health, safety, and guardianship of your child. In this role they are trained to only perform the duties expected and required of our leaders.

Each of our leaders completes a grueling application process to become a People to People Ambassador Programs teacher leader. This process includes the application process, letters of recommendation, and a background check that must be updated on a regular basis. They must also complete hands-on CPR training annually, a complex set of annual on-line training modules including competency testing, and in-person group training provided by our local area directors. These individuals are highly trained by our organization and bring to the role their countless years of experience in the classroom educating and developing young talent. But if a situation arises on program where a student needs medical attention, or some form of counseling, these teachers will contact our program office and the on-call team that stands ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support them and receive guidance on the next steps to be taken. They will most always be instructed to seek professional medical attention so that we know without a doubt how to treat the problem.

Much like the patroller at Buck Hill, a teacher leader may possess the skills to address the more serious issues that come up, but will instead stay within the definition of the role of a teacher leader and in that role, move to expediently transport the student into the professional medical emergency response system (EMS).

Our Policy
At People to People Ambassador Programs, we think this is the best method for handling serious situations, not a small scratch or bump. If something minor needs treatment, a leader will address that situation using one of the travel first-aid kits we provide to each primary leader. The larger situations I am referring to are highly unlikely, yet more serious situations where we want a medical professional’s opinion. Once in the EMS system, we can then leverage our relationship with On-Call International. They provide our organization with interpreters who connect a doctor on the On-Call staff with the physician treating the student abroad. This way, we get accurate and reliable information in a timely manner so that we can keep the family back home informed while ensuring the student is in safe hands.

I’m not saying that any of our teacher leaders has changed his or her name while on program. I’m merely using a rather extreme example to convey my point: our teacher leaders stand ready to respond to any situation. They are highly trained, and in the unlikely event that a serious situation arises, they know to perform to the level required of a teacher leader, and to quickly, calmly, and efficiently transport any student to a medical facility if there is any doubt about the student’s condition.

Until next time, wishing you safe and happy travels!

Mike

Healthy Habits Begin at Home

Did you know parents have the greatest influence on shaping their children's lifestyle and eating habits? Good nutrition begins at home and is the root of lifelong health. Try these simple tips to help your family eat well and enjoy nutritious foods both at home and while traveling as a Student Ambassador with People to People.

Tips for Developing Healthy Eating Habits
Focus on foods kids should eat instead of what not to eat – Pack the kitchen with foods that are nutritious and ready to eat, such as:

• Boldly colored fruits and vegetables. Deep, dark colors provide more disease-fighting nutrients.
• Whole grains that are rich in fiber.
• Low fat and fat-free milk, cheese, and yogurt.
• Fish, eggs, beans, nuts, lean meats, and skinless poultry.

Set a good example – Children are better equipped to make nutritious choices if they see you choosing healthy foods.

Use positive messages – Let kids know that all foods fit into a healthful diet; there are no "good" or "bad" foods. The key is moderation.

Introduce a new food every week – This encourages children to be open to new things and adds variety to their diets. Allow kids to help choose the foods and make it a positive, fun experience.

Set expectations – For example: Everyone in the family starts the day with breakfast; after-school snacks must include a serving of fruit or vegetables and one whole grain food; soda is reserved for special, rare occasions.

Talk about nutritious choices wherever you go – Talk to kids about smart food choices and how important they are for learning, doing well in school and sports, feeling good, and staying healthy at home and while traveling abroad.

Guide, but don’t steer – Allow your kids to be in the driver’s seat once they know the basic rules for good nutrition. Empower children to make the right choices on their own, even when you’re not around!

April Davis, RD, CD, CES

April Davis: Registered Dietician and Clinical Excercise Specialist

April Davis works at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, and Washington State University as a clinical dietitian and nutrition instructor. As a combined Clinical Exercise Specialist and registered dietitian, she is among an elite group of professionals in the United States and abroad. April provides education and nutrition support to adult and pediatric patients in acute care settings with a wide range of medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, metabolism disorders, and heart disease. At Washington State University, she teaches two courses for the Nutrition & Exercise Physiology Program in the College of Pharmacy.

April has also been involved in school nutrition and physical activity policies and procedures as a research assistant for the University of Washington and helped lead a study on the rate of obesity in adolescents for WSU. Prior to becoming a dietitian, April obtained degrees in exercise physiology and metabolism, psychology, and biology and worked for 10 years in social services and counseling. April believes her passion to help individuals overcome obstacles and improve quality of life are what make her strive to become the top in her fields of study.

Mike

New Feature: Healthy Eating Tips!

My intent when I started this blog was to provide a forum where information could be shared with our Ambassadors and families of those traveling on our programs. Generally, my posts have focused on the things we do at People to People Ambassador Programs to make sure every student stays healthy and safe while traveling with us on one of our life-changing experiences around the world. Today, I would like to introduce something new that not only will enhance the student’s experience while traveling, but may also have an impact on the entire family year-round.

I want to continue to add value to your visits to my blog. Today, I am proud to announce the addition of a new feature: regular posts on the value of a nutritionally balanced diet.

Innovation
The Travel Service and Health and Safety teams at People to People Ambassador Programs have recently entered into a partnership with a pediatric dietician for our Student and Sports Ambassador programs. At People to People Ambassador Programs, we all work together with a clear set of values. One of these values is innovation, especially in our commitment to excellence in the delivery of these life-changing experiences. To that end, we have brought in an expert to help us enhance our meal services on all student and sports programs throughout the world. Our objective with her blog posts will be to showcase successful meal planning on our programs, as well as provide long-term education about healthy living and meal choices for our delegates and their families.

April Davis
Let me now introduce April Davis, CES, CD, RD, who works at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, and Washington State University as a clinical dietitian and nutrition instructor in Spokane, Washington. As a combined clinical exercise specialist and registered dietitian, she is among an elite group of professionals in the United States and abroad. April provides education and nutrition support to adult and pediatric patients in acute care settings with a wide range of medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, metabolism disorders, and heart disease. At Washington State University, she teaches two courses in nutrition and exercise physiology in the College of Pharmacy. April has also been involved in school nutrition and physical activity policies and procedures as a research assistant for the University of Washington and helped lead a study on the rate of obesity in adolescents for Washington State University.

Prior to becoming a dietitian, April obtained degrees in exercise physiology and metabolism, psychology, and biology and worked for 10 years in social services and counseling. April believes her passion to help individuals overcome obstacles and improve quality of life are what make her strive to become the top in her fields of study, and that is another reason why we are so pleased to welcome her to our team!

She Will be Blogging
April will post new articles at the beginning of each month. Topics to be covered in upcoming blog entries will include: healthy habits at home, making good choices while traveling, tip sheets to help decision making, and how to enjoy a cultural eating experience, as well as many more important topics you won’t want to miss.

Over the next several months, we’ll continue to enhance the information on my blog. The addition of April’s expertise is just one example of the kinds of enhancements that People to People Ambassador Programs has made to solidify our position as the leader in the educational travel industry in health and safety practices.

Until next time, wishing you safe and happy travels!

Mike