According to Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thanh Nam (University of Education, Vietnam National University, Hanoi), field trips bring completely new experiences, helping to improve students' knowledge and life skills. These include teamwork, communication, problem solving, improving thinking ability, and becoming more active learners.

Children are exposed to different environments. From there, they are stimulated to be creative and understand the world through topics ranging from animals to plants, from historical knowledge to natural science.

"Living in a world with a lot of stressful study pressure, field trips are an opportunity for students to relieve stress, balance their mental health and create many memorable memories to make the connection between students and teachers stronger. It is the relationship established from a young age that can help them grow up more firmly," said Mr. Nam.

Field trips to new lands always make children step out of their comfort zone to face risks, overcome fears such as having to sit on a cable car because of a fear of heights. This is also a great opportunity for teachers to help children bravely face challenges, train their will, determination, and resilience.

For example, instead of taking the cable car, encourage children to walk. When encountering streams, we must guide children to observe the water flow, find shallow water, safe currents, and non-slippery footing points to cross. Such practical experiences will form courage and calmness in the face of "high mountains and deep valleys" situations in life.

However, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thanh Nam also warned that organizing field trips always poses safety risks, especially for young students without parents accompanying them to supervise.

Not only are there problems with accidents and injuries at tourist attractions, but there are also many other risks such as: traffic accidents on the road, property theft, arguments and fights due to misunderstandings or other health emergencies.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind on every outing.

First, choose a location and educational activities that are appropriate for the age of the students. Not only should the school choose a suitable and safe place to visit, but it also needs to learn about the terrain, climate, infrastructure, transportation, and weather in advance to prepare appropriate means and equipment.

Second, plan the tour in detail from the schedule, location, possible situations and levels of danger, risk management procedures. Next, evaluate and select an experienced tour organizer with skills in controlling and resolving emergency situations, and assign experienced teachers to supervise.

Third, ensure safety equipment is brought from clothing, seat belts, windshields, flashlights… to ensure each student.

Fourth, ensure safe food and water sources. Prepare enough and ensure the origin of food to help students have enough energy and health to complete the trip.

Fifth, identification signs and contact methods need to be thoroughly communicated to each student. They must be regularly reminded of discipline, procedures for handling when encountering or witnessing friends in risky situations, remembering contact phone numbers, methods of contact and skills for seeking appropriate help.

" For older students, it is necessary to agree on the principle of regular communication to ensure each student's safety and to be immediately updated on emergency situations so that the person in charge and organizing the field trip can act promptly. Teachers should also maintain information updates to parents throughout the student's trip," said Mr. Nam.

Master Nguyen Diep Ha (school psychology consultant at Hoan Kiem Secondary School, Hanoi) said that prohibiting children from going on picnics will take away their opportunity to interact with the natural environment and bond with friends and teachers.

Children can become withdrawn, isolated from the group and have low self-esteem. What parents should do is create conditions to help their children equip themselves with life skills, survival skills (swimming, fire fighting, what to do when lost, etc.) before starting the picnic.

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