Compared to our experience at Rockford’s ComEd training facility, this was a disappointment. I should have been told that on the day prior to Thanksgiving, there would be no classes or students present who were learning to be linemen. The only available exhibit was the one in the front entry which is computerized and best for children, not so much for senior citizens who are educated university graduates many with advanced degrees. Kim may be a good guide for elementary students and can answer their questions, but was not at the level needed for our advanced group. One and a half hours would have been too much for our group, however, Kim did a smart thing when she asked Ryan, the ComEd trainer, to answer our questions when she couldn’t. That saved the day. This tour did not get the same praise as the one we had in 2013 as you can see below in my thank you letter. I have led tours for 14 years for this University class and toured over 600 factories, conservation areas, private and unusual museums, special schools, government departments, animal welfare organizations, charities, art collections, special architectural buildings, and more. From 1975-2001, I arranged tours all over the U.S. and the world for schools, companies, and private individuals– the docent is 75% of the success of any tour. I also started a tour company, “My Kind of Town”, in 1975, arranging tours for student groups as well as for park districts, senior citizens, visitors to Chicago. I have been arranging these tours as an unpaid volunteer as a service to the Lifelong Learning Institute of National Louis University. I will say that this tour was disappointing, but fortunately Ryan made it worthwhile with his discussion. Following was the 2003 thank you letter: Nov. 8, 2013, Mike Alm, Field Trip Factory, 2211 N. Elston Ave., Suite #304, Chicago, IL 60614 Dear Mike, On behalf of the “Around The Neighborhood” class from the Lifelong Learning Institute at National Louis University, I want to again thank you for the excellent presentation you provided for us on Nov. 6th. Your welcoming attitude with such thoughtful refreshments after our long drive with delays of rain and construction, was very much appreciated. The presentation was exceptional. Please extend our thanks to Rusty, Tom, Frank, and Toby—we now appreciate a lineman’s job with greater respect and concern. Considering that you are not a staff member of ComEd, your knowledge about the program was creditable. No doubt our class of senior citizens was more impressed with the facility and the complex nature of this job than any other student group that has toured. Our questions could have continued for another hour. Rusty’s dedication to his job was inspiring; learning about the advancements in our electrical environment was fascinating; the explanation about the electric car was an excellent addition for many members who had questioned whether it would be beneficial for them; and seeing the classroom using lap tops then being tested by computer, was a new experience for our generation. But the highlight occurred when the shades were opened and we witnessed the students climbing the poles–seeing it made it real! This experience combined many facets of the best fieldtrips. Com Ed was a unique facility, the building incorporated integrated functionality, the speakers provided human interest, and we learned relevant, usable information. Our many questions were answered with patience and expertise and we gained new insights into the latest technology. Please thank Kim, Pam, and Melissa for the Field Trip Factory’s cooperation in planning our visit. We appreciate your bending the rules to accommodate a senior student group from a university! I hope, as a result, you gained some new insights about presentations for older students. Again, I will be happy to share my experience with area field trips with your organization. I believe this will be a memorable encounter for all!

I thought the new hands-on activities were great! My students enjoyed the trip and learned a lot of valuable information. Our group facilitator was wonderful! He was very energetic and related well with the kids. The only criticism I have is that when we visited this same facility last year, we were able to go into the training room and learned how the overhead electricians climbed the poles and how they repaired the lines. The kids really enjoyed this portion of the trip. Overall, I would recommend this field trip to other teachers, and I know that my teammates are planning on scheduling a trip later this year after we complete the Super Savers program.

My Scout den had a great time! Celina(not sure of spelling) was a fabulous guide during our experience! Parents and Scouts loved the hands on experiences! I also found your website pre field trip activities and videos very helpful and informative! thank you for offering these field trip experiences to the community!