The Dimensions of Christian Discoveries’ Safety
Christian Discoveries has an unmatched safety record and has successfully coordinated travel for over 22,000 students in our 7+ years. In addition, our parent company, WorldStrides, has successfully coordinated travel for over 2 million students in its 35 years.

Trained Personnel
While on the program, participants may interact with professional Course Leaders, On-site Coordinators, and Night Chaperones. Each professional receives training on how to follow Christian Discoveries' safety standards for program participants.

Always Within Reach
Parents and staff always have the ability to reach groups through our 24-hour communication system. In addition, Tour Central offices located in Washington, D.C., New York, NY, and Williamsburg, VA, are staffed by full-time employees. Being so close to program participants fosters an incredible responsiveness to handle any emergency or need that may arise.

Chaperone Handbook
Teachers and chaperones receive a Chaperone Handbook filled with recommendations to make sure each phase of the trip - from traveling to your destination, to safety while at the hotel - runs smoothly. The Handbook also contains sections detailing what to do "should a medical emergency arise" and includes emergency contact numbers and information.

WorldStrides Selects Its Suppliers With Safety in Mind
Hotels
Christian Discoveries pre-screens and selects only safe, comfortable, and high quality hotels such as Holiday Inn, Marriott, etc. For added security Christian Discoveries (whenever possible) books hotels with inside corridors and hallways and provides additional night security.

Travel Arrangements
Christian Discoveries contracts with major airline companies (e.g., Delta, US Air, SouthWest, etc.) and participants fly on regularly scheduled flights.

Suppliers
Christian Discoveries only works with companies who share their high safety and quality standards. Christian Discoveries thoroughly screens and regularly evaluates all program components. Periodic visits and program evaluation surveys completed by traveling teachers serve as the basis for reviewing hotels, restaurants, bus drivers, on-site coordinators, etc. All participating enterprises maintain insurance coverage.

Planning for a Safe Experience Before Departure

Behavior Contract
All participants are expected to demonstrate high standards of conduct, courteousness, and consideration toward others. Students and their parent/legal guardian must sign a behavior contract so everyone understands the proper rules of conduct.

Medical Release Form
A parent/legal guardian for each participant must complete a medical release form, provide emergency contact information, and give authorization for treatment in the event of an emergency. Teachers or Course Leaders carry all Medical Release Forms throughout the trip.

Ensuring Students' Safety While on the Program

Adult Supervision
Christian Discoveries makes it easy for teachers to bring chaperones on their program. With a chaperone-to-student ratio of 1:15 (except stated otherwise on the registration material), students receive proper attention and supervision. The Program Leader will choose the adult chaperones for the program.

Course Leaders
Students also follow a busy schedule of activities. A Christian Discoveries certified licensed Course Leader guides each group throughout the trip. Course Leaders devote 100% of their attention to the students, challenging them to assess and apply what they learn through first-hand experience so they take the most away from the program.

On-site Coordinator
A Christian Discoveries staff member stays with the group at the hotel to ensure the group's hotel preparations are in order. Rooms will be checked for cleanliness and movie request functions will be disconnected if possible. Most importantly, on-site coordinators assist with any urgent situations that may arise during the night.

Night Chaperones
Christian Discoveries provides night chaperones to ensure the safety and security of the students by monitoring the hallways throughout the night to ensure students remain safely in their rooms.

Emergency Services

Tour Central
Christian Discoveries' Tour Central offices are located in Washington, D.C., New York City, NY, and Williamsburg, VA, and are staffed by full-time Christian Discoveries employees who can be reached 24-hours a day during the tour season.

Trip Information Cards / Name Badges
Throughout the trip, all students carry cards or badges with Christian Discoveries’ emergency contact information. The cards have the student's name and toll free numbers to call in case of emergency.

The Most Extensive Insurance Coverage in the Educational Travel Industry

Insurance Coverage
Christian Discoveries carries the most extensive insurance package in the student travel industry, covering trip participants, educators, and chaperones. Christian Discoveries maintains the following coverage:
Accident, Medical, and Dental Insurance Accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance coverage is provided for all participants. Limits per single occurrence are $5,000 for accident, $1500 for illness, and $750 for accident-related dental. Any charges not covered by this insurance are the responsibility of the participant. Preexisting conditions and air-travel are not covered under this accident policy.

General and Professional Liability
Christian Discoveries carry the most extensive and comprehensive liability insurance in the student travel industry. Call for more details.

Supplier Liability Coverage
The ground transportation companies, airlines, hotels, restaurants, and sites that are used by Christian Discoveries have their own liability insurance.


USTOA Membership Means You’re Protected
WorldStrides as an Active Member of USTOA, is required to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of WorldStrides customers in the unlikely event of WorldStrides bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business. Further, you should understand that the $1 Million posted by WorldStrides may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery of the advance payments received by WorldStrides. Complete details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program may be obtained by writing to USTOA at 275 Madison Avenue, Suite 2014 , New York , New York 10016 , or by email to information@ustoa.com or by visiting their website at www.USTOA.com.

Full Refund Program
The Full Refund Program is a unique plan that is designed to protect participants’ investment and hard-earned dollars. Three out of four trip participants take advantage of this Program every year.

If a participant need to cancel prior to trip departure, he will receive a refund (less the program and all non-refundable fees*), regardless of the date or the reason. No questions asked. Over the years, we've made full refunds for unexpected situations including illness, academic problems, scheduling conflicts, weddings, job transfers, etc. The program does not make refunds in the event the trip is canceled as a result of or following an act of God, war (whether declared or not), terrorism, civil unrest, or in the event of WorldStrides' bankruptcy, insolvency, or cessation of business. All requests for cancellation must be made in writing and postmarked prior to the group’s departure. The modest fee for the Full Refund Program is added to the total trip price.
*The non-refundable deposit, fees for returned checks, late payments, handling charges, late registration, and merchandise purchases are not refundable.