Parents and high school students everywhere are dealing with a new challenge unique to the times. College visits! In a world of social distancing and online classes, how will you know which colleges are a good fit? Virtual tours offer a great overview of schools and classes, but there’s really nothing like being there in […]

It starts in October. The stress begins to build as I think about what to get my kids (17 and 13) for Christmas. AirPods? There’s $200 I’ll never see again. They’ll be lost before the new year. Gift cards? They seem a bit impersonal. I suppose there’s always the standard socks and underwear… Oh, how […]

Planning a student trip is going to be different. The phrase “new normal” is now part of our everyday vocabulary, along with “social distancing”, “masks required”, and “sanitizing station.” The new normal sounds like a lot of work! Wouldn’t it be great to plan a student trip with less worry? Plan A Student Trip with […]

Let’s face it, we now live in a virtual world. We learn and game online, shop online, hold Zoom meetings, order from online delivery services, and meet up with friends virtually. We even take part in online music competitions. We are resilient in the face of adversity, and none more so than kids. So, when […]

Planning a scouting trip is a great way to explore the world while earning merit badges. There are so many options from which to choose!  It really depends on what you hope to accomplish. Consider these 4 best scout trips for merit badges (and fun!)   Washington D.C. Washington D.C. has been a great scout […]

If you are looking for an amazing student music trip, think about spicing things up. Lafayette is the birthplace of Cajun, Creole, Zydeco, Jazz, Blues, Rock & Roll, and more. It’s the epicenter of American music! Here are 7 reasons to plan a music trip to Lafayette… 1.  Acadian Culture If Lafayette is the birthplace […]

Robert Burton taught at J.C. Booth Middle School in Georgia for 30 years. He loved to travel with students and chose Kaleidoscope as his trusted trip planner for more than 25 life-changing student adventures! Mr. Burton shares expert advice for planning a great school trip. 1. “Tease” the trip Talking about the trip builds excitement […]

If you’re like me, you’re climbing the walls. Your nose is pressed to the window and all you can think about is going somewhere. ANYWHERE. You want to plan a trip! But travel looks a little different right now. How do you know where to go, what to do, or where to stay? How do […]

This post was inspired by Yamaha Master Educator Richard Floyd Every marching band, ensemble, or solo performer knows the drill. After months of rehearsal and hours of fine-tuning, they nervously prepare to take the field or stage. Frazzled directors hopping with adrenaline shout last-minute performance tips like “Don’t forget about embouchure!” “Use good technique!” “Keep […]

Do you remember the Hormel Pepperoni commercial with the guy playing a polka version of “pep-pep-pepperona?” My music-loving, accordion-playing son LOVED it! He thought it was the greatest way ever to make a living and wondered how he could get in on the action. I mean, it can’t be easy to make your mark as […]

I needed some mascara and asked my 13-year-old for help.   Which one would make my middle-aged eyes pop (in a good way!)? She immediately went to her phone and gave me a recommendation from someone I’d never heard of. Huh? She rolled her still youthful eyes at me and said “Mom, she’s like the biggest […]

Advances in technology and the enormous influence of social media have created a digital world. Toss in a pandemic, and EVERYONE is doing something virtually! Job applications are online, music auditions are virtual, even the NBA is playing for a virtual audience.  The internet is buzzing with opportunities for success beyond your wildest dreams. But […]