City Rally in Any Weather: How to Make an Excursion Weatherproof

A city rally is a fantastic way to introduce students to a new city interactively. But what to do if the weather forecast predicts rain or extreme heat? With the right planning, the rally can be a success in any weather.

1. Route Planning: Flexibility is Everything

Plan your route not only based on sights but also on weather shelters.

• Incorporate Indoor Stations: Integrate tasks that can be solved in covered passages, market halls, churches, or museum foyers. These serve as welcome breaks during rain or heat.
• Alternative Routes (Plan B): Create a shorter "bad weather route" that focuses on closely located, mostly covered places.

2. Materials: Robust and Digital

• Laminate or Use Waterproof Sleeves: Worksheets and maps quickly become useless in the rain. Laminate the materials or provide each group with a waterproof document sleeve.
• Digital Alternative: Create a digital version of the rally (e.g., with Actionbound or a simple web page) that students can use on their phones. This keeps the material protected at all times.

3. Adapt Tasks to the Weather

Be creative and use the weather as part of the rally.

• In Rain: "Take a photo of the most beautiful reflection of a landmark in a puddle." or "Find out what material the drainpipes on the old town hall are made of."
• In Sun/Heat: "Find the shadiest spot on the market square and sketch it." or "Count the ice cream flavors at the XY ice cream parlor."

4. Communicate Clothing and Gear Clearly

Inform students unequivocally in advance about the weather forecast and the necessary clothing. In case of rain, a rain jacket and sturdy shoes are mandatory. In the heat, a hat, sunscreen, and sufficient water are crucial.