For the week-long school-oriented SALTS trips, it seems worthwhile to spend the week-ends on either/both end(s) touring the Victoria area (I *know* there are tons of possible options:  Coast Guard, UVic, Navy, the Legislature, plus lots of possibly more fun/acceptable venues for teens).  Presumably it´d have to be an option, since *some people* of a 20 person strong trip from, say, Calgary, might not have the time for weekends.  So some would go home; some would tour the area.

Is this ever done?  Is it done much?  ~5% of groups? 50%? 95%? If it is done, is the reaction positive?  Is there any downside for participants wanting to see the area (other than extra costs, etc.)?  Any related comments?  TIA for any feedback at all. - B.

While I can´t answer for others or general group stats - I know I used to spend extra time for each trip. Especially before-hand because you needed to at least get there the night before to make the start of the trip (at least it used to be that way anyway)

Why do you ask?

Well, for me it was just because I have loads of friends in Vic and it was a chance to visit (several days to a week in advance at times) but never anything organized by the group - so I´m not sure how much my experience fits in with your question.

There certainly are a lot of fun things to do in the area - so my opinion would be that it would be a great idea to spend some extra time - assuming the cost fit in with the group´s budget.

re the speed of my responce: web designer working from home = usually sitting in front of the computer ;)

Thanks...  Yeah, I know about the prep time and I gather many kids arrive Sunday late afternoon.  But that´s why I mentioned "touring" and gave a few brief examples of possible venues.  So I still don´t know if your "extra time" was only for ´to make the start of the trip´ (necessary time to make the trip isn´t my version of extra), or you actually spent time doing Victoria-area things of interest.  If you did, were there any standout items you think all kids should see?  And any that should be avoided (Butchart Gardens, as nice as it is, seems not the coolest place for 13-14 year olds)?

I ask because I´ve been talking to parents about doing just this over the next several years and am trying to get a handle on whether it´s been done by others... And if so; what were ´hits´, what were ´misses´, was it well received (remembering that only kids wanting to do this would be doing it), were there any issues or concerns, etc.  I know Victoria pretty well, but I want to know from the perspective (positive and negative, as applicable) of people doing this precise thing (i.e. a SALTS - or competitor - trip / school kids as participants / one weekend or two / touring venues as I suggested or indeed others that I haven´t raised).  Thanks for your blindingly quick response, BTW.  :-)

Yeah, I think lots of people likely have at least some Vic-connections, and I see utilizing them as well (perhaps) to the benefit of all.  As just a small example, I have the contacts that I hope submarine and Oriole tours will happen, and I´d have no problem if say a dozen students were joined by a few local friends if there was interest.  But this is all preliminary, right now.

Ahhh... so are you the WebMaster here, Scott?  I´m actually glad I got you, because I want to use at least one of your superb shots (attached, if it works) to sell this idea of touring Victoria.  And, FWIW, I´m just a Dad trying to help other kids and parents so there´s no commercial issues here at all... and there never will be.  Cheers, Brett.

Feel free to use the photo :)

Sounds like a great time to be had if you can organize it!