The Chicago chapter sponsored the first airborne Siblings Weekend trip in 1997, attracting 30 siblings from that area. The travel program has been streamlined over the past 30 years to include mailing information to parents, managing reservations, supplying transportation for siblings, providing bus chaperones and communicating the schedule to students. Chapters use proceeds from the trips to provide scholarships for students from their areas. They provide the key transportation element. We can plan a calendar of events that is attractive to the siblings and to the students, but without the trips, we'd be hardpressed to have a successful weekend.
Most buses travel nonstop to Athens.
Parents are encouraged to provide children with a sack lunch for the Feb. 5 trip. It is highly recommended that parents talk to their Ohio University students prior to the visit to ensure that younger siblings are supervised throughout the visit. It also is recommended that children younger than 10 not travel alone. Housing accommodations for siblings should be arranged in advance by parents or the Ohio University student. Siblings usually stay with the students they are visiting.