Dave Robinson is passionate about history. It’s the subject he teaches at Port Perry High School in Durham, Ontario, and it’s his motivation for world travel with Explorica. In fact, Dave plans Explorica tours in conjunction with events of historical significance. And his trips are anything but ordinary. In 2005 he organized a trip to Hong Kong for over 200 students and 50 adults to commemorate the Canadian Veterans who died there in 1941. It was the largest civilian tour group ever in China.

This year, Dave traveled to Vimy, France, where his group participated in the 90th anniversary ceremony of Canada’s victorious battle of Vimy Ridge during World War I. They even met the Queen of England.

Below Dave offers some insight on how and why he organized the Return to Vimy tour.

What compelled you to organize such a large group of students to attend the 90th anniversary of Vimy Ridge?  
Because it needed to be done and it had to be done at the grassroots level, not by the government. All great countries have an historical event that defines them as a nation—ours is the Battle of Vimy Ridge. I have always believed that Canada's youth would "rally" behind an opportunity to show that they do remember and they do truly care about the sacrifices that were made by all branches of Canada's military. The 90th anniversary presented itself as an opportunity that I knew teachers across Canada could enthusiastically support and promote within their schools. 

What is your secret to organizing successful group tours? 
Step 1: Pick the best tour company to meet all your needs. I’ve tried them all and Explorica is by far the best. The staff makes the difference—Explorica’s is professional & personal.  
Step 2: Organization & Communication. The more detailed you are the easier the tour actually is. So by preparing and communicating with your students regularly, the students and parents will support you fully. You also can re–use your infrastructure from previous tours, which saves you time. 
Step 3: Pick a good team to work with. Remember, there is no such thing as a free trip— everyone must share in the workload. 
Step 4: Take a full bus. Your own bus means your rules. No other group's problems to contend with, no personality conflicts.

What is your best memory from the Vimy tour? 
I have two. The first is the parade of students into the Vimy site at the 90th anniversary celebrations. Seeing the thousands of students coming over the "ridge" as the soldiers did on Easter Monday 90 years ago and knowing that they personally represented them is an experience that I shall remember forever. 

The other is our Memorial Capsule ceremony, at the moment the students were laying the wreaths on behalf of their schools, a solitary piper was playing Amazing Grace and then the rest of the pipers and drums corps joined in. All the other students were standing at attention behind a grave stone. At that moment a wave of emotion swept across everyone in attendance. You could not only feel it but see it in the faces of everyone, students and teachers alike. It was absolutely magical—a once in a lifetime moment shared by the thousands in attendance.