Upcoming Elderhostel Programs
Ending Hunger Through Education: Help Build a Heifer Global Village (Service Program) — #16151
August 24-29, 2008
September 29-October 3, 2008
November 2-7, 2008
Become part of an expanding global network of hope, dignity and self-reliance by providing service to organizations dedicated to ending hunger and poverty. Help Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry construct a Heifer Global Village, a site replicating impoverished homes around the world. The Heifer Global Village is one method that Heifer International, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending world hunger and poverty in a way that cares for the earth, uses to raise awareness of hunger and poverty. Combine your construction experience with direct service to those in need. Visit and serve at local Maryland soup kitchens and assist the DC Central Kitchen prepare 4,500 meals that will be delivered to feeding stations throughout the Washington area.
Celebrating Eastern Woodland Indian History and Culture — #6756
October 12-17, 2008
Come join us in a total immersion within a Native American setting of the 18th century. Experience Native culture in the deep shaded forests of the northeast by creating lodges, cooking in pumpkins, and making Native American crafts. You will leave this Elderhostel with an appreciation for how the Eastern Woodland Native Americans lived, loved, raised their children and died both before and after contact with European cultures. Includes a field trip to the Smithsonian's Native American Museum.
Biking the Chesapeake and Ohio TowPath — #13306
April 20-25, 2008
May 4-9, 2008
May 11-16, 2008
October 12-17, 2008
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal provides 185 miles of beautiful
tree-lined towpath for biking and/or hiking. Join us in biking
20-30 mile segments each day, following the path of the canal
westward from Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD. The Great Falls,
PawPaw Tunnel and Canal Place Museum are all wonderful historic
stops along the way. Bicycles, helmets, transportation and guides
are provided for a memorable ride through the Nation's early history.
Preserving Antietam National Battlefield (Service Program) — #11104
April 13-18, 2008
The Civil War's Battle of Antietam was costly to both the North
and South. Its place in history is recorded as the single
bloodiest day in United States history. Amid the now tranquil fields,
rock fences and streams, once laid 23,000 dead or wounded.
At Antietam, the National Park Service is working to restore
the landscape to its appearance on the day of the battle,
September 17, 1862. The battlefield offers a unique opportunity
to accomplish this goal because the land within and surrounding
it has remained largely rural and agricultural. Work projects
may include assisting with removal of vegetation to restore
historic field areas, fence maintenance, and various work
activities at the historic Sherrick Farmhouse or other buildings
on the park property.
The Civil War: The Battles of South Mountain, Harpers Ferry and Antietam — #1509
April 13-18, 2008
Join Civil War historians as they examine a time in history
when disputed territories, divided loyalties, and devastated
communities pitted brother against brother. The Civil War
history of the Maryland Campaign will come alive through lectures
and field trips to the South Mountain Battlefields, Harpers Ferry
and Antietam. Listen to historians who believe walking the
battlefields is best when combined with and understanding to
“The Art of War.” Lectures and living history help you to explore
the cultural components of this era through the music of the Civil
War, architecture of Harpers Ferry and the Antietam National
Battlefield, and the arms and accoutrements of the Civil War Soldier.
Birding Along the Potomac — #14617
May 4-9, 2008
From grasslands to riparian zones to forested woodlands, the
Potomac River watershed offers an abundance of avian habitats
to choose from. Over 200 species are in residence, including
Eastern Wood Warblers, Rusty Blackbird, Tanagers, nesting Eagles,
the Rose Breasted Grosbeak and a variety of songbirds.
Top-notch birding experts teach species identification and birdsong
recognition, while new bird-photography techniques with a scope
add a special dimension for the bird lover. Learn about habits,
habitats, food source preferences and migratory patterns to
anticipate birds seen in field explorations. Special access through
the National Conservation Training Center, a birds of prey
rehabilitation site and direct access to the C & O Canal from the
Shepherd’s Spring property complete the birding experience.
Walking about 2 miles per day! Participants are encouraged to
bring their own binoculars, photographic equipment and field
guides.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park: A Walker's Paradise — #2206
May 11-16, 2008
October 12-17, 2008
Discover the history and beauty of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
National Park along the scenic Potomac River. Join noted educators
as you explore the Canal’s role in the Civil War, 19th and early
20th century transportation, and natural science history.
Exploration of this first multi-use trail in the United States
will take place through guided walking experiences. Highlights
include historic PawPaw Tunnel, Harpers Ferry, Monocacy Aqueduct
and a scenic ride on a mule drawn canal boat replica. Easy to
moderate walking on the flat, well maintained towpath.
Transportation to off-site areas provided by motorcoach. Total
daily walking will not exceed six miles on the level C&O Canal
Towpath.
Planes, Trains, Roads and Canal Boats — #15218
October 19-24, 2008
Rich in transportation history, the Hagerstown, MD area has historic
Railroads, the C&O Canal, early aviation history, the Old National Road,
modern Interstate highways and a Volvo power train test lab. Two historic
rail line trips through scenic mountain valleys, an excursion on a restored
canal boat, and a visit to the Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum are included
in this program's field trips. Traveling the National Road and interstate
system bring the transportation cylce into the modern era. A great way to
experience the various transportation systems important to America’s history
and future!
A Segway Through History, Justice Douglas' Wonderful Walk, Do-It-Yourself Rain Recapture Landscaping — #16508
September 7-12, 2008
This active three subject program provides plenty of time outdoors. Study the Civil War Battles of South Mountain and Antietam. Glide with your guide through the hilly terrain of Antietam National Battlefield on your personal Segway (easy, training provided). Discover the beautiful walk Supreme Court Justice William O Douglas helped to preserve along the C & O Canal Towpath.
Recount a journey on the canal with a short trip on a mule powered canal boat . Learn how to create a rain garden, then make a rain barrel to capture and use runoff. See how the basics of xeriscaping can improve your home landscape.
An Afternoon With Nora Roberts, Cultural Connections to Hunger, Classic Games from Cards to Croquet — #16520
September 21-26, 2008
October 26-31, 2008
Enjoy the historic hometown of bestselling American author Nora Roberts . A stop at her family's bookshop — Turn The Page Books - provides a great opportunity to get autographed copies of her novels. Learn the history behind some favorite card games, board games and croquet. Show off your game skills in friendly competitions. Explore global hunger and poverty issues by participating in a Heifer Global Village Cultural Connections program. Cultural Connections provides a glimpse into the Guatemalan lifestyle and the impact of providing livestock and training to impoverished peoples. No passport needed!
Cycling Through History: Civil War Battlefields and Period Architecture Along the Mason Dixon Line — #13306
September 29-October 3, 2008
Discover the Civil War significance of the Battles of Antietam and Gettysburg. Then explore those battlefields by bicycle. Spend a day meandering past huge bank barns and beautiful colonial period homes. End the week with a ride on a seven person conference bike.
Registration is done through Elderhostel, Inc. via phone (877) 426-8056 or online at www.elderhostel.org.
Visit our Program Calendar to view our full schedule of programs being offered for adults.
Feel free to Contact us to discuss our Elderhostel and other programs specifically designed for adults.