Independent Arrivals, Program Registration & Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Afternoon: INDEPENDENT ARRIVALS. Please note: There will be a one-time complimentary shuttle at 3:00pm from Miami International Airport to the hotel in Key Largo. (The complimentary shuttle will also be available at the conclusion of the program, leaving after breakfast at 9:00 am from a local restaurant returning to Miami International Airport.) The Pick Up location will be Terminal H Baggage Claim # 6 ( by the benches). Meeting Time from 2:30-2:45 pm and shuttle depart promptly at 3:00 pm. If you are not taking the airport shuttle from/to Miami, please plan to arrive on your own in Key Largo and refer to the directions elsewhere in this document.

HOTEL CHECK-IN: Hotel check-in will be available from 4:00pm.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION & ORIENTATION: We will gather at 5:30 pm in our reserved room at the hotel (TBA) for welcome, introductions, hospitality, and an orientation to the program. we will have an informative overview of the program including a review of the updated daily schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have.

Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to weather and other local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible.

Dinner: Dinner will be out at a local restaurant.

Evening: The remainder of the evening is yours to continue getting to know your fellow participants, stroll along the boardwalk, or just relax and get ready for tomorrow. Because your days will be filled with adventures and activities, we are not scheduling evening programs. You will see and learn a lot and will need "down" time to be ready for what each day offers. This is also a great time for "grands" to spend time together sharing what these experiences mean to you.

Lodging: Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo

Meals Included: Dinner

John Pennekamp State Park Field Trip with Mangrove Jungle Walk, Glass Bottom Boat, Aquarium, Snorkeling Practice at the Beach

Breakfast: Breakfast will be out at a local restaurant.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Established in 1963, this was the first undersea park created in the U.S. The park combined with the adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary encompasses 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps. These areas were established to protect and preserve the only living coral reef in the continental U.S.

To become familiar with the environment, we will take an expert-led walk -- over pathways and boardwalk -- through mangrove habitat (approximately a mile). Learn about the importance of mangroves to the reefs and why the mangrove system is the second most productive bio-zone on the planet.

Then we will board a 65-foot glassbottom catamaran for a unique glimpse into the serene undersea world. As we pass through the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, you will be able to see a number of shallow reefs teeming with wildlife.

Lunch: Picnic lunch at the Park.

Afternoon: PRESENTATION: Enjoy a slide presentation on reef fish identification that will help you identify the reef fish you see on the reefs.

SNORKELING CLASS: The living, shallow-water coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are vibrant with color and activity. One of the best ways to experience these fragile reefs is by snorkeling and we will begin with a “how to snorkel” class on the beach. If you have already had experieence snorkeling, this will be a refresher. Note: Everyone, regardless of age, who wishes to snorkel must be able to swim.

When we actually go snorkeling, you will be provided with a safety vest that must be worn at all times (USCG requirement). We will also provide a mask, snorkel, and fins, or you may use your ownt. Also bring a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, and maybe a change of dry clothes.

Dinner: Dinner will be out at a local restaurant.

Evening: The evening is free time to talk over the day's experiences or enjoy what the resort has to offer. Get a good night's sleep for tomorrow's busy day!

Lodging: Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast will be out at a local restaurant.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Turtle Hospital (Hidden Harbor Marine Environmental Project, Inc.) We will go behind the scenes to explore the facilities and sea turtle rehabilitation area. At the conclusion of our exploration, you will have a chance to feed the permanent resident sea turtles. The Turtle Hospital opened in 1986. Its animal care professionals perform rehabilitation and a variety of surgeries on different species and sizes of sea turtles such as removing viral tumors, flipper amputations caused by fishing line and trap rope entanglements, shell damage caused by boat collisions, and intestinal impactions caused by ingestion of foreign materials such as plastic bags, balloons, and fishing line and/or hooks. The Turtle Hospital has successfully treated and released more than 1,000 Sea Turtles that are taken to the most appropriate release points.

Lunch: Picnic Lunch

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Visit Curry Hammock State Park for a ranger led walk along the beach to discover what lives at the waters edge. We will wade the shallow near shore ecosystem with collection nets and learn about the small creatures that live within the sea grass beds. Please wear water shoes or old sneakers; we will get our feet wet

Dinner: Dinner will be out at a local restaurant.

Evening: Our days are full of wonder, learning, and fun. Share your experiences with one another and with new friends or relax and look forward to tomorrow.

Lodging: Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast will be out at a local restaurant.

Morning: SNORKELING FIELD TRIP: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This sanctuary protects the third largest living coral barrier reef system in the world. We will go snorkeling in the shallow-water coral reefs, vibrant with color and activity, to appreciate more of the biology of corals and their importance.

Please be sure you follow the rules and regulations in place to make sure activities such as snorkeling are not harmful to sanctuary resources.

Lunch: Picnic lunch.

Afternoon: FREE AFTERNOON: Take this time to explore on your own or enjoy what the resort has to offer. We will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: Dinner will be out at a local restaurant.

Evening: Another set of great memories to add to your collection. Spend time with your "grands" and new friends, and get some rest for the last full day of the program tomorrow.

Lodging: Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast will be out at a local restaurant.

Morning: SNORKELING FIELD TRIP: We return to the living, shallow-water coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to see and learn more. In addition to the colorful corals, fishes, and other “critters” you will see a variety of seagrasses under water as well as above-ground birds and other wildlife.

Lunch: Picnic lunch.

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Theater of The Sea. This entertaining and educational marine animal park was established in 1946, making it the second oldest marine mammal facility in the world. The lagoons and lush, tropical gardens are home to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, sea turtles, tropical and game fish, sharks, stingrays, alligators, marine invertebrates, colorful parrots, and birds-of-prey. Exhibits and shows provide entertaining and educational encounters with marine life and other animals. Depending on local circumstances at the park, we will have opportunities to see dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows that integrate conservation issues, natural history, anatomy, and animal husbandry.

Dinner: Our final dinner of the program will be out at a local restaurant.

Evening: Enjoy a last evening on the program with your "grands" and new friends at the resort.

Lodging: Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: We will have breakfast out at a local restaurant before saying bon voyage.

Morning: WRAP-UP SESSION: We will have an informal wrap-up session to share what you thought was most interesting, exciting, and enjoyable. This will conclude the program.

We hope you have had a great time on this new Road Scholar Intergenerational learning adventure and will join us for other rewarding programs in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!

HOTEL CHECK-OUT: Check-out is by 11:00am. AIRPORT SHUTTLE TO MIAMI: Departs at 9:00 am after Breakfast.in a local restaurant

Meals Included: Breakfast