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Intergenerational Adventure on Three Coastal Islands: Sea Turtles, Lighthouses and Shrimp Trawl

Program Number: 2534RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/16/2013 - 6/21/2013; 6/23/2013 - 6/28/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: St. Simons Island, Georgia
Price starting at: $799.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational
Intergenerational
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 9 - 12 years of age.

Discover three islands — St. Simons, Jekyll, Sapelo — off Georgia’s Atlantic coast. Explore Fort Frederica and climb to the top of a lighthouse on St. Simons. With a scientist, hop aboard a shrimp boat to seine and examine ocean critters. A field trip to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll is a special highlight. Learn how they help stranded and injured turtles — creatures that haven’t changed since the dinosaurs. Then ferry over to a village on Sapelo where the Gullah people preserve an African heritage from before the Civil War. Learn about animals and plants in tidal marshes and along ocean beaches, day and night. There’s even time for a ghost walk by lantern. Swimming, too! No boredom. Each day is filled with discovery and fun.




Highlights

• Uncover the history of island treasures such as Fort Frederica and Christ Church, and climb to the top of St. Simons Lighthouse.
• Learn about the shrimping industry while hauling in the “Catch of the Day” aboard a shrimp vessel. Then sample the shrimp you catch!
• Meet the staff at the state-of-the-art Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island and visit the turtle hospital.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles a day.



Coordinated by Center for Educational Adventure.




St. Simons Island

Pristine waters and white sandy beaches make St. Simons Island a popular destination. Part of the Golden Isles, the landscape’s moss-draped oaks, shady lanes and creek-fed pockets of marsh create a thriving habitat for birds, turtles, armadillos and deer.
Accommodations
This full-service resort offers spacious bedrooms, some with porches or sun decks overlooking the marshes or golf course. Large pool with lounge and restaurant, tennis courts, and golf. Meals plated, others buffet style, some meals eaten out on field trips.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Jenny Strauss
Jenny Strauss graduated with honors from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s in English, and minors in home furnishing and organ performance. On moving to the culturally rich Golden Isles of Georgia, she quickly developed a passion for knowledge of the area’s history, leading to a twenty year career as an instructor, presenter and storyteller. Jenny is the owner of History, Mystery, & More, Inc., and is a member of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society.
 
Tricia Buie
Tricia Buie makes history come alive through her work with Civil War reenactments and as a living history presenter throughout the Southeast, specializing in the lives of 19th-century women. She is a Coastal Georgia Historian for the Center for Educational Adventure, and is a volunteer docent for the Coastal Georgia Historic Lighthouse and Hofwyl Plantation. Tricia and her husband have personally researched and restored 6 historic homes, and they presently reside in a 108 year-old farmhouse.
 
Ann Wilson
A resident of St. Simons Island, Georgia, Ann Marie Wilson has been leading Road Scholar groups for the last 10 years. Acquiring degrees in biology, forestry and secondary education while attending Clemson and Coastal Carolina Universities gave Ann Marie the perfect background for her birding and naturalist excursions. She owns and operates Driftwood Education Center, a residential science and environmental education center for youth from all over the Southeast.
 
Griffin Lotson
Griffin Lotson is manager of the nationally acclaimed Gullah/Geechee Shouters in Darien, Ga. Gullah-Geechee is the traditional African culture brought to America by African slaves who worked the fields and plantations along the coasts of Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas. The ring shout is a traditional slave-day expression of spirituality and community. Griffin has traced his ancestral roots before slavery to Africa.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort
  St. Simons Island, GA 5 nights
 Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort
Type: Hotel
  Description: The hotel is centrally located on St. Simons Island and close to everything the Golden Isles have to offer: the finest beaches and golf courses, restaurants, historical sites, water sports and shopping. Your resort hotel has an outdoor pool, rooms that overlook the golf course or tidal marshlands, and all of this in the surrounds of giant live oak trees. Each guest room has a small refrigerator and sink. The deluxe rooms are some of the largest standard guest rooms in the Golden Isles. With breathtaking views from a screened porch or sunroom overlooking the marsh or golf course, the recently renovated rooms offer two double beds, a large bathroom with double sink vanity, a refrigerator, coffee maker and a wet bar.
  Contact info: 5445 Frederica Rd
St. Simons Island, GA 31522 USA
phone: 912-638-3351 xor18008416268
web: www.seapalms.com
  Room amenities: Coffee maker Complimentary Internet Access-Wireless Iron and Ironing Board Kitchenette in select rooms Dinner/Cookware Private Deck/Balcony in select rooms Refrigerator Rollaway Beds Workspace Non-Smoking Rooms Voicemail Wake-Up Calls
  Facility amenities: Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort offers 27 holes of golf on three newly renovated courses. Enjoy spectacular views of the marsh while placing challenging shots over lagoons and beneath the majestic live oaks. Two pristine swimming pools, both with children’s wading areas, are located on the property. One is adjacent to the guest rooms and restaurant and the other is at the tennis and fitness center facility. Enjoy the tiki bar located beside the pool and the Putters Room and bar. For fitness enthusiasts, we are pleased to announce the opening of a new fitness facility as part of the existing tennis and fitness center. State of the art resistance and aerobic equipment will help keep you in shape while on vacation or attending a conference. Bicycles may be rented for full- and half-days at the Golf Pro shop. Biking is the perfect way to experience the beauty of St. Simons Island to its fullest. All guests of Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort may enjoy unlimited access to the St. Simons Beach Club, located right on the Atlantic Ocean and just a four mile drive from the resort.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call for seasonal rate. Participants arriving early or staying late need to call the hotel and make arrangements. 912-638-3351 or 1-800-841-6268
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call for seasonal rate. Participants arriving early or staying late need to call the hotel and make arrangements. 912-638-3351 or 1-800-841-6268
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
5:00 PM in Conference Center of Hotel. You will be staying at Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort that night.
  End of Program:
10:30 - 11:00 AM Box Lunch and Check-Out. You will be staying at Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. If you have a Senior Pass, Golden Age Passport or National Parks Pass, please bring it with you.
  Parking availability:
Parking is free at hotel for duration of program.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  St. Simons Island, GA
  Nearest city or town:  St. Simons Island and Brunswick, GA
  Nearest highway: I-95
  Nearest airport:  Jacksonville International and a small airport in Brunswick, GA
  From End of Program
  Location: St. Simons Island, GA
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Jacksonville, FL

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Advantage Limo - one of several
phone: 877-634-5466
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call for pricing
Prices are subject to change.
   

Shuttle service from Brunswick airport or from Jacksonville, FL airport to program site on St. Simons arranged by reservation. Advantage Limo 877-634-5466; Island Cab 912-634-0113 MAX Transport 912-634-7749; Island Premier 912-266-7450.
 

Brunswick

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Golden Isles Shuttle
phone: 912-264-1221

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call for most recent price.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Distance:

 

10 miles
   

Golden Isles Shuttle phone: 912-264-1221 Advanced Reservations Required Call for most recent price.
 

Brunswick, GA

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
A2B Transport
phone: 912-223-3271
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$30.00 for one person and $5.00 for each additional person with a max up to $50.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

10 miles
   

Advanced reservations required. They accept all major credit cards. There is a $5.00 fee for credit card use.
 

Jacksonville, FL

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
A2B Transport
phone: 912-223-3271
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$80.00 for one person and $5.00 for each additional person
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour 25 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

77 miles
   

They require advanced reservations and accept all major credit cards. There is a $5.00 fee for credit card use.
 

Savannah, GA

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
A2B Transport
phone: 912-223-3271
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$100 for one person and $5.00 for each additional person
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour 35 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

85 miles
   

Advanced reservations required. They accept all major credit cards. There is a $5.00 fee for credit card use.
 
Driving Directions
  From Atlanta, GA to Sea Palms Resort On St. Simons Island, GA DIRECTIONS TO SEA PALMS FROM ATLANTA, GA I-75 South to Macon - I-16 East to Savannah - 1-95 South to Georgia Exit #38 - Turn left off ramp onto Georgia Spur 25 - Spur 25 will merge with US Hwy 17 South after eight traffic signals - Follow US Hwy 17 South to third traffic signal and turn left onto the St. Simons Island (Torras) Causeway - Arriving on the island, bear left at the round-a-bout, onto Sea Island Road. - Proceed approximately 2.5 miles to the traffic signal and turn left, (Frederica Road) - Sea Palms Guest Registration building is 1.5 miles on the left - Clubhouse and Conference Center are across the street on Windward Drive
  From Brunswick Airport to Sea Palms Resort DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM BRUNSWICK AIRPORT TO SEA PALMS When leaving the airport turn left on to Jetport Road. At the end of the road take a right on to US. Hwy. 17, heading south. Stay on Hwy. 17 for approximately 5 or 6 miles. Once you pass the Hercules (Pulp mill on the right) you will take a left on to the St. Simons Island causeway. The Causesway to St. Simons Island is approximately 4 miles long. As soon as you get on the island get in the left lane because you will take a left at the first traffic light. You will be turning onto Sea Island Road. Proceed on this road a couple miles then at the next traffic light, turn left onto Frederica Road. Approximately 2 miles on your left will be the Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort Registration building.
  From Jacksonville, FL to Sea Palms Resort on St. Simons Island, GA I-95 North to Sea Palms Resort on St. Simons Island, GA - Turn right off ramp to US Hwy 17 North - Proceed approximately ten miles to the St. Simons Island (Torras) Causeway - Turn right onto causeway - Arriving on the island, bear left at the round-a-bout, onto Sea Island Road. - Proceed approximately 2.5 miles to the traffic signal and turn left, (Frederica Road) - Sea Palms Guest Registration building is 1.5 miles on the left - Clubhouse and Conference Center are across the street on Windward Drive
Equipment Requirements: Binoculars are good for birding.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration and check-in/Orientation and Games
(Sunday, June 23)
   
 Afternoon: Check-in for the hotel starts at 4:00 pm. Registration host will give you your packet upon check-in. Road Scholar staff will meet you at 5:00 pm in the Conference Room at Sea Palms Resort. Orientation is at 5 pm, followed by dinner and get acquainted.
 Dinner: Dining Room of conference center.
 Evening: Get Acquainted games for grandparents and grandkids allows the two generations to get to know each other better.
   
Accommodations: Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Fort Frederica and St. Simons Field Trip, Beach Mock Turtle Activity, Lamplight Ghost Walk
(Monday, June 24)
   
 Breakfast: Located in assigned room of the hotel conference center. TBA
 Morning: Join us on a field trip to see and explore Fort Frederica and St. Simons. These island treasures provide an historical perspective of the colonial and Civil War era of Georgia. Fort Frederica was the focus of defense for the fledgling English colony of Georgia. The remains of the fortified settlement, established in 1736 by the founder of Georgia, Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe, include ruins of the fort, barracks, walls, moat, and several houses. See the film "History Uncovered".
 Lunch: Lunch will be at a popular island restaurant called Mullet Bay.
 Afternoon: After lunch take a trip to the beach for a "mock nest" adventure. We may also go seining if the tides are right. If not, we'll be seining on Sapelo or Jekyll Islands or both. After we are finished, we can all jump into the swimming pool at the hotel and cool off until time for dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner will be at the hotel.
 Evening: This fun lamplight walking tour of Olde St. Simons and the waterfront will introduce you to the ghost stories of the island. Have fun!
   
Accommodations: Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Sand Sculpture, Shrimp Trawl, Sea Turtle Walk On Jekyll Island
(Tuesday, June 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Have fun as you mold sand and create your own sand sulpture while "sandcasting".
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.
 Afternoon: Welcome aboard the Lady Jane - a United States Coast Guard certified 49 passenger steel shrimping vessel recently retired after years of loyal service to the shrimping industry. She has been painstakingly refurbished for your cruising pleasure. sort the shrimp from her catch of Bonnethead, Blacktip, Sand shark, Horseshoe Crab,Puffer Fish, Amberjack, Crocker, Spot, Whiting, Bluecrab and Skate. Sit back and enjoy boiled shrimp First Mate John Tyre has prepared, If you're worried about bad weather, relax! Each cruise will be in protected waters of St. Simon Sound. LadyJane provides an air conditioned cabin, restroom, large open decks with ample room for you to walk around and enjoy the view.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: Explore the beach at night, and learn about the amazing journey of loggerhead sea turtles nesting along the Georgia Coast. We will begin with a 30-45 minute presentation at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center about the natural history of sea turtles, followed by a guided beach tour in search of a nesting turtle. For the safety of the turtles and compliance with the Jekyll Island Lighting Ordinance, flashlights, camera and video camera lights are not allowed on the Walks. Infrared night vision cameras are allowed at the discretion of the walk guide and/or GSTC Staff. Walk Guides will have a special, turtle-friendly, approved flashlight.
   
Accommodations: Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Grands at Jekyll Island Historic District/Kids at Boneyard Beach, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Ring Shouters
(Wednesday, June 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: The grandchildren will explore the beaches on Jekyll Island. The grandparents will be taking a field trip on the trolley seeing the millionaire village and cottages on Jekyll Island. Grandparents will be getting on and off the trolley to go inside cottages, Faith Chapel, and the Jekyll Island Hotel. Kids will visit Boneyard Beach. North End Beach, best walked at low tide, shows dramatic evidence of erosion, with the exposed roots of dead, decorticated oaks and pines producing a boneyard beach that wraps around to the eastern side of the island. The oaks have flat root mats and the pines have deep, vertical roots. During storms, the heavier oaks tend to tip over and remain, while the pines snap off at the roots and are carried off by the tides. It is one of the most photographed areas of Jekyll Island for natural beauty in the world. Grandparents will join grandchildren at Boneyard Beach after their trolley tour.
 Lunch: We'll all meet back for lunch at Sea Jays on Jekyll Island.
 Afternoon: Through sea turtle rehabilitation, research and education programs, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center will increase awareness of habitat and wildlife conservation challenges, promote responsibility for ecosystem health and empower individuals to act locally, regionally, and globally to protect the environment. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a hospital for ill and injured sea turtles. We are the only hospital of its kind in the state of Georgia. The Center is open to the general public and offers an interactive Exhibit Gallery and Rehabilitation Pavilion with a number of viewable sea turtle patients. We will have a guide take us through the hospital and exhibit area.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: Sit back and relax with a local entertainment group called the Ring Shouters. They were invited to participate in the inaugural parade in Washington this year.
   
Accommodations: Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Sapelo Island,Hog Hammock Beach,Colonial Dress
(Thursday, June 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: We will travel to Darien, GA, about a 25 minute drive from St. Simons. We'll gather at the Darien dock to go over on the ferry to Sapelo Island. Once we arrive at the Sapelo dock, a bus will pick us up for the field trip. Visitors to Sapelo Island can see virtually every facet of a barrier island's natural community, from the forested uplands, to the vast salt marsh, and the complex beach and dunes systems. The mainland Visitor Center brings to life both the natural and cultural history of Sapelo highlight the African-American community of Hog Hammock, University of Georgia Marine Institute, Reynolds Mansion and newly restored lighthouse.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch under the beach pavilion on Sapelo Island or we may have lunch at the RJ Reynolds Mansion if they do not have guests in the mansion.
 Afternoon: Field trip continues on Sapelo.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: Sit back and relax as you learn about colonial life in Georgia. The instructor will talk about life in the colonies; what they wore, what they ate and their way of life. She will bring colonial clothing and dress some of the participants for a "look" at colonial dress.
   
Accommodations: Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Hands-On With Reptiles and Critters, Farewell
(Friday, June 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Driftwood Education Center will bring in the reptiles this final morning. Believe it or not, it is a hands on experience that includes many different reptiles. The favorite so far has been the snakes!
 Lunch: Program ends at 10:30 am.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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