Road Scholar : Home
Intergenerational Outdoor Discovery and Challenges on Vancouver Island

Program Number: 2677RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/18/2013 - 8/24/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Strathcona Provincial Park, British Columbia
Price starting at: $1,189.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational
Intergenerational 		Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 17; 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt    

Program intended for grandchildren from 9 - 14 years of age.

Discover strengths, honor potential, share dreams, conquer fears, and exchange the wisdom of shared experiences. In a safe harness and supportive environment: climb a rock bluff, rappel from a cliff, swing like Tarzan on a zip line, and solve problems cooperatively in a ropes course. Journey by canoe to Swan Bay for an (optional) overnight camp-out.




Highlights

• Learn survival techniques, layered-clothing systems, canoeing, orienteering and wilderness etiquette.
• Under expert supervision and a safety harness, climb a rock bluff, rappel from a cliff, swing from a zip line, and navigate a ropes course.
• Enjoy natural history discussions while exploring a sphagnum bog, home of the carnivorous sundew plant.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven terrain.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Strathcona Provincial Park

Established in 1911, British Columbia's oldest provincial park encompasses 544,000 acres in the center of Vancouver Island, spanning nearly its entire width. The spectacular landscape is characterized by mountain peaks, lakes, rivers and alpine meadows.
Accommodations
Timber-framed chalet rooms or suites, shared bath, 4-5 people: 2 sets grandparent(s)/ grandchild(ren); rooms are free of televisions, telephones, internet. Facilities include waterfront with beach and wood-fired sauna.
Meals and Lodgings
   Strathcona Park Lodge
  Campbell River, BC 6 nights
 Strathcona Park Lodge
Type: Lodge
  Description: Adjacent to Strathcona Provincial Park, on Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada, Strathcona Park Lodge is a wilderness resort offering customized holiday adventures for adults of all ages, summer camps for youth (WYLD), wilderness leadership training (COLT), outdoor weddings, outdoor education for schools, health and fitness workshops, and more… . And yes! You can just come and stay and relax in any of our chalet rooms or cottages and enjoy our fine dining.
  Contact info: PO Box 2160
Campbell River, BC V9W 5C5 Canada
phone: 250-286-3122
web: www.strathcona.bc.ca
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: $120 + tax For people wishing to relax when coming from a distance - extra nights approximately $120 CDN + GST per person.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $120 + tax For people wishing to relax when coming from a distance - extra nights approximately $120 CDN + GST per person.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Arrivals to Campbell River, BC, Canada - check-in after 4:00 p.m. You will be staying at Strathcona Park Lodge that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast in Campbell River, BC, Canada. You will be staying at Strathcona Park Lodge the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A valid passport will be required from all passengers at US border crossings Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up-to-date info. A signed waiver is required from participants.
  Required innoculations:
Yes: Tetanus shot within the last ten years.
  Parking availability:
Available parking adjacent to all accommodation.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Campbell River, BC
  Nearest city or town:  Campbell River, BC
  Nearest highway: Hwy 28
  Nearest airport:  Campbell River
  From End of Program
  Location: Campbell River, BC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

From Nanaimo

 

From Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Island Link Bus
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Travel Time:

 

2 - 3 hours 
 

Distance:

 

95 miles/153 kms
   

Bus service from Nanaimo to Campbell River (then shuttle from Campbell River to lodge. Reservations for the Island Link bus recommended. On-line reservations only. Ferry is available from Vancouver (mainland) to Nanaimo with BC Ferries www.bcferries.com. Ferry departs from Horeshoe Bay (West Vancouver) for Departure Bay (Nanaimo). Crossing time approximately 1 hr 40 minutes. Bus service is available to Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) with Island Link bus. On line reservations only.
 

Campbell River Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Campbell River Airporter Shuttle
phone: 250-286-3000
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approx $80
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 - 60 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

40 kms/25 miles
   

Shuttle will pick up at Campbell River airport and transfer to Strathcona Park Lodge. Call ahead for times and current rates. Flights are available from Vancouver to Campbell River through Pacific Coastal airlines: 1-800-663-2872; www.pacific-coastal.com OR Central Mountain Air: 1-888-865-8585; www.flycma.com/index.html. Float plane flights available between Vancouver and Campbell River with Vancouver Island Air: 1-877-331-2433; viair@island.net

 

Campbell River Bus Station

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Campbell River Airporter Shuttle
phone: 250-286-3000
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approx $80
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 - 60 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

40 kms/25 miles
   

Shuttle will pick updrop off at Campbell River bus station and transfer to/from Strathcona Park Lodge. Call ahead for times and current rates. Contact Greyhound Canada: 1-800-661-8747; www.greyhound.ca/home for bus schedules and rates for coach travel from Vancouver (and other locations) to Campbell River.
 
Driving Directions
  Campbell River (and areas south) From the Campbell River airport and areas south: Do not cross the Campbell River. From Highway 19 the Inland Island Highway or 19A the Old Island Highway follow the signs to Gold River and Highway 28, the Gold River Highway. This leads west out of town, following the Campbell River before climbing a long hill. Drive for about 40 minutes, 42 kilometres, to Strathcona Park Lodge, right on the side of the highway.
  Vancouver by Car & Ferry When coming from Vancouver, take BC Ferries from Tsawwassen (south of Vancouver) or Horseshoe Bay (North Vancouver) to Nanaimo. Follow Highway 19 north to Campbell River, then take Highway 28 west towards Gold River. Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre is located just after the 40 km marker (about a 40 minute drive). BC Ferries operates daily, year-round ferry service between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island. Contact: 1-888-BCFERRY or www.bcferries.com
  Victoria From downtown Victoria go north on Government Street. Connect with Douglas Street/Trans Canada Highway/BC 1 North. Continue to follow the Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 North. Merge onto Nanaimo Pkwy/BC-19 N via the ramp to Parksville/Campbell River. Continue to follow BC-19 North to Campbell River, then take Highway 28 west towards Gold River. Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre is located just after the 40 km marker. MV Coho sails daily, all year round, between Port Angeles and Victoria. Contact: Black Ball Transport Inc. Tel: (250) 386-2202 in Victoria, Tel: (360) 457-4491 in Port Angeles, www.cohoferry.com


Required innoculations:

Yes: Tetanus shot within the last ten years.
Equipment Requirements: Sleeping bag, ensolite or Therm-a-rest, unbreakable cup, bowl & spoon (all can be rented from the Lodge) water bottle, ziploc bags/garbage bags for waterproofing, water-resistant paddling jacket, warm under clothing
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/Slideshow/Introduction
(Sunday, August 18)
   
 Arrive To: ARRIVAL & WELCOME: Welcome to Strathcona Park Lodge and Outdoor Education Centre, where we are committed to helping children and adults of all ages appreciate the wilderness and learn more about themselves and others. Participants arrive and register. Then time to unpack, unwind, and relax after your journey! You may also informally meet your fellow participants in your chalet building.
 Dinner: Meals at Strathcona are hearty and nutritious and reflect our commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Dinners consist of poultry, meat or fish dishes, vegetarian options, vegetables, salads, fresh breads and dessert. Our chefs also cater to vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs.
 Evening: ORIENTATION: You will meet with your guides for the program, as well as formally meet your fellow participants. There will be a presentation on the history of Strathcona as well as learn about the area. After that you will go on an introductory tour of Strathcona Lodge.
   
Accommodations: Strathcona Park Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures/Canoeing/Swimming
(Monday, August 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfasts feature freshly baked muffins, fresh fruit, hot cereals, granola, and eggs, pancakes or french toast.
 Morning: HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE: Morning activities for grandchildren and grandparents to promote group development, trust, problem solving initiatives and challenges ,and of course fun! We also introduce our Challenge by Choice philosophy.
 Lunch: Lunch consists of home-made soups, casseroles, ethnic dishes, sandwiches, and a choice of salads and fresh fruit.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Canoeing focusing on skills development and fun, all the while learning the canoe, paddle strokes, and comfort in the water.
 Dinner: Dinners consist of poultry, meat or fish dishes, vegetarian options, vegetables, salads, fresh breads and dessert.
 Evening: FREE TIME: Time for swimming on the sandy beach and a group campfire at dusk.
   
Accommodations: Strathcona Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: High Ropes/Zipline/Kayaking/Orienteering
(Tuesday, August 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Lodge
 Morning: HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE: The high ropes and zipline are powerful and challenging activities, built from logs, cables and ropes suspended above ground up to a height of forty feet. Participants are secured at all times with harnesses and wear helmets. Good communication and support is central in these activities. This activity is greatly enjoyed by all ages; meet your challenges head on and push yourselves to new limits.
 Lunch: Lunch at Lodge
 Afternoon: HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE: Kayak Soccer - a unique way to get comfortable in the boats while having fun! Play soccer like never before!
 Dinner: Dinner at Lodge
 Evening: EVENING PRESENTATION: Master map and compass skills and learn about map reading while navigating our Orienteering course.
   
Accommodations: Strathcona Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kayaking/Rock Climbing/Trip Prep
(Wednesday, August 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Lodge
 Morning: HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE: Learning the basics of kayaking including forward, reverse, and sweep strokes, all the while having fun and maybe some more games!
 Lunch: Lunch at Lodge
 Afternoon: HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE: Participants will learn the basics of climbing and gain opportunities for personal growth and change. Instructors will start you off on the rock wall before heading up to one of our climbing bluffs with various routes. Climbing can be a significant mental challenge for many participants as it requires a great deal of trust in themselves. Success shows that perceived limitations are often self-imposed.
 Dinner: Dinner at Lodge
 Evening: Packing and preparing for the following days' over night canoe trip. Food, gear, and personal/group item preparations.
   
Accommodations: Strathcona Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Nature Walk/Depart on Overnight Canoe Trip/Camping
(Thursday, August 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Lodge
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: The nature walk to the Sundew Bog gives participants an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of coastal British Columbia, and the unique species of Vancouver Island. Encourages nature appreciation, as well as including games and environmental education.
 Lunch: Lunch at Lodge
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: The overnight canoe trip provides an enjoyable wilderness experience with focus on group strength, and offers a great bonding experience for the grandparents and grandchildren. Instruction in minimum impact camping, natural history, navigation, outdoor cooking and many other skills take place during the out-trip.
 Dinner: Dinner at overnight campsite; cooking over the fire.
 Evening: The overnight is optional. Some grandparents may choose to participate and then return to their beds at the Lodge. Experienced instructors ensure adequate supervision of children & adults who camp outside.
   
Accommodations: Strathcona Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Canoeing/Outdoor Activities/Closing Ceremonies
(Friday, August 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at overnight campsite. Grandparents who choose to sleep at the lodge the night before will return to the group for breakfast at the campsite.
 Morning: Return from canoe overnight trip, unpack and enjoy a great shower back at the lodge!
 Lunch: Lunch at Lodge
 Afternoon: HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE: Wilderness skills and group games for both grandparents and grandchildren. Again includes challenges and group problem solving while everyone plays and has fun!
 Dinner: Dinner at Lodge
 Evening: FAREWELL EVENING: Closing ceremonies around a campfire to share the fun memories and enjoy the final evening with your grandchild/grandparent and your new friends. Please feel free to bring musical instruments, talents, stories, jokes and games to share with everyone.
   
Accommodations: Strathcona Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Independent Departures
(Saturday, August 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Lodge
 Morning: Independent departures from Lodge after breakfast.
   
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.


You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768