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Horses, Monkeys, Gators Galore: Adventures With Your Grandchild by the Bay and More

Program Number: 14915RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/23/2013 - 6/28/2013; 7/28/2013 - 8/2/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Fairhope, Alabama
Price starting at: $618.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational
Intergenerational
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

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

Take your grandchild to enjoy a beautiful bayside retreat center and all kinds of animal adventures led by experts. Enjoy skits performed by the grandchildren, go beach-combing together, swim, feed the zoo animals, learn about coastal critters and nocturnal animals, and look for the 100-plus kinds of birds.




Highlights

• Learn the basics of caring for horses and ride along wooded trails.
• On an alligator farm field trip, see and touch baby gators, learn about conserving nuisance alligators, and look for some of the 150-plus adult gators onsite.
• Explore “The Little Zoo That Could” (seen on Animal Planet), home to more than 290 animals including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys and macaws, with a special demonstration by the zookeeper.



Activity Particulars

Walking during field trips up to two miles per day.




Date Specific Information

6-23-2013, 7-28-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by University of South Alabama.




Fairhope

Founded in 1894 by adventurous people seeking a personal utopia, lovely Fairhope sits high on bluffs overlooking Mobile Bay. This charming Southern city is known for its beautiful parks, moss-draped live oaks and picturesque downtown that attracts artists, writers and visitors alike.
Accommodations
Comfortable conference center on beautiful Weeks Bay, 10 minutes from downtown Fairhope.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Thomas McKinstry
Tom McKinstry is retired from the U.S. Army as a Lt. Colonel. Tom served in Vietnam as an aviator. He has a bachelor’s degree from Spring Hill College and a master’s from the University of South Alabama. Tom retired as a high school teacher in Mobile and was an assistant professor at Spring Hill College and the University of South Alabama. He has been a favorite instructor for the University of South Alabama Road Scholar for many years.
 
Dean Mosher
Dean Mosher is a nationally respected artist and historian. His epic historical paintings can be found in museums, National Park visitor centers and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. For five years he held the office of Historian General of the Naval Order of the United States, and he was awarded the Commander General’s medal in 2006 for saving the Order’s archives. Dean lives with this wife and their two children in their two storybook castles, which have been featured on HGTV.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
  Fairhope, Alabama 5 nights
 Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Type: Other
  Description: Hiking trails, private pier with gazebo, chapel, rec hall, pool, kayaks, canoes and sunfish, comfortable southern porches for socializing and relaxing.
  Contact info: 10400 Beckwith Lane
Fairhope, AL 36532 USA
phone: 251-928-7844
  Room amenities: Private bath and air conditioning.
  Facility amenities: All rooms have a private bath and free parking. Beckwith has a wonderful pool, and is located on Weeks Bay, fun for fishing, boating and swimming.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior:  Local hotels available. Please call to get information on Hampton Inn 1-800-426-7866 or Marriott's Grand Hotel 1-800-228-9290.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after:  Local hotels available. Please call to get information on Hampton Inn 1-800-426-7866 or Marriott's Grand Hotel 1-800-228-9290.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Conference Center Check-In 4:00 PM, Registration is from 4:00-5:30 PM You will be staying at Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center that night.
  End of Program:
Conference Center Check-Out is at 11:00 AM You will be staying at Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A health form is required for each person along with a waiver to participate in horse back riding. A liability form is to be filled out for each grandchild.
  Parking availability:
Parking is adjacent to the lodging and is free
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Fairhope, Alabama
  Nearest highway: Interstate 10
  Nearest airport:  Mobile, Alabama (airport code MOB)
  From End of Program
  Location: Fairhope, Alabama
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Mobile to Beckwith Camp and Conference Center

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Mobile Bay Transportation
phone: 251-476-7711
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$75 for 1-3 people, or $25 per person for 4 people or more
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour and 15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

48 miles
   

You must register at least 24 hours in advance. When you call you will get Yellow Cab, you must ask for Mobile Bay Transportation. They will transfer you to Mobile Bay Transportation. You can register on line by e-mailing dispatch@mobilebaytransportation.com or you can call 251-476-7711. Confirm your reservation before your flight lands to ensure pick up. Prices subject to change.
 
Driving Directions
  From I-10, East or West Traveling from the east or west on I-10, take exit 35 onto Hwy. 98 South to Daphne & Fairhope. Stay on four lane highway (do not exit onto Scenic Hwy. 98), four lane highway will narrow to two lanes. In approximately 3 miles Hwy. 98 will intersect with Scenic Hwy 98. Turn left onto Scenic Hwy 98. In approximately 2 miles you will see a Camp Beckwith sign. Turn right onto CR 27 South (Mary Ann Beach Rd.) Continue on for Approximately 2 miles, you will see a sign marking the entrance to Beckwith Camp and Conference Center on your left. Turn left into Beckwith and continue until you see Alves Hall. You will register here.
  From I-65 From I-65, take exit 37 South, the Bay Minette/Gulf Shores Parkway exit. Take State Highway 287 south to State Highway 59 south, Gulf Shores Parkway. Take I-10 westbound at Loxley, Alabama (exit 44). Travel seven miles to exit 35. Take Exit 35 onto Hwy. 98 South to Daphne & Fairhope. Stay on four lane highway (do not exit onto Scenic Hwy. 98), four lane highway will narrow to two lanes. In approximately 3 miles Hwy. 98 will intersect with Scenic Hwy 98. Turn left onto Scenic Hwy 98. In approximately 2 miles you will see a Camp Beckwith sign. Turn right onto CR 27 South (Mary Ann Beach Rd.) Continue on for Approximately 2 miles, you will see a sign marking the entrance to Beckwith Camp and Conference Center on your left. Turn left into Beckwith and continue until you see Alves Hall. You will register here.
  From Mobile Regional Airport to Beckwith Travel east on Airport Blvd. for 8 miles to I-65. Take I-65 South to I-10 East. Travel approximately 15.5 miles and you will take Exit 35 onto Hwy 98 South to Daphne & Fairhope. Stay on the four lane highway (do not exit onto Scenic Hwy 98). The four lane highway will narrow to two lanes. In approximately 3 miles Hwy 98 will intersect with Scenic Hwy 98 at a 4-way stop. Take a left onto Scenic Hwy 98. In approximately 2 miles you will see a Camp Beckwith sign where you will then turn right onto Mary Ann Beach Rd (CR 27 South). Continue on for approximately 2 miles, you will see a marking the entrance to Beckwith Camp and Conference Center to your left. Turn left into Beckwith and continue until you see Alves Hall. You will register here.
  From Pensacola Airport Take Airport Blvd. to Ninth Ave. then take Ninth Ave. South to Fairfield Ave. Take Fairfield Ave. West to Hwy 98, Take Hwy 98 West. Go through Elberta, Foley, and Magnolia Springs Cross the Louie Brannon Bridge (Fish River) Approximately 2 miles past the bridge you will see a Camp Beckwith sign. Turn left onto CR 27 South (Mary Ann Beach Rd.) Continue on for approximately 2 miles you will see a sign marking the entrance to Beckwith Camp and Conference Center on your left. Turn left into Beckwith and continue until you see Alves Hall. You will register here
Equipment Requirements: No equipment needed for this program.
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, Check-in and Orientation/Dinner in Beckwith Dining Room/Orientation and Introductions
(Sunday, July 28)
   
 Afternoon: Participants will check in and register for the week from 4-5:30 PM. They will receive keys to their rooms and packets of information for the week. Beginning at 5:30 PM we will have an orientation for the week, all information will be discussed and any questions will be answered at this time. **Please note: schedule is subject to change based on weather and instructor availability.
 Dinner: Dinner is served in the Beckwith dining room.
 Evening: Introductions include lively games for getting to know each other. Additional questions about the program will be answered at this time.
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Breakfast in the dining room/Horseback riding/Lunch at Oak Hollow Farm/Swim and Class on Marine Life in Weeks Bay/Dinner in the dining room/Evening Class on area history for Grandparents & Skit Planning for Grandchildren
(Monday, July 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served in the Beckwith dining room.
 Morning: Participants will have a class on basics about horses and their care. All participants will have a chance to ride a horse if they choose. Other activies available at the farm are various games, swings, and hay ride. Schedule may change due to weather.
 Lunch: Lunch is served buffet style at the Oak Hollow Barn.
 Afternoon: After returning to Beckwith we will have time to swim in the junior olympic size pool. Later in the afternoon we will have a class on marine life, including seining in Weeks Bay. Class will include discussions about the different marine animals caught in our nets.
 Dinner: Dinner is served in the Beckwith dining room
 Evening: History of Mobile Bay class for grandparents in the classroom. Class taught by noted local historian and artist. Grandchildren will meet with the coordinator to plan skits for Friday morning.
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Hands on morning classes with coastal animals/Afternoon class with an environmental specialist and swimming/All meals in the dining room today/Evening class on nocturnal animals
(Tuesday, July 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served in the Beckwith dining room.
 Morning: Morning includes classes on the Alligator Farm and coastal creatures. Information about the Alligators/Alligator Farm will be given by an alligator handler. The coastal creatures information will be presented by a local environmentalist. Both presenters will bring animals for the whole class to touch. Enjoy learning with these hands on sessions.
 Lunch: Lunch is served in the Beckwith dining room
 Afternoon: Class in the afternoon with the Environmental Specialist at Beckwith. Class will bring the wonders of the coast to life. Pool open for swimming in the late afternoon, weather permitting.
 Dinner: Dinner is served in the Beckwith dining room
 Evening: Games and puzzles available in the classroom after dinner. Environmental Specialist will have an after dark talk to learn about nocturnal animals.
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Breakfast in the dining room./Field trip to Alligator Farm/Lunch at Beckwith dining room/Swim and Free Time/Dinner in the dining room/Evening entertainment
(Wednesday, July 31)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served in the Beckwith dining room.
 Morning: Field trip to the Alligator Farm. Explore the farm where you will be able to see alligators of all sizes from very young and small to very large adult animals. Explore "up close and personal" the feeding of the alligators from a safe observation location.
 Lunch: Lunch is served in the Beckwith dining room
 Afternoon: Swim after lunch, weather permitting. Free time after swimming. Take this afternoon to explore the local hot spots. In picturesque downtown Fairhope, just up the hill from the bay, you'll find shops, boutiques, cafés, art galleries and gift shops galore. The beaches, a short drive south, provide opportunities for souvenir shopping, beach combing, and relaxation! Make a trip to the causeway to sample the area’s finest cuisine – fresh gulf seafood. While you’re there, don’t miss the USS Alabama Battleship. Or if you prefer, plan to stay at Beckwith and enjoy the waterfront.
 Dinner: Dinner is served in the Beckwith dining room
 Evening: Craft class in the classroom. Children, with grandparents help, will make a picture frame to take home. Pictures of grandparent with grandchild will be given to place in the frame. Games and puzzles available in the classroom after evening class.
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Breakfast in the dining room/Field Trip to Gulf Shores Zoo/Lunch at local Seafood Restaurant on the beach/Swimming in the Gulf of Mexico/Dinner in the dining room/Grandchildren skits and pictures from the week
(Thursday, August 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served in the dining room.
 Morning: Explore the "Little Zoo That Could" (featured on Animal Planet). Learn about what goes on at the zoo and enjoy a special animal demonstration with the zookeepers. Also, feed specially selected animals.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local seafood restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. For over twenty five years, Sea-n-Suds has been a Gulf Shores tradition, offering the freshest Gulf seafood. They are known for having the best Gumbo, crab claws and steamed shrimp in town, plus a great salad bar, sandwiches and fried seafood dinners.
 Afternoon: Afternoon swim in the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Play in the water, build sand castles, and collect seashells on this beautiful white sand beach.
 Dinner: Dinner is served in the Beckwith dining room
 Evening: Grandchildren's talent show followed by a slide show of all the activities of the week. Thank you to the grandparents from the grandchildren.
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Breakfast in the dining room/Class on Jubilee and check-out/Lunch in Beckwith Dining Room
(Friday, August 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served in the Beckwith dining room.
 Morning: Discover Jubilee, a natural phenomenon that takes place from time to time on the shores of Mobile Bay in Alabama. Occurring mainly on warm summer nights, often in the early pre-dawn hours, the event initiates a joyous community beach party. Learn what this rare celebration is all about and why it benefits coastal residents.
 Lunch: Farewell lunch is served in the Beckwith dining room.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Fairhope, Alabama Eastern Shore Art Center
Built around the site of wood-burning Pinewood Kiln, an Alabama Historical Landmark. Monthly exhibits feature oils, watercolors, mixed media, photography, sculpture and ceramics. Concerts, lectures and workshops are featured For additional information, visit www.esartcenter.com
  Historic Blakeley State Park
Blakeley is the site of the last major battle of the Civil War. Excellently preserved battlefield and breastwork for you to come and explore. For additional information, visit www.blakeleypark.com
  Marietta Johnson Museum
Housed in one the 1907 classrooms of the Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education. The museum contains books, literature, artifacts, photos and videotapes pertaining to the progressive philosophy of Marietta Johnson. For additional information, visit www.mariettajohnson.org
  The Fairhope Historical Museum
For an exciting view into Fairhope's past, please visit the Fairhope Historical Museum. The museum is full of artifacts from old Fairhope. You can see displays on Clay City, the Single Tax Association and the Civil War. You can also see personal belongings from some of Fairhope's first families. For additional information, visit www.cofairhope.com/dep_museum.php
  U. S. Sports Academy/Sport Art Museum
It is considered to have one of the largest collections of sport art in the world. Additionally, it houses archives which document the history of science of sport. Tours are available and it is free to the public. For additional information, visit www.asama.org
  Weeks Bay Reserve
The Weeks Bay Reserve provides a living laboratory for education and research groups to learn about estuaries, those coastal areas where rivers meet the sea. The Reserve is managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and is also a part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U. S. Department of Commerce. For additional information, visit www.weeksbay.org
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.

Suggested Reading List


Beachcomber's Guide to Gulf Coast Marine Life, 3rd Edition


Author: Susan Rothchild


Description: ISBN: 1-58979-061-8



Coasting: An Expanded Guide to the Northern Gulf Coast


Author: Jolane Edwards(Author), Carolyn Lee Goodloe (Author), Laurel Wilson (Author), Judy Barnes




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