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Sleep in a Sub! Take a Trip to the Stars! Dive Into Science With Your Grandchild

Program Number: 16146RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/10/2013 - 7/14/2013; 8/7/2013 - 8/11/2013;
Duration: 4 nights
Location: Portland, Oregon
Price starting at: $629.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational
Intergenerational
Meals: 10; 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 8 - 12 years of age.

With a grandchild at your side, science will become a playground of discovery in a fun-filled adventure in the City of Roses capped by a night aboard retired U.S. Navy submarine the U.S.S. Blueback, star of the movie “The Hunt for Red October.” Get a good rest, because your days will be action-packed. Portland’s Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a wonderland of hands-on learning where you glide on a Segway, create chemical concoctions, compete against a robot and survive an earthquake. There’s lots more fun, too!




Highlights

• Aboard the U.S.S. Blueback, explore this fast-attack submarine’s control room, the torpedo room, peer through the periscope — and spend the night!
• Take a cinematic experience unlike any other at the OMSI’s OMNIMAX theater and spin through outer space in OMSI’s planetarium.
• See how the Willamette River vertical lift bridge opens while standing in the bascule pit and jump aboard a jet boat for a water-spraying ride.



Activity Particulars

Walking and standing on field trips. Public transportation.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Portland (Oregon)

Portlanders live a life rich in the arts, surrounded by natural beauty and conveniently situated near the Pacific Coast and Columbia River Gorge. The City of Roses is a walker's paradise filled with parks, fountains and unique neighborhoods.
Accommodations
Centrally located hotel with indoor pool, fitness center and sports court.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Nathan Hoover
Inspired by the beauty and culture of Portland, Oregon, Nathan Hoover created his own walking exploration company that incorporates street theater and a musical soundtrack throughout each walking adventure. He also leads Bridge Walks for schools and Portland Parks and Recreation. Nathan has participated in Portland Riverfest celebrations and the PDX Bridge Festival, and he was the recipient of a grant from the Regional Arts & Culture Council.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Crowne Plaza Hotel- Downtown Convention Center (Portland)
  Portland, Oregon 2 nights
   USS Blueback Submarine
  Portland, Oregon 1 night
   Crowne Plaza Hotel- Downtown Convention Center (Portland)
  Portland, Oregon 1 night
 Crowne Plaza Hotel- Downtown Convention Center (Portland)
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Conveniently located in the Lloyd Business District of downtown Portland, the hotel brings the City of Roses to you. This full service hotel is within four blocks of the Oregon Convention Center, the Rose Garden Arena and the Memorial Coliseum.
  Contact info: 1441 NE 2nd Ave
Portland, OR 97232 USA
phone: 503-233-2401
web: www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/pdxne
  Room amenities: Oversize work desk with lamp, cordless phones, free local phone calls, Keurig coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, microwave and refrigerator, TV with cable and a DVD player (DVD lending library at front desk), and complimentary high speed wireless Internet.
  Facility amenities: This 241 guest rooms hotel was renovated in 2008. Amenities include an indoor salt water treated pool and whirlpool, 24-hour fitness center, on-site guest laundry, 24-hour business services and hotel shops including a convenience store, a newsstand and a gift shop. Lounge open from 3 PM to 12 AM. Room service available from 6 AM to 12 AM. Hotel offers a free area shuttle within five miles of the hotel. The hotel always offers a complimentary shuttle to / from the Portland airport. There is also an on-site Hertz car rental desk (503) 282-2644. There are also bicycles and helmets for guests to borrow.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Please contact hotel Please call hotel directly to book additional nights (503) 233-2401. Be sure to identify yourself as an Road Scholar participant.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Please contact hotel Please call hotel directly to book additional nights (503) 233-2401. Be sure to identify yourself as an Road Scholar participant.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM

 USS Blueback Submarine
Type: Other
  Description: OMSI is the home of the U.S. Navy's last non-nuclear, fast attack submarine, the U.S.S. Blueback (SS 581). After 31 years of service in the U.S. Navy throughout the Pacific Ocean, and appearing in the movie The Hunt for Red October, the Blueback is now on permanent display at OMSI. The Blueback is a Barbel class submarine, the first battle-ready class of subs to use the tear drop hull design.
  Contact info: OMSI
1945 SE Water Avenue
Portland, OR 97214 USA
phone: 503-797-6674
web: www.omsi.org/visit/submarine/
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: Restroom facilities are available inside the museum. There is also a porta-potty available outside of the submarine. Showers are not available.


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Hotel check in begins at 3:00 PM. Program registration begins at 4:00 PM, followed by dinner at 6:00 PM. You will be staying at Crowne Plaza Hotel- Downtown Convention Center (Portland) that night.
  End of Program:
10:30 AM after program wrap up. Hotel check-out by 12:00 PM. You will be staying at Crowne Plaza Hotel- Downtown Convention Center (Portland) the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Adults are required to complete a Medical Consent form for OMSI, an Adult Participation form for OMSI, Multnomah County Bridge Tour Release (1 PAGE VERSION), Willamette Jetboat waiver and Intergenerational Rules and Regulations form. PLEASE RETURN ALL FORMS TO THE ROAD SCHOLAR OFFICE BEFORE THE PROGRAM BEGINS. We will turn in forms as a group. Young learners are required to complete a Parental Consent form, Medical Consent form for OMSI, Multnomah County Bridge Tour Release (2 PAGE VERSION), Willamette Jetboat waiver, and Intergenerational Rules and Regulations form. PLEASE RETURN ALL FORMS TO THE ROAD SCHOLAR OFFICE BEFORE THE PROGRAM BEGINS. We will turn in forms as a group.
  Parking availability:
Parking in the hotel lot is $3 per day.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Portland, Oregon
  From End of Program
  Location: Portland, Oregon
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Portland (to Crowne Plaza)

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
phone: 503-233-2401

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15-20 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

10 miles
   

After you have your luggage, call the hotel, and let them know you are ready to be picked up. They will need your name, number of people in your party and a phone number. The wait is usually around 15 - 20 minutes. There may be several Crowne Plaza shuttles, you will want the one marked Downtown / Convention Center. Meet the shuttle outside of the baggage claim at island #2 marked "courtesy shuttles."
 

Portland (to Crowne Plaza Hotel)

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
phone: 503-233-2401
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

1 mile
   

After you have your luggage, call the hotel letting them know you are at the train station and are ready for to be picked up. They will need your name, # of people in your group, and a phone number. There may be a short wait for this complimentary service. You must call the hotel to be picked up. Make sure you board the Crowne Plaza Downtown / Convention Center shuttle.
 

Portland (to Crowne Plaza Hotel)

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
phone: 503-233-2401

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

1 mile
   

After you have your luggage, call the hotel letting them know you are at the bus station and are ready for to be picked up. They will need your name, # of people in your group, and a phone number. There may be a short wait for this complimentary service. You must call the hotel to be picked up. Make sure you board the Crowne Plaza Downtown / Convention Center shuttle.
 
Driving Directions
  Crowne Plaza Hotel- Downtown Convention Center (Portland) From North Travel on I-5 S toward Portland. Take Exit 302A (Rose Quarter / City Center). Take the ramp toward Rose Quarter. Turn slight right onto N Vancouver Ave. Turn left onto N Weidler St. Turn right onto NE 2nd Ave. Hotel is located at 1441 NE 2nd Ave.
  Crowne Plaza Hotel- Downtown Convention Center (Portland, OR) From South Travel I-5 N toward Portland. Take Exit 302 A (the Weidler St exit). Turn right onto NE Weidler St. Turn right onto NE 2nd Ave. Hotel is located at 1441 NE 2nd Ave.
  Crowne Plaza Hotel- Downtown Convention Center (Portland, OR) Portland International Airport (PDX) Travel east on NE Airport Way. Merge onto I-205 S toward I-84 / Portland/ Salem. Merge onto I-84 W via Exit 21B toward Portland. Merge onto I-5 N toward Seattle. Take the Weidler St. exit- Exit 302A- toward Rose Quarter/ Broadway. Turn right onto NE Weidler St. Turn right onto NE 2nd Ave. The hotel will be on your right. Hotel is located at 1441 NE 2nd Ave.
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: Meet New Friends and Start Your Adventure
(Wednesday, August 7)
   
 Arrive To: Hotel check-in begins at 3:00 PM
 Afternoon: Registration and get acquainted at 4:00 PM.
 Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the hotel as you meet new friends.
 Evening: Program orientation session will prepare you for this exciting adventure.
   
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Hotel- Downtown Convention Center (Portland)
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Our Own Specially-Designed Labs/Explore Hands-on Exhibits/Jetboat Ride
(Thursday, August 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is 219,000 square feet of brain-powered fun! Five enormous halls bring science to life with hundreds of interactive exhibits and displays. Scientific themes represented include Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science and Technology. Each hall features hands-on labs and activity centers led by educators, where you can test scientific theories demonstrated in the exhibits and take part in live science presentations throughout the day. This morning, we'll head to the Fossil and the Jitterbugs labs for specially designed activities just for you and your grandchild.
 Lunch: OMSI's exclusive caterer, Bon Appetit, provides a Pacific Northwest culinary experience. They specialize in creating made-from-scratch menus featuring the Northwest's premier regional, artisan-produced products. Your choice using vouchers.
 Afternoon: Your choice! With over 200 interactive exhibits and displays to choose from in 5 halls of the Museum any choice you make will give you many insights into your grandchild’s mind!

Next, grab your towel and extra jacket, as you head outdoors to the Willamette Jetboat for a ride not soon forgotten! Not only will you take a thrilling ride along the Portland waterfront, with a view of Portland from a perspective unseen by most, but fast turns and spraying water may give you a refreshing break!

 Dinner: Dinner on your own to visit a Portland restaurant followed by time to explore the area or return to the hotel for an evening swim.
   
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Hotel- Downtown Convention Center (Portland)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Naturalist Walk/Riverfront Picnic/More Labs/OmniMax Theater/Submarine Sleep In/Planetarium
(Friday, August 9)

Note: This morning you’ll check out of the hotel and sleep over on the submarine tonight. The hotel will provide luggage storage until you check back in tomorrow for the last afternoon and evening of the program. Bring overnight supplies to OMSI including a sleeping bag, pillow, toothbrush/toothpaste, comb or brush, washcloth, and large plastic bag to hold all items. Label with each of your name(s). Sleeping areas are co-ed so wear something comfortable such as sweats over a t-shirt and shorts.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: After you get your overnight bags settled, you will travel to a park where you'll be joined by an expert naturalist who will introduce you to the large variety of plants and animals in a nearby wildlife preserve ~ in the heart of the city!
 Lunch: For lunch, you'll enjoy a catered picnic at the riverfront park.
 Afternoon: You'll have another afternoon of amazing lab work. Mix it up and see the reactions in the Chemistry Lab then view spectacular demonstrations of unusual physics in the Physics Lab, which may include the vacuum chamber, the Van de Graaf generator, or bridge building.

Then head to the newly refurbished OmniMax Theater with a five-story domed screen covering 6532 square feet of projection surface, and 30-degree, stadium seating. The OMNIMAX Dome Theater provides a unique immersive educational experience and is the only large format dome theater in the state.

 Dinner: An early dinner at OMSI will get you ready to enjoy your submarine experience!
 Evening: Time to stow your gear in the submarine and get oriented to your home for the night. But first, take a trip to the stars in the Kendall Planetarium, exploring celestial navigation. Returning to the USS Blueback, explore the control room, the torpedo room and the crew's quarters. Peer through the periscope in this last fast-attack diesel-electric submarine built by the U.S. Navy. Hands-on activities designed for you and your grandchild immerse you in the undersea world where 85 crew members once worked, slept and ate (sometimes for weeks at a time). Snack just before lights out at 11:00! The other option is to sleep in the museum. Bring a mat or air mattress and bunk down amongst the exhibits!
   
Accommodations: USS Blueback Submarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Segway Lab/Planetarium Light Show/Portland Bridge Tour
(Saturday, August 10)

Note: Expect to walk up to a bit over a mile on the bridges tour. Expect to be on your feet for majority of the tour, there will be an opportunity to sit down while on the public transit during the tour.
   
 Breakfast: Lights on at 7:00 AM! Good morning! Time to pack up your gear, then head to breakfast.
 Morning: Closing ceremonies follow within the museum, with a little additional time to view your favorite exhibits. At 8:30 AM, make sure all gear is together in our storage area at OMSI. Enjoy some quiet time in preparation for our morning labs. At 10:00 AM enjoy the Segway lab--a fun and enjoyable way to learn about this mode of transportation. Following the lab the group will make another visit to the Planetarium to see a laser light show!
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel followed by time to check back into your room and enjoy some time on your own to relax, take a swim in the pool or shop at the Portland Saturday Market.
 Afternoon: Later in the afternoon the group will take a fun and interesting tour of one of the many bridges that cross the Willamette river. You'll have an opportunity to see how the bridge operates from the tower and you'll see the bridge open from down in the bascule pit!
 Dinner: Enjoy dinner with your new found friends at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Play a quiz game in groups to see what you have learned during this science packed program!
   
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Hotel- Downtown Convention Center (Portland)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Breakfast and Farewells
(Sunday, August 11)
   
 Breakfast: At the hotel.
 Morning: Following breakfast the group will gather for farewells and final evaluations.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Portland, Oregon International Rose Test Garden
With 8,555 rose bushes representing 722 varieties of roses, this garden is definitely worth a visit. Call 503-823-3635 or visit the website for additional information. For additional information, visit rosegardenstore.com/thegardens.cfm
  Lan Su Chinese Garden
Discover an ever-changing landscape of pavilions, stone, water, plants and literature. Call 503-228-8131 or visit the website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.portlandchinesegarden.org
  OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)
OMSI makes science exciting and relevant through exhibits, programs, and experiences that are presented in an entertaining and participatory fashion. OMSI includes five unique halls, eight hands-on science labs, the USS Blueback submarine, an OMNIMAX® giant-screen theater, planetarium and much more! Information from www.omsi.edu. Call 800-955-6674 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.omsi.edu
  Oregon Zoo
The 64-acre Oregon Zoo has five major exhibit areas: Great Northwest, Fragile Forests, Asia, Pacific Shores and Africa. Within these large areas are 23 specialized exhibits. 2,200 individual animals represent 260 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Information from www.oregonzoo.org. Call 503-226-1561 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.oregonzoo.org
  Pittock Mansion
The Pittock Mansion was home to Portland pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock from 1914 to 1919. During the late 1800s and the early 1900s, their lives and work paralleled the growth of Portland from a small Northwest town site to a thriving city with a quarter million population. With its eclectic architectural design and richly decorated interior, including family artifacts, the Pittock Mansion stands today as a living memorial of this family’s contributions to the blossoming of Portland and its people. Information from www.pittockmansion.org. Call 503-823-3623 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.pittockmansion.org
  Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest. The Museum’s collection includes works of European painting and sculpture, American painting and sculpture, English silver, Asian art, Native American art, Pre-Columbian art, Cameroon and other African art, contemporary art, sculpture, prints and drawings, and photography. Call 503-226-2811 or visit the website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.portlandartmuseum.org
  Portland Japanese Garden
This beautiful and tranquil garden features five gardens in 5.5 acres. Call 503-223-1231 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.japanesegarden.com
  Portland Saturday Market
Every Saturday and Sunday from March until December the Old Town / Chinatown neighborhood transforms into a thriving arts and crafts open-air marketplace with vendors selling everything from art to food. When you need a break from browsing you can sit down, relax and enjoy the onstage entertainment. Information from www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com. Call 503-222-6072 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com
  Powell's City of Books
Powell's City of Books has over a million new and used books on the shelves. Get lost in the nine color coded rooms while searching through the 3,500 sections. This is more than just a bookstore, it's an entire block! Call 1-800-878-7323 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.powells.com
  Travel Portland
Portland's one-stop visitor center, includes local events calendar and trip planning information. Visitor's information center conveniently located in Pioneer Courthouse Square (also known as Portland's living room). Call 1-800-962-3700 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.travelportland.com
  Tri Met
Tri Met is Portland's public transportation system (includes lightrail, streetcar and buses). Call 503-238-7433 or visit their website for more information. For additional information, visit www.tri-met.org
  Waterfront Bicycle
Whether you're looking to rent a bike for a few hours or for a week, Waterfront Bicycle will have what you need. All rentals include a helmet, lock and handlebar bag. Choose from five styles of bikes. Website includes suggested rides. Call 503-227-1719 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.waterfrontbikes.com
  Willamette Jetboat Excursions, LLC
Explore Portland's historic bridges, skyline and scenic waterfront. Catch a glimpse of bald eagles and osprey as they nest along the river. Glide past spectacular river-front homes on your way to the magnificent Willamette Falls, stopping just yards from the cascading water. Each adventure is narrated with facts and local stories from USCG licensed pilots. They also include adventure and splash, including spins and thrills only possible on a jetboat! Information from www.willamettejet.com. Call 1-888-538-2628 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.willamettejet.com
  World Forestry Center
Located in Portland's beautiful Washington Park. All new hands-on, interactive exhibits are family friendly and designed to engage visitors to learn about the sustainability of forests and trees of the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Information from www.worldforestry.org. Call 503-228-1367 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.worldforestry.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.


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