Road Scholar : Intergenerational Outdoor Discovery Camp in Southern Illinois - Illinois

Intergenerational Outdoor Discovery Camp in Southern Illinois

Program Number:

14848RJ

Start and End Dates:


	6/23/2013 - 6/27/2013; 7/28/2013 - 8/1/2013;

Duration:

4 nights

Location:

Carbondale, Illinois

Price starting at:

$539.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

Intergenerational
Intergenerational

Activity Level:

t (see description)

Meals:

11; 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners

Meal Options:

Vegetarian; Gluten Free

Program intended for grandchildren from 9 - 13 years of age.

Connect with both nature and your grandchild as you create lifelong memories together. Conquer new challenges as you canoe, kayak, rock-climb, hike and explore the unique diversity of southern Illinois. Learn the history of megafauna in North America and join naturalists on hikes along the scenic lakes and trails. Climb towering sandstone rocks and enjoy swimming, fishing, owl-prowling and campfires to round out your week of adventure.

Highlights

� Explore miles of uninterrupted shoreline by canoe and kayak, stopping to learn about native cultures, throw replica atlatl�s and practice other skills used by prehistoric peoples.
� Go rock-climbing on sandstone bluffs with experts who teach you the techniques you need to reach heights of 70 feet.
� On the final night, relax with a beach party cookout and a campfire with singing, storytelling, and a sunset pontoon ride.

Activity Particulars

Hiking up to 1.5 miles on hilly terrain, dirt and/or rocky path. Canoeing/kayaking up to three miles on flat water.

Coordinated by Land for Learning Institute.

Carbondale

This vibrant college town in southern Illinois is a gateway to the area's highlights, including the Shawnee National Forest, a preserve of magnificent sandstone cliffs, lowland fields and abundant wildlife. The region's hills and valleys also host local vineyards producing high-quality wines.

Accommodations
One-room cabins in the heart of Giant City State Park. Outdoor seasonal swimming pool.

Road Scholar Instructors

These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.

Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer received his bachelor�s in outdoor recreation from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He is the co-founder of the Land for Learning Institute, is a Wilderness First Responder, and facilitator for Project Wild and Leave No Trace. Alan has over 15 years experience leading canoe expeditions on rivers, lakes and swamps and is also a lead instructor for birding excursions.

Meals and Lodgings
	Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
		Makanda, IL	5 nights

Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
	Type:	Lodge
	Description:	Found in the heart of the park is Giant City Lodge. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, it is in perfect keeping with the spirit of the park. Multi-hued sandstone and white oak timber were two of the native building materials used. The spacious and historic Lodge has a rustic beauty that creates an atmosphere found nowhere else in Southern Illinois. The Bald Knob dining room, with seating for 200, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, with an excellent reputation for food and hospitality. You�re sure to enjoy some of the best fried chicken ever if you choose the specialty of the Lodge, our all-you-can-eat Family Style Chicken Dinner.
	Contact info:	460 Giant City Lodge Rd Makanda, IL 62958 USA phone: 618-457-4921 web: giantcitylodge.com
	Room amenities:	2 full beds, privte bath, television, outdoor swimming pool
	Facility amenities:	Giant City Lodge has private rooms perfect for your special event, banquets, and meetings. The Lodge also features a historic lounge and bar, gift shop, and guest cabins for a quiet getaway. Outdoor swimming pool, numerous hiking trails, Visitor's Center nearby.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Additional nights prior:	$69.00-$105.00 Make reservations with Giant City Lodge. Limited availability
	Check in time:	3:00 PM
	Additional nights after:	$69.00-$105.00 Make reservations with Giant City Lodge. Limited availability
	Check out time:	9:00 AM

Travel Details
	Start of Program: Afternoon registration 4:00-5:00 PM. You will be staying at Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins that night.
	End of Program: Program ends breakfast. You will be staying at Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Completed health form returned to program coordinator prior to arrival.
	Parking availability: Free parking on-site for duration of program.

Transportation

	To Start of Program
	Location:	Makanda, IL
	Nearest city or town:	Carbondale, IL
	Nearest highway:	IL Route 13, I-57, I-24.
	Nearest airport:	Williamson County Regional Airport (MWA), Marion, IL.

	From End of Program
	Location:	Makanda, IL
		(Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
	St. Louis, MO	From Airport
	Service:	Commercial Van/Shuttle B.A.R.T. Transportation phone: 800-284-2278 Advanced Reservations Required
	Per Person/One Way:	varies $60-$75 per person reduced rate for children Prices are subject to change.
	Travel Time:	2.5
	Distance:	144 miles
		Shuttle service arrives/departs from the Ramada Inn in Carbondale. You then need to arrange taxi service to Giant City State Park Lodge. Taxi Service phone number: 618-457-8122 and 618-457-8121.

Driving Directions
	Chicago, IL	Take I-57 south to exit #54, Illinois Route 13. Go West on Route 13 approx. 15 miles to Giant City Road. Take Giant City Road South, approximately 12 miles, to Giant City State Park. Follow signs to Lodge/Restaurant for parking and check-in
	Indianapolis, In	Take I-70 west to Effingham, Il. where you will pick up I-57 at mile #160. Take I-57 south to exit #54, Illinois Route 13. Go West on Route 13 approx. 15 miles to Giant City Road. Take Giant City Road South, approximately 12 miles, to Giant City State Park. Follow signs to Lodge/Restaurant for parking and check-in
	Kentucky	Take I-24 west/north to I-57 (in Illinois). Go North on 1-57 approx. 7 miles to exit #54, Ilinois Route 13. Go West on Route 13 approx. 15 miles to Giant City Road. Take Giant City Road South, approximately 12 miles, to Giant City State Park. Follow signs to Lodge/Restaurant for parking and check-in
	St. Louis, MO	Take I-64 east to Mt. Vernon, Il. where you will pick up I-57 at mile #95. Take I-57 south to exit #54, Illinois Route 13. Go West on Route 13 approx. 15 miles to Giant City Road. Take Giant City Road South, approximately 12 miles, to Giant City State Park. Follow signs to Lodge/Restaurant for parking and check-in.

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:

Arrival/Orientation Games, swimming
(Sunday, July 28)

Afternoon:	Plan to arrive between 4:00 - 5:00 PM for program registration and check-in.
Dinner:	Family style in Lodge Restaurant
Evening:	Program overview, introductions, games and swimming!

Accommodations:	Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
Meals Included:	Dinner

Day 2:

Hiking and paddling
(Monday, July 29)

Breakfast:	Lodge restaurant
Morning:	Morning hike at Giant City State Park. Explore the diversity of this mixed hardwood forest, get "lost" among the towering sandstone bluffs and search for critters with our naturalist guides.
Lunch:	Lunch included.
Afternoon:	Beginning canoe and kayak techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to try canoeing and kayaking as we explore a scenic southern Illinois lake. Our paddling will take us to a swimming destination.
Dinner:	Dinner included.
Evening:	Night hike and Owl Prowl--- search and call for these winged predators.

Accommodations:	Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3:

Swamp tromping and native traditions
(Tuesday, July 30)

Breakfast:	Lodge restaurant
Morning:	Explore a unique and primordial Cypress Swamp as we canoe over duckweed and navigate through ancient cypress knees. Wildlife sightings may include great blue herons, the endangered barn owl, snakes, and beaver!
Lunch:	Lunch included.
Afternoon:	After paddling the swamp we will head to another natural area to learn about previous cultures through a combination of primitive skills and tools. We will have the opportunity to throw replica atlatls and create our own bull-roarer, a primitive wind instrument.
Dinner:	Dinner included.
Evening:	Wrap up the day with a campfire!

Accommodations:	Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

Rock climbing on towering sandstone bluffs, and swimming, fishing, paddling
(Wednesday, July 31)

Breakfast:	Lodge restaurant
Morning:	Rock Climbing on the sandstone bluffs in the Shawnee Hills. Experts will guide us through safety and basic climbing techniques before we traverse the rugged rocks up to 70 feet high!
Lunch:	Lunch included.
Afternoon:	Enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking, or fishing at our lake front beach or take the afternoon off. Fishing poles and bait will be available.
Dinner:	Beach Party cookout
Evening:	Sunset pontoon cruise on the lake!

Accommodations:	Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:

Program Wrap Up/Departure Optional beach activities
(Thursday, August 1)

Breakfast:	In the dining hall.
Morning:	Program wrap up and check out. Independent optional opportunities for swimming and canoeing.

Accommodations:	Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
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:

5 nights accommodations
11 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
Field trips: 7
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Hands-on experiences: 2
Hands-on experiences

Learn by doing in these "hands-on" activities directed by an expert.

Plus these special experiences...

Learn canoeing and kayaking skills while enjoying a frog's-eye view of one of the most scenic lakes and best swimming holes in Illinois.
Challenge and inspire yourself as you traverse and rappel rugged sandstone bluffs lead by expert rock climbers.
Imagine yourself as a primitive hunter as you practice the ancient art of throwing an atlatl.
Beachfront swimming, campfires, owl prowling, and sunset pontoon ride round out your week of adventure.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes

Highlights

Activity Particulars

Hiking up to 1.5 miles on hilly terrain, dirt and/or rocky path. Canoeing/kayaking up to three miles on flat water.

Coordinated by Land for Learning Institute.

Carbondale

This vibrant college town in southern Illinois is a gateway to the area's highlights, including the Shawnee National Forest, a preserve of magnificent sandstone cliffs, lowland fields and abundant wildlife. The region's hills and valleys also host local vineyards producing high-quality wines.

Alan Shearer

Meals and Lodgings

Travel Details

Travel Details

St. Louis, MO

From Airport

Service:

Commercial Van/ShuttleB.A.R.T. Transportationphone: 800-284-2278Advanced Reservations Required

Per Person/One Way:

varies $60-$75 per person reduced rate for childrenPrices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

2.5

Distance:

144 miles

Shuttle service arrives/departs from the Ramada Inn in Carbondale. You then need to arrange taxi service to Giant City State Park Lodge. Taxi Service phone number: 618-457-8122 and 618-457-8121.