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Hot-Air Ballooning and Outdoor Adventure With Your Grandchild in Provo-Orem

Program Number: 4760RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/1/2013 - 7/6/2013; 7/7/2013 - 7/12/2013; 7/21/2013 - 7/26/2013; 7/28/2013 - 8/2/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Provo/Orem, Utah
Price starting at: $999.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational
Intergenerational 		Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Low Salt; Gluten Free; Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 6 - 18 years of age.

Experience the magic of hot air balloon flight as you take to the skies in the company of your grandchild and the clouds. Discover the history and science of balloon navigation. Enhance your environmental awareness and appreciation of nature with expert-led field trips. Ride aboard a historic train and float on a raft through the dazzling glacier-carved Provo Canyon. Cool off at a water park boasting 16 water slides and a massive Wave Pool!




Highlights

• Soar to new heights above the scenic Utah Valley and develop teamwork skills during a ropes course.
• Sharpen your ecological understanding with an educational journey through the beautiful Wasatch Mountains and explore the wondrous formations within the Timpanogos Cave National Monument.
• Get an insider access to the Utah Olympic Park to watch the winter athletes train and enjoy adventure rides such as a zip-line, alpine slide and alpine coaster at the beautiful Park City Mountain Resort.



Activity Particulars

Must be in good physical condition, able to participate in activities on rugged or steep terrain.



Age ranges vary by date. Please see specific age ranges on date notes below.




Date Specific Information

7-1-2013

For this week, instead of the zip-line, alpine slide and alpine coaster, participants have a special opportunity to join in what has been coined as "America`s Freedom Festival". Enjoy various patriotic activities. Learn about our founding fathers and the freedom we enjoy through song and performances. Wander through a historic Colonial Village and participate in period games and activities. Experience the "Freedom Walk", symbolically following the same path immigrants took. Go to "Ellis Island" and take your oath to become a US citizen. Then print your own copy of the Declaration of Independence on an authentic replica of Benjamin Franklin`s press. Experience America`s Freedom Festival Grand Parade and, in VIP seating, join other patriotic fans for the "Stadium of Fire" concert and the largest fireworks display west of the Mississippi. For Grandparents and Grandchildren ages 8-14 .
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



7-7-2013

This session is for participants and young learners ages 8-12. Each child must room with an adult; limit one child per adult (2 children per couple).
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



7-21-2013

This session is for participants and young learners ages 11-15. Each child must room with an adult; limit one child per adult (2 children per couple).
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



7-28-2013

This session is for participants and all family members ages 6 and older, including adult children and teens. Each child must room with an adult; limit one child per adult (2 children per couple).
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.




Provo/Orem

The Utah Valley spreads out at the base of the majestic Wasatch Range with Utah Lake to the west and snowcapped Mt. Timpanogos to the east. Glacier-carved canyons contrast with lofty mountains covered in aspen and pine. Settled in the 1840s by Mormon pioneers, Provo and Orem are today a center of education and recreation.
Accommodations
Comfortable and conveniently located accommodations at the base of the Rocky Mountains.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Debi Brady
Debi Brady majored in wildlife biology and worked for Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. As a state of Utah historian, her distinguished career of leading and educating groups throughout Utah and the western United States for the past 20 years, has propelled her to the role as chairman of the board for a prominent Utah travel organization. She has played key roles in Utah Travel Council's campaigns, and hosted the International Media during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   La Quinta Inn & Suites
  Orem, UT 5 nights
 La Quinta Inn & Suites
Type: Hotel
  Description: Next door to Wal-Mart Superstore (convenient for incidentals). Free Bright Side Breakfast® Waffle Hot and cold cereal Bread and muffins Fresh fruit All-you-can-drink coffee and juice Additional Breakfast Items: Hard-Boiled Eggs Fresh-Baked Cinnamon Rolls Pastries Bagels Milk
  Contact info: 521 West University Pkwy
Orem, UT 84058 USA
phone: 180-122-6044 x0
web: www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?propId=962
  Room amenities: NEW! Samsung Flat-panel TVs with 30 channels of HD programming. Easy-access Plug-and-Play feature makes it simple to connect electronics. Free high-speed Internet access in all rooms! Cable Television Coffee Maker Hair Dryer Iron with Ironing Board Dataport Phones Alarm Clock
  Facility amenities: Free High-Speed Internet Access Free Local Calls Free Parking Meeting Facilities Available Guest Laundry Facilities Indoor Swimming Pool Fitness Center Pets Welcome
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $69 + tax Please call, the front desk, ahead of time if you are planning on staying before and/or after the program.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $69 + tax Please call, the front desk, ahead of time if you are planning on staying before and/or after the program.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check in at 3:00 PM. You will be staying at La Quinta Inn & Suites that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast. Check out by 12 PM. You will be staying at La Quinta Inn & Suites the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Nielsen Adventures Liability & Risk Waiver, Road Scholar Health & Safety Form, Parental Consent Form (minors only)
  Parking availability:
Parking is free for those staying at the hotel.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Orem, UT
  Nearest city or town:  Provo, UT
  Nearest airport:  Salt Lake International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Orem, UT
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Salt Lake City, Utah International Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Express Shuttle
phone: 800-397-0773
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$35-$40
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

40 miles
   

Express Shuttle Services at (800)397-0773 or (801)375-5533 for airport pickup at a cost of $33 for first individual and $15-$20 each additional person. You must tell them you are an Road Scholar participant to receive this rate.
 
Driving Directions
  La Quinta Inn & Suites From Salt Lake City Intl Airport Exit Airport I-80 East to I-15 South Exit 269, University Pkwy, 1/2 mile East, La Quinta Inn & Suites is located on the right.
Elevation Note: Orem's average elevation is 4756 feet and tram rides (6,000'-11,000').
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 & Check In/Welcome & Orientation
(Sunday, July 21)
   
 Afternoon: 3:00 - 5:45 Check into hotel 5:45 Road Scholar registration at PM in the conference room.
 Dinner: Enjoy dinner from our private chef in our conference room at 6 PM.
 Evening: 6:45 - 8:00 PM Introductions and overview of the week's activities and events in our conference room.
   
Accommodations: La Quinta Inn & Suites
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Challenge yourself on a Ropes Course. Discover Thanksgiving Point Museum of Ancient Life. Learn all about Mountain Men and Utah History.
(Monday, July 22)

Note: Wear casual clothes and closed-toed shoes for Ropes Course.
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy an expanded continental breakfast in the hotel which includes eggs, waffles, hot and cold cereals, muffins, bagels, toast, juice, fruit, etc.
 Morning: Challenge yourself on CLAS ropes course. CLAS stands for: Challenging Leadership Adventure Systems. Please wear casual clothes and closed-toe shoes for this activity. You will be climbing, swinging and participate in group experiences on and off the ground. Mission: To improve personal effectiveness and group dynamics through comprehensive experiential challenges. Vision: To facilitate opportunities for people to tangibly recognize and internalize their own personal worth/value and realize their fullest potential, both as individuals and as part of the group dynamic of home, work and society as a whole. To assist individuals in developing leadership potential so that they may become a more positive and effective influence for good in their personal environment and in relationship to all those with whom they interact. Introduction: People learn more through experience than through any other method of learning. Challenge course participants learn techniques in problem solving, leadership, human relationships, communication skills, conflict resolution, group cooperation, building self-confidence and esteem, trust, self-direction, motivation, and values. Analogies can be made to life-relevant topics, helping to increase understanding and strengthen character. The aim is to allow the participants to view themselves as increasingly capable and competent. By attempting a graduated series of activities which involve physical or emotional risk, and succeeding (or sometimes failing) in a supportive group atmosphere, an individual may gain confidence in himself/herself and others. Each activity is based on the assumption that anyone who conscientiously tries will be successful. Success is in making an effort. A cooperative, supportive atmosphere tends to encourage participation. The use of teams, points, and timed competition has consciously been minimized to allow participants to succeed without fear of failure.
 Lunch: 12:00 PM Enjoy a picnic lunch at CLAS Ropes Course by our private chef.
 Afternoon: Enjoy the Museum of Ancient Life, which has the distinction of having the world's largest display of mounted dinosaurs. Not only will you meet the fierce prehistoric friends at the museum, you will also become a part of their world. While you're weaving through the exhibits, chirps of insects and growls of ancient creatures greet you in each hall. Exhibits like the Erosion Table and the Fossil Dig give you an opportunity be a part of the science of palaeontology. Needless to say, this is not an ordinary museum! You will be guided through the museum by the museum curator who designed it all. MUSEUM FACTS: * Opened to the public in June of 2000 * The defining characteristic of the Museum of Ancient Life is found in its hands-on approach to exhibits * Guests are invited to touch actual fossils and feel real dinosaur bones and eggs, as well as other displays * Exhibit halls are designed to immerse guests in the subject matter, using expansive murals, soundtracks, plants and gurgling streams * There are 50 interactive, hands-on displays within the exhibit halls * With 60 complete skeletal displays, the Museum of Ancient Life is the world's largest dinosaur exhibit * The Museum of Ancient is home of the most extensive display of original fossils in the state of Utah * A working palaeontology lab operated by Western Palaeontology is located within the museum and can be observed by guests as they tour the exhibit halls 2:00 After exploring the Museum, view an award-winning movie at the "Xango" large-screen 6-stories high theater! "DINOSAURS PASSAGE TO PANGAEA" in 3D When two children embark on a geology field trip back in time, they are thrown into a fantastic voyage where they witness incredible geological wonders and learn the mysterious process that created our present-day continents. From racing across the landscape atop Dinosaurs to plummeting to the center of the Earth. Get an educational glimpse at the tectonic forces that forged our world.
 Dinner: 6:00 Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our private chef.
 Evening: Enjoy an evening of learning about Utah history and the Mountain Men who were the first "white-men" who moved into the local mountains. Understand what life was like and how they lived from our Expert Instructor and Utah Historian, Debi Brady. Mountain men were trappers and explorers who roamed the North American Rocky Mountains — from about 1810 through the 1880s (with a peak population in the early 1840s) where they were instrumental in opening up the various Emigrant Trails (widened into wagon roads) allowing Americans in the east to settle the new territories of the far west by organized wagon trains traveling over roads explored and in many cases, physically improved by the mountain men and the big fur companies originally to serve the mule train based inland fur trade. They arose in a natural geographic and economic expansion driven by the lucrative earnings available in the North American fur trade, in the wake of the various 1806–07 published accounts of the Lewis and Clark expeditions' (1803–1806) findings about the Rockies and the Oregon Country where they flourished economically for over three decades.
   
Accommodations: La Quinta Inn & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Hot-Air Ballooning, Explore the world-famous Olympic Park, home of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Enjoy "Adventure at Every Turn" as you zip down the mountain on a zip-line, alpine slide, alpine coaster and more!
(Tuesday, July 23)

Note: Morning Ballooning can be cool so bring a sweater. Wear closed-toed shoes this day for ballooning, exploring the Olympic Park and "Adventure at Every Turn" zip-line, alpine coaster, alpine slide at Park City Mountain Resort.
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy an expanded continental breakfast in the hotel which includes eggs, waffles, hot and cold cereals, muffins, bagels, toast, juice, fruit, etc.
 Morning: HOT-AIR BALLOONING: Soar over beautiful Park City or Heber Valley. Olympic venues from a bird's-eye view (ski-jump 90 & 120 meter ramps or Soldier Hollow, home of Nordic biathlon). Depending on the size of the group will depend if the group gets split into group "A" and group "B" for their one-hour ballooning experience. Lear the history of hot-air ballooning and how to navigate balloons. You may also get to help inflate the hot-air balloons and experience the whole ballooning process from beginning to end. DID YOU KNOW: On the 19th September 1783 Pilatre De Rozier, a scientist, launched the first hot air balloon called 'Aerostat Reveillon'. The passengers were a sheep, a duck and a rooster and the balloon stayed in the air for a grand total of 15 minutes before crashing back to the ground. The first manned attempt came about 2 months later on 21st November, with a balloon made by 2 French brothers, Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier. The balloon was launched from the centre of Paris and flew for a period of 20 minutes. The birth of hot air ballooning!!! Just 2 years later in 1785 a French balloonist, Jean Pierre Blanchard, and his American co pilot, John Jefferies, became the first to fly across the English Channel. In these early days of ballooning, the English Channel was considered the first step to long distance ballooning so this was a large benchmark in ballooning history. OLYMPIC PARK: Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of 2002 Olympic Games venues, including ski-jump ramps (athletes jump on astro turf during summer), bobsled and luge tracks, and freestyle/aerial ski-jumping athletes using a specially designed pool to train.
 Lunch: 12:00 Noon Boxed Lunch at Olympic Park
 Afternoon: Experience a full afternoon with "Adventure at Every Turn" as you ride the Alpine slide, Zip Line, Alpine Coaster, and Legacy Launcher (Bungee trampoline). Experience the Climbing Wall, Human Maze, and Putt-Putt Mini Golf--all at Park City Mountain Resort!
 Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our private chef in our hotel conference room.
 Evening: Group Announcements , then watch a fascinating DVD of Timpanogos Cave National Monument in preparation for exploring the caves the following morning.
   
Accommodations: La Quinta Inn & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Explore Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Cool off at Utah's largest water park: Seven Peaks. Relax in the evening and enjoy a movie together with your new group of Road Scholar Friends!
(Wednesday, July 24)

Note: Mid-summer temperatures on the trail can reach 100 degrees F. However, temperatures in the caves average 45 degrees, so a sweater or light jacket is recommended. Hiking shoes, lots of water, and sunscreen will make your visit safe and enjoyable. There are no drinking fountains along the trail so bring at least 1 to 2 quarts of water per person. You will stop at the hotel after exploring Timpanogos Caves and change into your swimming suite to cool off at Seven Peaks Water Park!
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy an expanded continental breakfast in the hotel which includes eggs, waffles, hot and cold cereals, muffins, bagels, toast, juice, fruit, etc.
 Morning: Hike Timpanogos Mountain and explore the captivating Caves! The cave system is uniquely known for its high abundance of helictites, its coloration in its formations, its display of fault-controlled passages, its alpine surroundings, and its unique history. You will have 1.5 hours to hike the 1.5 mile long paved trail which has a 1,092 feet elevation gain to the cave entrance. The pace will be deliberately slow so everyone in the group should be able to do the hike. Bring at least 1 to 2 quarts of water per person because there are no drinking fountains along the trail. Sunscreen is a must! There are no restrooms inside of the caves. Visitors are encouraged to use the last chance restrooms outside of the Hansen Cave entrance before taking their tour. The 1.5 mile long trail provides spectacular views of the geology of the American Fork Canyon and the expanding cities of the Utah Valley. Once in the cave with your expert instructor and guide, you will get to explore an underground world that would naturally go unseen. Get a taste for the thrill of caving as you twist and bend around formations to enter decorated rooms. Learn the science behind formations and colors once thought of as mysterious. Leave some room for discovery too- not everything about caves is completely understood, but your expert instructor and cave guide will help answer the many questions you may have.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at picnic tables across the street from Timpanogos Cave Visitor's Center.
 Afternoon: Stop by the hotel to change into your bathing suite. Yes, this means grandparents too! After a very hot and grueling hike to Timpanogos Cave National Monument, you too should cool off in the wave pool or float around in the lazy river even if you are not interested in all the water slides like the grandchildren will be. Wearing a T-shirt over bathing suits is recommended to keep from sun-burning.
 Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our private chef in our hotel conference room.
 Evening: Group Movie Night!
   
Accommodations: La Quinta Inn & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Experience the Provo Canyon Limited Historic Railway as you travel down the glacier-carved Provo Canyon. BBQ Lunch at Vivian Park on the Provo River Raft down the remaining glacier-carved scenic Provo Canyon. Program Finale Slide Show!
(Thursday, July 25)

Note: Wear clothes and shoes you can get wet while on the rafting trip. This is more of a float-trip down a river with very few rapids. You will get wet from water fights more than from rapids. Leave valuables such as wallets and cameras locked in vans and do not take these items on rafting experience.
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy an expanded continental breakfast in the hotel which includes eggs, waffles, hot and cold cereals, muffins, bagels, toast, juice, fruit, etc.
 Morning: Enjoy an open-air ride on historic "Provo Canyon Limited" Steam Engine Train (also known as the Heber Creeper). The trip parallels Deer Creek Reservoir with both wildlife and water sport enthusiasts on display. The line operated by the Heber Valley Rail Road was formerly part of a Denver and Rio Grand Western Railroad branch line that connected Heber City to Provo, Utah. The branch line was completed in 1899 and operated freight (and passenger) service until the line's abandonment in 1967. The line was saved for tourist use and was reopened in 1970 when Engine No. 618 and other equipment was brought up the line from Provo. The track between Provo and Vivian Park was later removed and converted into a recreational trail. During the 1970s and 1980s the railroad operated as the "Heber Creeper". In the late 1980s this railroad went out of business. Citizens in the Heber area successfully petitioned the State of Utah to help save the railroad, leading to creation of the Heber Valley Historic Railroad Authority in the early 1990s. Since this time the railroad has seen considerable growth. The railroad operates as a non-profit organization.
 Lunch: Enjoy a BBQ Lunch at Vivian Park on the beautiful Provo River catered by our private chef.
 Afternoon: Take a scenic rafting trip down one of Utah's "postcard" canyons, flanked by 12,000 ft. Mount Timpanogos and Devil's Slide. This rafting float trip is the Editor's Choice for Sunset Magazine. Float down the Provo River in 6-8 person rafts. (All guides are certified, and there is no whit water.) Thrill at the amazing geology and beautiful scenery through this glacier-carved canyon with snow-fed waters from high in the Uinta Mountains.
 Dinner: Enjoy a delicious program finale dinner prepared by our private chef in our hotel conference room.
 Evening: Program Finale: Receive certificates of completion and Road Scholar passport stickers Enjoy a digital slide show of our week's activities, say our goodbye's for those leaving early the following morning to catch early flights. Happy Trails and we hope you find your week spent in Utah one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences of your life!
   
Accommodations: La Quinta Inn & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Independant Departures
(Friday, July 26)
   
 Breakfast: Anytime 6:00 - 10:00 AM. Enjoy an expanded continental breakfast in the hotel which includes eggs, waffles, hot and cold cereals, muffins, bagels, toast, juice, fruit, etc.
 Morning: Program ends after breakfast.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Orem, UT Orem, Utah
56 North State, Orem, UT Phone: 801-229-7000 For additional information, visit www.orem.org
  Visitor's Bureau
Phone: 801-370-8394 For additional information, visit www.state.ut.us/provo
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


Best Hikes With Children Utah [Book]


Author: Maureen Keilty


Description: ISBN 0898867096 Guides to day hikes and overnighters for families. Tips on hiking with kids, safety, and fostering a wilderness ethic. 269 Pages



Fun with the Family in Utah, 3rd: Hundreds of Ideas for Day Trips with the Kids [Book]


Author: Michael Rutter


Description: ISBN 0762722916 Developed with families in mind, Fun with the Family "TM" books are the ultimate guides to family fun and adventure. Written by parents for parents, these state-specific guides include hundreds of ideas for families with kids from ages 2 to 12.Features visually appealing at-a-glance icons, reader-friendly sidebars, and comprehensive end-of-chapter listings of family-friendly places to stay and eat. Offering hundreds of fun -- and many free -- things families can see and do, these guides are invaluable references for both residents and out-of-state visitors.The Fun with the Family "TM" series currently covers 29 states, including AL, AZ, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KY, ME, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NM, NY, NC, Northern CA, OH, OR, PA, Southern CA, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT/NH, and WI and one city -- Las Vegas. With hundreds of outings featured, families can visit a working dairy farm -- Wheeler Historic Farm in Salt Lake City, raft along the Colorado River, and spend hours at Park City Resort Center, which has the Alpine slide, kiddie rides, and mini-golf. 224 pages



Good Night Utah [Book]


Author: Mark Jasper


Description: ISBN 1602190593 Many of North America's most beloved regions are artfully celebrated in these board books designed to soothe children before bedtime while instilling an early appreciation for the continent's natural and cultural wonders. Each book stars a multicultural group of people visiting the featured area's attractions, and rhythmic language guides children through the passage of both a single day and the four seasons while saluting the iconic aspects of each place. Featuring the Salt Lake City skyline, five national parks, the Great Salt Lake, the Rocky Mountains, and Salt Lake Temple, this book is a fun and educational exploration of many of Utah's most interesting places 20 Pages



Utah [Book]


Author: Jonatha A. Brown


Description: ISBN 0836847261 This state series, for Grades 2 and above, is designed for elementary students' first study of the United States. Each volume is a colorful, comprehensive portrait that features state facts and symbols and uses clear, vivid text to describe the history, people, land, economy, and government of each state. Young readers will enjoy the fun facts sprinkled throughout the text and the chapter on things to see and do. Each title includes a time line, biographies of notable people, and numerous maps and charts. 32 Pages



Utah [Book]


Author: P. J. Neri


Description: ISBN 0516223828 Information is presented on Utah's geography, history, landmarks, natural resources, and government. Features include sidebars with fun facts, statistics, biographies, and state name explanations; timelines; a glossary of famous people from each state; recipes; and more. 80 Pages





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