Magical Yosemite With Your Grandchild: Trains, Gold & Robots

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768

Plan ahead.

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Age 8 - 12

	ROOMING OPTION PRICING The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
DATES
Jun 18 - Jun 23, 2023 Per Adult 1,549 Per Child 1,249 Select
Jun 18 - Jun 23, 2023	1,549 / Adult 1,249 / Child	1,549 / Adult 1,249 / Child	1,899 / Adult 1,249 / Child	Select Date

Jun 25 - Jun 30, 2023 Per Adult 1,549 Per Child 1,249 Select
Jun 25 - Jun 30, 2023	1,549 / Adult 1,249 / Child	1,549 / Adult 1,249 / Child	1,899 / Adult 1,249 / Child	Select Date

Jul 9 - Jul 14, 2023 Per Adult 1,549 Per Child 1,249 Select
Jul 9 - Jul 14, 2023	1,549 / Adult 1,249 / Child	1,549 / Adult 1,249 / Child	1,899 / Adult 1,249 / Child	Select Date

Jul 16 - Jul 21, 2023 Per Adult 1,549 Per Child 1,249 Select
Jul 16 - Jul 21, 2023	1,549 / Adult 1,249 / Child	1,549 / Adult 1,249 / Child	1,899 / Adult 1,249 / Child	Select Date

Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Program Terms & Conditions

Magical Yosemite With Your Grandchild: Trains, Gold & Robots

Program No. 20349RJ Deposit at Enrollment: 100 Final payment due: 59 days before departure date

Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Note: These fees apply to at least one date of this program, but may vary by date.

If you transfer or cancel:

fee will be applied if you do not call Road Scholar Participant Services at least one business day prior to the program start date.

Transfer Fee: 100 % of order total

Cancel Fee: 100 % of order total

less than 14 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: 50 % of order total

Cancel Fee: 50 % of order total

55 to 14 days prior to program start date

Cancel Fee: $200.00

119 to 56 days prior to program start date

Cancel Fee: $100.00

up to 120 days prior to program start date

Cancel Fee: $50.00

up to 14 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: $0.00

If you transfer or cancel:	Transfer Fee:	Cancel Fee:
fee will be applied if you do not call road scholar participant services at least one business day prior to the program start date.	100 % of order total	100 % of order total
less than 14 days prior to program start date	50 % of order total	50 % of order total
55 to 14 days prior to program start date		$200.00
119 to 56 days prior to program start date		$100.00
up to 120 days prior to program start date		$50.00
up to 14 days prior to program start date	$0.00

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

For the greatest peace of mind and protection, we require all Road Scholar participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including having received all recommended boosters if eligible.

Road Scholar Program Terms and Conditions

How to Enroll in a Program

Call Us or Enroll Online To enroll

Please call us toll free at (877) 426-8056, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET. You may also enroll online at www.roadscholar.org. To reserve space on a program, Road Scholar requires a deposit followed by final payment.

Road Scholar is Not-For-Profit

Road Scholar is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that incurs over $5 million annually on credit card fees. Please help us reduce this cost by paying for your program with a check. Please consider our paperless check option when paying on the phone or over the Internet. Our Advisors are happy to explain this payment option to you.

Tax-Deductible Donations

As a not-for-profit organization, we appreciate and rely on charitable donations to help us develop and maintain high-quality educational programs with exceptional value. Donations from U.S. citizens are tax-deductible as provided by law. As Road Scholar is not a registered charity in Canada, donations are not tax deductible for Canadian citizens.

Financial Assistance

Road Scholar offers two kinds of assistance: Scholarships, for those with desire but not the financial means to participate in our U.S.- or Canada-based learning adventures; and Caregiver Grants, designed to provide a unique respite opportunity for unpaid family caregivers to participate in a U.S.- or Canada-based Road Scholar program. Visit www.roadscholar.org/about/financial-assistance/scholarships, email us at scholarships@roadscholar.org, or call us toll free at (877) 426-8056.

General Program Information

Activity Level Ratings

Each Road Scholar program is assigned an Activity Level rating, ranging from Easy Going to Challenging, which are noted on program webpages. Try our Advanced Search tool to find programs that match your activity level. If you have special needs, or need a little extra help in finding the right program for your level of fitness and ambition, please call us and we’ll work to find options for you.

Disabilities and Special Needs

Road Scholar is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to participants with special needs and disabilities. If you have special needs requiring accommodation, please communicate them to Road Scholar at the time of enrollment. We will discuss your request with you and make every effort to accommodate you.

Service Learning

Our Service Learning programs bring participants together to work as a team to serve worthy projects. Road Scholar and sponsoring service institutions are not-for-profit organizations and are tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The program price may qualify as a tax-deductible gift. However, since individual circumstances vary, we suggest participants contact their tax advisors.

Included Emergency Assistance and Medical Evacuation Insurance

Road Scholar’s continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified in our Road Scholar Assurance Plan. Whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our programs overseas, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under the Road Scholar Assurance Plan. This plan is purchased by Road Scholar on behalf of every participant. The plan provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program and insurance for emergency medical evacuation. This plan includes insurance benefits underwritten by Arch Insurance Company and emergency assistance services provided by LiveTravel Assist. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/included-insurance/

Travel Health

In addition to maintaining necessary vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccination, Road Scholar recommends all participants consult with their physician, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Department of State regarding their health condition and any recommendations specific to the destinations they will visit or transit well before departure. While Road Scholar does its best to provide pertinent information regarding international health requirements and travel health precautions for travel abroad, please remember we are not health experts and can only share with you the recommendations made by the CDC and the US Department of State. It It is therefore your responsibility to consult with your physician and/or contact the CDC for health information specific to your travel destination. Your physician will be able to assess your overall health and fitness, provide information and guidance on health risks you may encounter while traveling, medication you may need to take, and other precautions for the prevention of injury and illness during your program.

Here is guidance from the Centers for Disease Control on how to avoid contracting and spreading an illness.

Only travel if you are healthy. Stay home if you are sick, displaying any symptoms of potential sickness.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For those looking for additional resources on this topic, we recommend trusted sources such as your physician, the US Department of State, CDC, and WHO.

U.S. Department of State: www.travel.state.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/travel
World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int/

Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. To learn more about Road Scholar’s commitment to our participants’ well-being and the steps you can take to keep yourself healthy when traveling, please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/general-health-safety/

Please also be sure to review our Travel Updates webpage for the latest travel information, steps we are taking to keep your program experience as safe as possible, as well as helpful information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there. www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/travel-updates/

Domestic Travel Arrangements

Programs in the United States and Canada require independent arrivals and departures unless otherwise stated, meaning that you must make your own travel arrangements to and from the program site. If you are flying to your program, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 60 days prior to your program in the United States or Canada to purchase airfare.

International Travel Arrangements

Road Scholar Can Help Arrange Your International Airfare

Almost all of our international programs can be purchased with airfare arranged by Road Scholar. We have negotiated special international rates with major airlines. A list of departure cities can be found by visiting our website or calling to speak with one of our experienced Advisors. As an added benefit, guaranteed airport transfers on the program’s published start and end date are included with your international air travel when arranged through Road Scholar. If your preferred airport is not listed, or you would like to travel on a different day, travel in premium or business class, specify the airline or routing, or travel independently before or after our program, we are happy to customize and create a personalized air travel itinerary to meet your needs. Select the “Custom Flight Arrangements” option and then the airport you want, or discuss your flight preferences with one of our expert air Travel Advisors.

Arranging Your Own International Airfare

If you choose to make your own international air travel arrangements, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 90 days prior to your International program to purchase airfare,

Road Scholar Optional Trip Protection with “Cancel for Any Reason” Coverage

The optional Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan helps protect your investment if you must cancel or interrupt your program for specified, covered reasons, such as illness or injury to you, your traveling companion or an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion. Plus, if you need to cancel your program for any reason not covered by insurance, you will receive a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar for the full amount of the Road Scholar cancellation fee. The plan also provides benefits if you are delayed getting to or returning home from your program and protects your investment should you have an emergency during your program that causes you to miss program days or return home earlier than expected. Your airfare, whether purchased through Road Scholar or independently, is covered at no additional cost — an exceptional benefit and value offered exclusively to Road Scholar participants. You will receive information about this optional travel insurance plan when you enroll in a program. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/protection-plan.

Additional Program Information

Our goal is to make sure our participants have the most enjoyable and rewarding program experience possible. Whether you are considering one of Road Scholar’s many educational adventures or are currently enrolled in a program, we highly recommend you review the additional program information available in the Practical Information section on our website. The section includes a wide range of topics and information -- everything from how to choose the perfect program to traveling solo to insurance. Please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information, or call us if you have specific questions. After you enroll in a program, please be sure to carefully read all pre-program communications and your Program preparatory materials, as they provide important information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there.

Program Policies

Deposit, Transfer and Cancellation Policy

Road Scholar requires deposits for all its programs, and charges fees if you transfer or cancel your enrollment. Deposits and fees vary between programs. Please refer to the Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy on program webpages for specific deposit amounts, and transfer and cancellation fee schedules.

About Program Details and Itineraries

We make every effort to operate our programs as advertised. The information on our website is updated regularly, and reflects the most up to date information. We are committed to providing participants with final program details no later than three weeks before the start of land programs within the United States, four weeks for programs International and Afloat programs. and one week for online programs. However, itineraries or other aspects of a program may change due to situations beyond the control. If this happens we will do our best to notify you of the change prior to arriving on your program. We ask you to pack a little extra patience and flexibility, just in case there are last-minute changes to your program.

If Road Scholar Cancels or Interrupts a Program

Road Scholar reserves the right to cancel programs prior to departure, terminate a program early, and to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action. Additionally, due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, Road Scholar must occasionally cancel or change the dates of a program. When that occurs we will notify you as far in advance as possible and will assist you in transferring your enrollment to another program or refunding your full Road Scholar program payment. If you have made transportation arrangements, such as an airline ticket purchase, Road Scholar will give you a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar to help cover the cost of transferring your travel arrangements for use on a replacement program. The maximum value of the credit will be $300 and documentation of your paid fees is required before issuance of the credit.

Accuracy of Information

While every effort is made to provide accurate information on our website and in our catalogs, Road Scholar is not responsible for typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to program descriptions, pricing, and availability. Road Scholar reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may appear in our publications, and to change or update information at any time without prior notice. If you discover an error on our website or catalog, please let us know.

Program Pricing

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities at a remarkable value. We do everything in our power to ensure that the published program price is the price you pay. On occasion, costs we can’t anticipate and that are beyond our control arise and may be passed along to you. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Terms and Conditions

Program Selection
We want every participant to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding program experience. The travel and activities of Road Scholar programs require participants to be in good general health and capable of performing all program activities as described by the program description and its corresponding Activity Level. As a group travel experience, participants must be capable of caring for themselves during the program and agree not to impede the progress of the program or interfere with the enjoyment of other participants. Participants are required to disclose known medical and physical conditions that may interfere with their safety and well being or the safety and well being of others during this program. Road Scholar may limit or terminate the participation in the program at the participant’s expense and without refund any participants who fail to disclose all medical information or do not honestly assess their physical capabilities in advance. With this information in mind, carefully consider the travel and program demands as described on the Road Scholar website, and consult with your physician about your travel plans. If after enrolling you have second thoughts about the program you chose, please call us and we will be happy to assist you in finding a program better suited to your abilities.

Responsibility

Road Scholar’s responsibility is limited. Road Scholar organizes, promotes, and sells educational programs consisting of certain travel services, including land, air, and water transportation, excursions, and cruise/barge/hotel accommodations that Road Scholar purchases or reserves from various suppliers (collectively, “Suppliers”). Road Scholar neither owns nor operates any of these Suppliers; they are independent contractors and are not Road Scholar’s agents. Therefore, Road Scholar is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Supplier or any other third party. You agree that you will look to such Suppliers, and not to Road Scholar or its agents, for any accident, injury, property damage, or personal loss you may suffer. Without limitation, Road Scholar is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, or inconvenience in connection with the provision of, or failure to provide, any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from — but not limited to — acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or the failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Road Scholar.

Safety & Risks

Certain risks — from natural disasters to accidents, outbreaks of illness, crime, insect-borne and other infectious diseases, environmental risks to health, terrorism and other unforeseen events — are inherent in travel. While such occurrences are beyond our control, we make substantial efforts to be prepared for such possibilities. Participants are encouraged to review the safety and travel information provided by the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about current security issues, travel advisories and warnings, recent embassy notices, country-specific health information, health risks you may encounter while traveling, precautions for the prevention of illness, disease and general health issues during your program and other helpful destination-specific information. By enrolling in a program, you agree to assume responsibility for your own health, safety, and welfare, and acknowledge that Road Scholar cannot guarantee your safety or health at any time.

Admission & Participation Policy

The granting or denial of admission to a program is within the sole discretion of Road Scholar. Road Scholar reserves the right to revoke admission or terminate or limit participation at any time if Road Scholar reasonably determines a participant’s condition, behavior or actions are inappropriate or disruptive, or adversely affect the participant’s health or safety, or the health, safety or enjoyment of other participants. Road Scholar reserves the right to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action.

Photography and Video

Road Scholar reserves the right to take photographs, videos or audio/visual recordings during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them, whether taken by a representative of Road Scholar or by other participants, for promotional purposes. By enrolling in a Road Scholar program, participants agree to allow their images or recordings to be used for such purposes. Participants who prefer that their images or recordings not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff and the photographer at the commencement of their program. For Road Scholar online programs, all audio or video recordings, content and materials are the property of Road Scholar. Participants are prohibited from taking screen captures, or making, copying or distributing all or part of any audio or video recordings of online programs.

Online Program Terms

If you enroll in one of Road Scholar’s online programs, you are responsible for the integrity of the device on which you will attend this online program, as well as your own high-speed internet connection. Road Scholar is not responsible for outages or interruptions in internet service. Road Scholar cannot and will not provide recordings, content or materials, or provide reimbursement of any kind, for missed portion(s) of your online program, regardless of the reason.

Seller of Travel Information

Road Scholar’s state of Washington Seller of Travel Reg. No. 602244658. CST #2068427-40. Florida Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST35594.

Modifications to Terms and Conditions

Road Scholar reserves the right at any time to update, change, modify, or revise these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will become effective upon posting the changes, modifications or revisions to the Terms and Conditions. Accordingly, participants should review Road Scholar’s Terms and Conditions regularly prior to travel in order to ensure they are aware of any changes.

2022 Elderhostel. All rights reserved. The Road Scholar service marks, logos, website address and other marks are owned by Elderhostel, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring adults to learn, discover and travel.

Optional Trip Protection Plan

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768

6 days

5 nights

14 meals

5B 4L 5D

1

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Oakhurst

2

Sugar Pine Railroad, Hike in Yosemite National Park

Oakhurst

3

Explore Giant Sequoias, Create Underwater Robots

Oakhurst

4

Free time in Yosemite Valley, Campfire

Oakhurst

5

Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Nature Walk, Afternoon Swim

Oakhurst

6

Wrap-Up Slide Show, Program Concludes

Oakhurst

View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

The best stories are the ones told around a camp fire – roast a marshmallow beside your grandchild and hear stories of Yosemite National Park and the pioneers who first explored this great wilderness. On this epic adventure, you’ll use your imagination to become a park ranger, prospector, train conductor and engineer as you pan for gold, ride a steam engine and build an underwater robot. Plus, hike through the magnificent domes, granite cliffs, meadows and Sequoia groves of Yosemite as you get to know this beautiful national park.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walk up to four miles daily on varied terrain. Elevations of 3,100-7,000 feet.

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

Board a steam engine train for a ride through the sugar pine forest to learn about the gold rush and the area’s logging history.
Explore Yosemite from the spectacular cascading waters of Bridalveil Fall to the giant sequoia trees — the oldest and largest species on earth!
Head to the Baker Swim Complex to learn to create and manipulate a real underwater robot, and spend some swim time in the pool yourself!

General Notes

Program is for grandchildren ages 8-12.

Suggested Reading List (12 books)

Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop

You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

Search for a Title

Camping With The President

by Ginger Wadsworth

The Geologic Story of Yosemite National Park

by King N Huber

Who Pooped in the Park? Yosemite Scat and Tracks for Kids

by Gary D Robson

A Sierra Club Naturalist's Guide to the Sierra Nevada

by Stephen Whitney

My Yosemite: A Guite for Young Adventurers

by Mike Graf

Little Ty Cooney and the Big Yosemite Race

by Steven Riley

History of the Sierra Nevada

by Francis Farqhar

My First Summer in the Sierra

by Muir, John.

The first of John Muir's books. This inspirational book allows the reader to understand John Muir's desire to protect and preserve Yosemite.

Yosemite: The Complete Guide: Yosemite National Park

by James Kaiser

Galen Clark: Yosemite Guardian

by Shirley Sargent

Sierra Nevada Natural History: An Illustrated Handbook.

by Tracy I Storer

Gloryland: A Novel

by Shelton Johnson

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6 days

5 nights

14 meals

5 B 4 L 5 D

DAY

1

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Oakhurst

D

Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO)

Activity note: Check-in available from 4:00 p.m. You are welcome to arrive early if you wish, but you may not be able to check in until the indicated time. Walking about 1 mile around the camp; some uneven terrain and inclines as it is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Afternoon: Program Registration 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the main meeting room to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, other important information, and to confirm when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. After check-in, take time to relax before our get-acquainted social hour, which will be followed by Orientation. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren during the program. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Children are never to be left unsupervised. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. After going through logistical information, we’ll set out on foot with our Group Leader to explore the camp, see the recreation fields, hiking trails, game room, and much more before ending up in a classroom where we'll play a short game that will help us get to know each other. It's going to be a great week!

Dinner: In Lyles Hall at the camp, we’ll have a buffet meal with juice, coffee, tea and water included.

Evening: Afterwards, we’ll gather for an introductory video on Yosemite with a group discussion. Then continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY

2

Sugar Pine Railroad, Hike in Yosemite National Park

Oakhurst

B,L,D

Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO)

Activity note: Light exercise available prior to breakfast (walking, gardening, yoga, etc.). Walking about 3 miles; approx. 2 hours; elevation gain of roughly 400 feet. Driving approximately 35 miles each way on country roads; about 3 hours total. Train ride is about 4 miles; approx. 1 hour long.

Breakfast: In Lyles Hall, we’ll have a buffet meal, plus juice, coffee, tea, water included. While we’re here, also take some time to make and pack your own sack lunch from an assortment of choices so we can take it with us.

Morning: Setting out from our accommodation, we’ll board our bus and take a short drive up to the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad where we will learn from a railroad employee who will teach us how to pan for gold while also telling us about the California Gold Rush. Also while here, we’ll hop on a steam engine train for a ride with our railroad expert as we learn about the area’s fascinating logging history.

Lunch: At the Railroad, we’ll have our sack lunches.

Afternoon: We’ll then board our bus and transfer to Yosemite National Park where our Study Leader will lead a hike. All the while aboard the bus and on the trail, our Study Leader will offer commentary on the surrounding area and its history. Bring your camera! We’ll then return to the camp via bus.

Dinner: Lyles Hall buffet.

Evening: Each evening at the camp we’ll gather for a group activity. Whether a performance by local musicians or artists, a live animal or historical presentation, or lectures on the human and cultural history of the area, our presenters are all experts in their field and they love to share their knowledge of Yosemite with others. Lucky us!

DAY

3

Explore Giant Sequoias, Create Underwater Robots

Oakhurst

B,L,D

Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO)

Activity note: Light exercise available prior to breakfast (walking, gardening, yoga, etc.). Walking about 2.5 miles throughout the day; uneven, unpaved terrain. Be sure to bring swimwear and a towel for the afternoon activity at the pool. Driving approx. 42 miles total for the day with stops throughout for field trips; about 1/2 hour aboard vehicle at a time.

Breakfast: Lyles Hall buffet. Be sure to prepare your sack lunch to take along on our field trips.

Morning: After transferring via bus, we’ll set out on foot with our instructor to explore the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias with commentary as we go. Get ready to walk among some of the oldest and largest species on earth!

Lunch: In the forest among the enormous Sequoias, we’ll have our sack lunches.

Afternoon: Then, we’ll jump back on the bus and head over to the Baker Swim Complex where we will use their facilities to learn about robotics from our instructor before getting to experiment with how to make and maneuver underwater robots! Before we go, take some time to enjoy a swim in the experiment "tank" – a swimming pool.

Dinner: Lyles Hall buffet.

Evening: We’ll gather for a fun group activity at the camp!

DAY

4

Free time in Yosemite Valley, Campfire

Oakhurst

B,L,D

Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO)

Activity note: Light exercise available prior to breakfast (walking, gardening, yoga, etc.). Walking distance, duration and terrain dependent on personal preference. Driving approx. 35 miles each way on country roads; about 3 hours total.

Breakfast: Lyles Hall buffet.

Morning: We’ll start out the day by boarding the bus for travel along winding, beautiful mountain roads to Yosemite National Park where we’ll gaze at the woodland terrain through the conifer forest, which drops down into the glacially-carved valley of Yosemite. Upon arrival, enjoy the rest of the morning as Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You may wish to explore areas such as the Ansel Adams Gallery or the Indian Village.

Lunch: Enjoy your sack lunch on your own wherever you wish.

Afternoon: Continue to enjoy free time before returning to Shuttle Stop #7 for return to ECCO in the afternoon.

Dinner: Lyles Hall buffet.

Evening: We’ll get to spend some time with fellow participants and roast marshmallows around a campfire.

DAY

5

Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Nature Walk, Afternoon Swim

Oakhurst

B,L,D

Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO)

Activity note: Light exercise available prior to breakfast (walking, gardening, yoga, etc.). Walking about 3-4 miles throughout the day; mostly flat, paved or graveled paths. Driving approx. 35 miles each way on country roads; about 3 hours total. Be sure to bring swimwear and a towel for the afternoon activity at the pool.

Breakfast: Lyles Hall buffet.

Morning: After transferring back to Yosemite, we’ll explore Yosemite Valley with our Study Leader, beginning with a stop at Tunnel View, a picturesque vista right off the road that serves as the first view of Yosemite Valley through the south entrance. Continuing via bus, we’ll take a short ride to Bridalveil Fall where we’ll set out on a short hike with our Study Leader. Carrying on, we’ll also see other historical sites in the Valley en route.

Lunch: In the amphitheater area of Yosemite Lodge, we’ll eat our sack lunches.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll take some time to cool off, relax, and have some summer fun at the swimming pool at Yosemite Valley Lodge. We’ll return to the camp in the mid-afternoon.

Dinner: Lyles Hall buffet.

Evening: We’ll gather for one more group activity. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

DAY

6

Wrap-Up Slide Show, Program Concludes

Oakhurst

B

Activity note: Light exercise available prior to breakfast (walking, gardening, yoga, etc.). Camp check-out is by 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Lyles Hall buffet.

Morning: We’ll gather for one more group session to share a photo slide show of our adventures together and say farewell to our new Road Scholar friends. This concludes our program. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Your well-being is our #1 priority

Enroll with Confidence

At a Glance

Best of all, you’ll…

General Notes