Missouri

To Missouri & Beyond: Space & Robots With Your Grandchild

Program No. 21935RJ

Set out on an adventure of discovery in St. Louis, where you’ll build a rocket, simulate a space mission, learn about constellations and inspire your grandchild to shoot for the stars!

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Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

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

Plan ahead.

What kind of weather can you expect? Take a look!

Age 9 - 11

	ROOMING OPTION PRICING The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
DATES
Jul 9 - Jul 15, 2023 Per Adult 1,299 Per Child 949 Select
Jul 9 - Jul 15, 2023	1,299 / Adult 949 / Child	1,299 / Adult 949 / Child	1,599 / Adult 949 / Child	Limited Space

Jul 30 - Aug 5, 2023 Per Adult 1,299 Per Child 949 Select
Jul 30 - Aug 5, 2023	1,299 / Adult 949 / Child	1,299 / Adult 949 / Child	1,599 / Adult 949 / Child	SOLD OUT

Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Program Terms & Conditions

To Missouri & Beyond: Space & Robots With Your Grandchild

Program No. 21935RJ 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.

© 2023 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

7 days

6 nights

16 meals

6B 5L 5D

Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Mad Science

St. Charles

St. Louis Science Center & Planetarium

St. Charles

Boeing Prologue Room, Challenger Learning Center & Drones

St. Charles

Challenger Space Center, Space Mission Simulation, Free Time

St. Charles

St. Louis Arch, Aquarium at Union Station

St. Charles

St. Charles Community College, Design & Launch Rockets

St. Charles

Program Concludes

St. Charles

View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Become an engineer, an astronaut and a mad scientist all in one week as you and your grandchild take on a mission into outer space and rocket blast-off! Meet and learn from brilliant scientists and teachers at the St. Louis Science Center — one of the top four in the country — the Challenger Learning Center, McDonnell Planetarium and Boeing Headquarters. Zoom into space and explore the solar system in the St. Louis sky. Build and fly your own drone and compete drone obstacle course. Marvel at the engineering feat and spectacular views from the top of the St. Louis Arch.

Activity Level

On Your Feet

A great deal of walking and standing will be required at field study locations. A minimum of 1-2 miles per day of walking will be required. Plan on getting on and off a bus several times each day.

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…

Enjoy a simulated space mission at the Challenger Learning Center.
Spend a day with drones and compete in a drone obstacle course.
Marvel at the engineering feat and spectacular views from the top of the St. Louis Arch.
Spend the day exploring the Aquarium at Union Station
Build and launch your own rockets.

General Notes

Program is for grandchildren ages 9-11. For a program for younger grandchildren (ages 6-8), check out "A Scientific World of Discovery With Your Younger Grandchild" (#22895).

Suggested Reading List (13 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

What Was the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

by Tim Foley (Illustrator), Judith St. George

An illustrated chapter book about the infamous journey that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark took from St. Louis, Missouri to the Pacific Ocean.

Women Aviators

by Bernard Marck

From Amelia Earhart to Sally Ride, these remarkable women defied tradition and took to the air in planes, rockets and spaceships. With hundreds of archival photographs, these profiles capture the thrill and derring-do of early flight.

Who Were the Wright Brothers?

by James Buckley Jr.

An illustrated biography of aviation pioneers the Wright Brothers. Written for ages 8 to 12.

National Geographic Kids Everything Robotics

by Jennifer Swanson

This heavily illustrated National Geographic book introduces kids to everything robotics, from the tiniest robo-bees to giant factory machines.

The Gateway Arch: A Biography

by Tracy Campbell

A St. Louis icon and a stunning memorial to westward expansion, the Arch triumphantly rises 630 feet over the city and attracts millions of tourist every year. Campbell reveals the history of the monument, dispelling myths and shining new light on the origins and meaning of the Arch.

History of Flight Coloring Book

by A. G. Smith

Forty-seven illustrations inspired by the history of flight -- all ready for coloring! Includes the Spirit of St. Louis, the Concorde, space shuttles, the Wright Brothers’ craft and more. Each image is paired with a detailed caption.

Moon Handbook St. Louis

by Brooke S. Foster

A no-nonsense practical guide in the Moon series, jam-packed not only with travel necessities (hotels, restaurants, sights), but also with a good overview of history, flora and fauna and geology.

The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book

by Tom Robinson

Using common household items, kids can recreate dozens of fun and educational science experiments, covering fields from biology to chemistry and physics to outer space. Experiments answer questions such as: can you blow up a balloon without blowing into it? What is inside a coin? Can a magnet ever be "turned off"?

Flight, 100 Years of Aviation

by R. G. Grant

A sweeping compendium of a century worth of experiments in flight, this big book features engaging text, rigorous attention to detail, miniature biographies of key figures and a comprehensive history of humanity's quest to become airborne. Produced in association with the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum.

Into the Blue, American Writers on Aviation and Spaceflight

by Joseph J. Corn (Editor)

The dizzying story of America’s journey into the skies, told through the eyes of luminaries, writers and air flight pioneers. Corn draws together such gems of aviation history as a dispatch from Ernest Hemingway on a 1922 flight over France and Benjamin Franklin's impressions of the first hot air balloons.

St. Charles (Then and Now)

by Jessica Dreyer, Vicki Berger Erwin

Settled in 1769, St. Charles is an example of historic preservation -- though by the 1960s many of the buildings had deteriorated. Prompted by the restorations of the first state capitol property and the efforts of dedicated citizens the area underwent a period of revitalization and restoration. Through photos, both old and new, readers will see the city of St. Charles as it was and is now. In June of 1970 the Main Street Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Images of America: St. Charles

by Don Graveman, Dianna Graveman

This Missouri city began humbly when a French Canadian fur trader built a cabin on the Missouri River in 1769. He named the settlement Les Petites Cotes (the little hills). St. Charles has seen much excitement over the years, including a visit by Lewis and Clark and a number of devastating natural disasters.

How to Be a Space Explorer: Your Out-Of-This-World Adventure

by Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet’s fun and engaging guide teaches young explorer everything they need to know about space travel, from zero gravity to solar system navigation. Features more than 300 photographs; perfect for any aspiring astronaut.

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7 days

6 nights

16 meals

6 B 5 L 5 D

DAY

Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Mad Science

St. Charles

Country Inn & Suites

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the breakfast room to register with the program staff and get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. 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. We will review COVID protocols and will adhere to applicable requirements and guidelines throughout the program. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren at all times. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach [or bus] unless noted otherwise. There is no restroom on the bus. Meals will feature mostly small locally-owned restaurants and caterers. Periods in the 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.

Dinner: 5:30 p.m. at the hotel.

Evening: We’ll be joined by the “Mad Science” team who will lead us through an exciting interactive experiment. Then continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY

St. Louis Science Center & Planetarium

St. Charles

B,L,D

Country Inn & Suites

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 50 miles throughout the day, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking during field trip; seating available.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board our bus for a field trip to the St. Louis Science Center, one of the top four science centers in the nation. In a classroom setting, our goal will be to fill an entire area with a functioning Rube Goldberg machine. We’ll work together as a group to create a machine using dominoes, ramps, buckets, and levers in order to flip on a switch. After our hands-on experiment is finished, we’ll have time to explore the Science Center on our own.

Lunch: At the Science Center, we’ll have box lunches.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll walk over a skybridge to the James S. McDonnell Planetarium on the Science Center campus. This is one of the nation’s leading space education facilities. We’ll explore the planetarium’s space exhibits and see the Gateway to the Solar System Show in its unique, dome-shaped auditorium. Simply by looking up, we’ll learn about past, present, and future planetary phenomena while exploring the solar system, discovering planets, moons, and more in the sky. When done, we’ll board the bus and ride back to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Evening We’ll remain where we are and watch “Monument to the Dream,” a short movie about the creation of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Arch that stands today as the nation's tallest arch and national monument. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure for a swim in the pool (with grandparents present), spending time with new Road Scholar friends, or just relaxing.

DAY

Boeing Prologue Room, Challenger Learning Center & Drones

St. Charles

B,L,D

Country Inn & Suites

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 50 miles throughout the day, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Walking during field trip, standing in Boeing Prologue Room.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will take the bus to the Boeing Prologue Room and watch a short introductory film about the history of flight. We’ll then have an expert-led exploration of the museum that teaches the history of aviation through exhibits, artifacts, and media presentations. After our field trip, we’ll ride to St. Charles Community College.

Lunch: On the St. Charles Community College campus, we’ll have box lunches.

Afternoon: We will be joined at the SCC campus by an expert from the Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis who will teach about drones. We’ll fly and land drones and then create and compete in a drone obstacle course. The Challenger Learning Center is dedicated to inspiring future generations of innovators through space mission simulations and other STEM education programs.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure for a swim in the hotel pool (with grandparents present), spending time with new Road Scholar friends, or just relaxing.

DAY

Challenger Space Center, Space Mission Simulation, Free Time

St. Charles

B,L

Country Inn & Suites

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 25 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking and standing at field trip site.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will set out on a field trip to the Challenger Learning Center and participate in a simulated space mission. We’ll have an opportunity to become an “astronaut” on board the Space Center and/or take a turn at working for Mission Control.

Lunch: Returning to the hotel, we’ll have box lunches to eat there or while exploring during free time.

Afternoon: Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. Take this opportunity to explore the historic St. Charles area on your own. To mix a bit of history into our science experiences, you might like to walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark in the river town where their expedition began. Or, you might like to visit the Lewis & Clark Museum & Boat House, Frontier Park, or whatever appeals to you.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. There are many choices on Main Street in St. Charles.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

St. Louis Arch, Aquarium at Union Station

St. Charles

B,L,D

Country Inn & Suites

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 50 miles throughout the day, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day and standing during field trips.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will set out on a field trip to explore the Gateway to the West at the St. Louis Arch. We’ll learn more — remember “Monument to the Dream?” — about the engineering marvel of this iconic structure. We’ll take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of the Mississippi River, Busch Stadium, and the St. Louis Courthouse.

Lunch: At a local venue, we’ll have box lunches.

Afternoon: Next, we will take the bus to the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. We’ll learn about aquatic life in the 120,000-square-foot aquarium, packed to the gills with more than 13,000 animals across 44 exhibits. We will have an expert-led exploration followed by some independent time to see what interests each of us most. The aquarium also offers optional activities at additional cost.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

DAY

St. Charles Community College, Design & Launch Rockets

St. Charles

B,L,D

Country Inn & Suites

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 25 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking and standing during field trip.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will ride to St. Charles Community College where we’ll be joined by a rocket expert from the Challenger Learning Center. We’ll spend our morning learning about the history of rockets and the U.S. space program to the moon. Then we’ll begin to build our own rockets!

Lunch: On campus, we’ll have box lunches.

Afternoon: We’ll continue learning about the mechanics of thrust and stability by launching the rockets we built this morning. After the rocket launch, we will do repairs — if needed — so that we can take our rockets home for future blastoffs.

Dinner: At St. Charles Community College, we’ll have a cookout. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure for a swim in the pool (with grandparents present), spending time with new Road Scholar friends, or just relaxing. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY

Program Concludes

St. Charles

Activity note: Hotel check out 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. 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 rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!