Québec

Play Pickleball at Québec’s Glen Sutton Lodge

Program No. 24586RJ
Practice new pickleball skills as you learn from local instructors and play against fellow Road Scholars on brand-new courts in this week devoted to improving your pickleball game.

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At a Glance

The pickleball craze is sweeping the world, and here is your chance to improve your game and make new friends with fellow players! Work on your footwork, stroke production, volleys and other skills during morning practice sessions, and then put them to the test in the afternoon as you play against other Road Scholars. Stay and play at the historic Glen Sutton Lodge, an idyllic setting where you don’t have to travel far to play on onsite courts. At the end of the week, join members of a nearby pickleball club to challenge their team to a friendly competition and test your new skills.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Daily Pickleball activities on outdoor courts. Mornings will be spent on instruction, while afternoons focus on round robin play. Please consult the USA Pickleball Skill Rating Definitions to help you choose the date most appropriate for you (https://usapickleball.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/USAPA-Skill-Rating-Definitions-2020.pdf).
Small Group
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.

What You'll Learn

  • Discover the intricacies of pickleball, including poaching, spins, lobs and targets, and develop your skills in these areas.
  • Play on brand-new courts as you learn from and play alongside expert pickleball instructors every day.
  • Test your pickleball expertise against local teams.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Stephen Giesler
Stephen Giesler lives for the outdoors and all the sporting pleasures that can be found there. As an instructor and active participant in Road Scholar’s outdoor programs, he is the person you want with you when you’re ready for an adventure. He has been downhill skiing since he was three, is a multiple Gold Bar Canadian Ski Marathoner, and has white water kayaked on four continents. Along with his wife Joy, they organize outdoor experiences in the countryside of southern Quebec and northern Vermont.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

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Stephen Giesler View biography
Stephen Giesler lives for the outdoors and all the sporting pleasures that can be found there. As an instructor and active participant in Road Scholar’s outdoor programs, he is the person you want with you when you’re ready for an adventure. He has been downhill skiing since he was three, is a multiple Gold Bar Canadian Ski Marathoner, and has white water kayaked on four continents. Along with his wife Joy, they organize outdoor experiences in the countryside of southern Quebec and northern Vermont.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date
Sep 29 - Oct 04
  • Jun 02 - Jun 07
  • Jun 23 - Jun 28
  • Sep 08 - Sep 13
  • Sep 29 - Oct 04
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024 Itinerary Differences: This week is designed for intermediate players at 3.0 and above using the Pickleball self-rating system. At a minimum, players should be able to hit forehand and backhand shots in a consistent and controlled manner with pace, understand Pickleball rules, scoring and strategy and be able to vary shots between hard and soft game.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Sep 29 - Oct 04
  • Jun 02 - Jun 07
  • Jun 23 - Jun 28
  • Sep 08 - Sep 13
  • Sep 29 - Oct 04
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024 Itinerary Differences: This week is designed for intermediate players at 3.0 and above using the Pickleball self-rating system. At a minimum, players should be able to hit forehand and backhand shots in a consistent and controlled manner with pace, understand Pickleball rules, scoring and strategy and be able to vary shots between hard and soft game.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5 B 4 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Glen Sutton, QC
D
Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton

Activity note: Lodge check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously). This week is designed for intermediate players at 3.0 and above using the pickleball self-rating system. Please review attachment for details. At a minimum, players should be able to hit forehand and backhand shots in a consistent and controlled manner with pace, understand Pickleball rules, scoring and strategy and be able to vary shots between hard and soft game.

Afternoon: Due to the remote location of this program, a scheduled complimentary shuttle is available from the airport in Burlington, VT, departing promptly at 3:30 p.m. Program Registration: 3:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us in the Great Room of the Lodge to register with the program staff, 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.

Dinner: At the Lodge in the open format kitchen and dining room. Enjoy high-end cooking with menus designed and prepared by our team of chefs. Bring your own alcoholic beverages if desired; alcohol is not served on site. In this age of fast cuisine, we think you’ll appreciate the effort that the dining team puts into their “from scratch” delicacies. Special dietary needs must be noted on the Participant Information Form. If you do not advise us of your requirements or special needs well in advance of your program, we may not be able to accommodate your requests once you arrive on the program.

Evening: Orientation: 7:30 p.m. 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. Afterwards, there will be a talk about Glen Sutton, the Eastern Townships, and the general scene in this part of the world. 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. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
First Day on the Court, Skill Separation into Groups
Glen Sutton, QC
B,L,D
Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton

Activity note: One instructor/court. If an introductory week, the game will be explained, demonstrated and practiced. The basics of stroke mechanics, footwork and strategy will be drilled. Many games later, the obsessive nature of the planet’s fastest growing sport will be smilingly clear. Welcome to Pickleball checkers! If a more advanced week, the game’s subtleties will be explored: the third shot drop, spins, half volleys, overheads and resets. More pace, depth and placement! Welcome to Pickleball chess!

Breakfast: At the Lodge.

Morning: All racquet sports, from ping pong to tennis, require good footwork in order to improve. Pickleball is no different. Establishing that good foundation and incorporating structured swing efficiencies set the stage for rapid advancement. Details such as paddle grip, swing trajectories and target visualization, if introduced early, set the improvement curve quickly into motion. It's a morning for drills, chalkboard conceptualizations and sweat.

Lunch: Bag lunches on the porch of the Lodge.

Afternoon: Structured play! Instructors analyze points as casual games unfold. Patterned errors can be isolated and drilled into correction. Around 3:30 p.m., the Lodge porch calls, though some may wish to continue. There is plenty of time for a swim or a snooze.

Dinner: At the Lodge.

Evening: Evening lectures commence at 7:30 p.m. Topics might include Heart Healthy Living, Canadian History, American Invasions of Canada (1775 - 1871), Quebec Politics Since the Quiet Revolution, The Gerry Bull Story, Natural History, Native Canadian History, or a private musical concert.

DAY
3
Another Day of Pickleball Boot Camp
Glen Sutton, QC
B,L,D
Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton

Activity note: On the Lodge courts, the grinning and grinding continues. Movement patterns improve, errors diminish, shots become sharper and the focus is on targets: deep serves, deep returns, get to the net and discover the inner dinker that’ll open the door to your true Pickleball potential. Begin analyzing opponent weaknesses and how to target them depending on court geometry. Develop partner communication skills.

Breakfast: At the Lodge.

Morning: To the courts and to work! Small ratio instruction and on-court play (with analysis) will keep improvements coming. Most players send most shots to predictable targets (generally down the middle when tensions rise) so “pattern breaking” will be explored. Some local and similarly skilled players will be invited to mix it up with participants.

Lunch: Bag lunches at the Lodge.

Afternoon: Guided play continues.

Dinner: At the Lodge.

Evening: We will meet for our evening lecture at the Lodge.

DAY
4
To Serve & Where to Serve
Glen Sutton, QC
B,L,D
Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton

Activity note: More of the same with attention to the Serve. Fast serves start in the lower body and rely on the kinetic chain being released in a timely manner if they are to sting. Hitting spots (T, body or out wide) is won through long, guided practice. A loose body delivers accuracy and, if spin is added, can really confound opponents if mixed in randomly with more traditional deliveries.

Breakfast: At the Lodge.

Morning: More Pickleball.

Lunch: Bag lunches at the Lodge.

Afternoon: Round robin play or leisure time to explore the Sutton Township area.

Dinner: At the Lodge.

Evening: At leisure. Each week has one free evening where guests can sample our world-class movie collection, play bridge, or sample some local theatre.

DAY
5
“Interclub” Day of Play
Glen Sutton, QC
B,L,D
Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton

Activity note: On-site round robin play with invited guests from all over the wider neighborhood. Possible away games at nearby centers.

Breakfast: At the Lodge.

Morning: Pickleball exchange matches with clubs in the area.

Lunch: Bag lunches at a predesignated spot.

Afternoon: Play continues. Side clinics if any participants want to work on specifics.

Dinner: At the Lodge. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: We will meet for our final evening lecture. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
6
Program Concludes
Glen Sutton, QC
B

Activity note: Lodge check-out by 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the Lodge.

Morning: Departures after breakfast according to individual travel plans. The airport transfer will depart from the lodge at 9:00 a.m.; approximate arrival at the Burlington airport is 10:30 a.m. Check-out is 10:00 a.m. for those departing independently. This concludes our program. 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!






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