Marine Science Adventures

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

What’s Included:

5 nights of accommodations

14 meals (5 B, 4 L, 5 D)

5 expert-led lectures

6 expert-led field trips

6 hands-on experiences

2 performances

An experienced Group Leader

Customary gratuities throughout the program

Road Scholar Assurance Plan

Taxes

Good To Know:

Cancel & Transfer Policy

Trip Protection

Daily Weather Averages

Ocean Science Adventures on Chincoteague Bay With Your Grandchild

Program No. 2579RJ 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. Program enrollments are on a per person basis and substitutions are not permitted.

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 trip total

Cancel Fee: 100% of trip total

less than 30 days prior to the program start date

Transfer Fee: 50% of trip total

Cancel Fee: 50% of trip total

up to 30 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: $0.00

up to 30 days prior to the program start date

Cancel Fee: $100.00

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 trip total	100% of trip total
less than 30 days prior to the program start date	50% of trip total	50% of trip total
up to 30 days prior to program start date	$0.00
up to 30 days prior to the program start date		$100.00

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.

Staying healthy is critical to enjoying your program experience, and taking common sense steps to reduce the risk of getting sick.

A week before you depart on your program, consider limiting your exposure to others. If you must be in public in the week prior to departure, wear a mask.
Do not travel if you are sick, have any symptoms of illness, or if you have had close contact with a person who is ill. Do not risk traveling if you are not feeling well.
Bring a few face masks to the program. Wearing a well-fitted mask is an effective means of protection against airborne viruses, including COVID-19. Wear a mask whenever around others, including when flying and transiting airports. Once on your program, wear a mask whenever you are in public settings, especially if you have a weakened immune system or an underlying medical condition.
Wash your hands often and practice good hygiene.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Once on the program, if you do begin to feel ill or have symptoms of illness, immediately isolate and notify the Group Leader.

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. Please note that enrollments are on a per person basis and substitutions are not permitted.

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.

Age 5 - 8

	ROOMING OPTION PRICING The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
DATES
Jun 16 - Jun 21, 2024 Per Adult 899 Per Child 699 Select
Jun 16 - Jun 21, 2024	899 / Adult 699 / Child	899 / Adult 699 / Child	1,049 / Adult 699 / Child	SOLD OUT

Jun 30 - Jul 5, 2024 Per Adult 899 Per Child 699 Select
Jun 30 - Jul 5, 2024	899 / Adult 699 / Child	899 / Adult 699 / Child	1,049 / Adult 699 / Child	Select Date

Jul 14 - Jul 19, 2024 Per Adult 899 Per Child 699 Select
Jul 14 - Jul 19, 2024	899 / Adult 699 / Child	899 / Adult 699 / Child	1,049 / Adult 699 / Child	SOLD OUT

Aug 4 - Aug 9, 2024 Per Adult 899 Per Child 699 Select
Aug 4 - Aug 9, 2024	899 / Adult 699 / Child	899 / Adult 699 / Child	1,049 / Adult 699 / Child	Select Date

Age 9 - 13

	ROOMING OPTION PRICING The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
DATES
Jun 23 - Jun 28, 2024 Per Adult 899 Per Child 699 Select
Jun 23 - Jun 28, 2024	899 / Adult 699 / Child	899 / Adult 699 / Child	1,049 / Adult 699 / Child	SOLD OUT

Jul 7 - Jul 12, 2024 Per Adult 899 Per Child 699 Select
Jul 7 - Jul 12, 2024	899 / Adult 699 / Child	899 / Adult 699 / Child	1,049 / Adult 699 / Child	Select Date

Jul 28 - Aug 2, 2024 Per Adult 899 Per Child 699 Select
Jul 28 - Aug 2, 2024	899 / Adult 699 / Child	899 / Adult 699 / Child	1,049 / Adult 699 / Child	Select Date

6 days

5 nights

14 meals

5B 4L 5D

1

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Wallops Island

2

National Wildlife Refuge, Island Visit, Campfire

Wallops Island

3

Salt Marsh Ecology, Boat Trip, Movie Night

Wallops Island

4

Fish Biology, Free Time, Adult Social, Talent Show Practice

Wallops Island

5

Dune Ecology Lecture & Field Trip, Organism Lab, Talent Show

Wallops Island

6

Photo Slideshow, Crafts, Program Concludes

Wallops Island

View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Why is the ocean blue? Is a sponge actually alive? We know your grandkids have a lot of questions, and our expert instructors are here to answer them all during a week of fun and exploration with your grandchild on Virginia’s Atlantic islands. Get your hands wet as you examine creek water, pull in a net full of wriggling critters and examine all the life that survives inside a single drop of sea water!

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to half-mile over varied terrain, through water; climb bus stairs.

Best of all, you’ll…

Enjoy an exclusive visit to Wallops Island NASA base, usually closed to the public, to learn about the sandy dunes and collect shells to take home!
Take a ride on an Oceanography Research Cruise to learn all about water quality and meet some of the awesome organisms that live in the area.
Get truly hands on at our numerous field sites around the area, including a salt marsh plunge and exploration of the intertidal zone.

General Notes

Program is for grandchildren ages 5-8 or 9-13, depending on the date. ATTENTION FOREIGN NATIONALS: Part of this program takes place on Wallops Island, which is a restricted access NASA base. In order to participate in the Wallops Island activities, all foreign nationals must complete additional paperwork at least 6 weeks in advance to be allowed access onto the base. Access is then subject to approval by NASA Wallops Island base. If you are a foreign national enrolled in this program, please contact the program provider directly at julie@cbfieldstation.org to request the required forms.

Suggested Reading List (5 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

Misty of Chincoteague

by Marguerite Henry

On an island off the coasts of Virginia and Maryland lives a centuries-old band of wild ponies. Among them is the most mysterious of all, Phantom, a rarely seen mare that eludes all efforts to capture her--that is, until a young boy and girl lay eyes on her and determine that they can't live without her. The frenzied roundup that follows on the next "Pony Penning Day" does indeed bring Phantom into their lives, in a way they never would have suspected. Phantom would forever be a creature of the wild. But her gentle, loyal colt Misty is another story altogether. Marguerite Henry's Newbery Honor Book has captivated generations of boys and girls both with its thrilling descriptions of true incidents from the tiny island of Chincoteague, and its realistic yet wonderfully magical atmosphere. This story of an animal brought into captivity poignantly reveals the powerful opposing forces of humans and nature. Wesley Dennis's pen-and-ink ponies are masterfully depicted with rippling muscles, shaggy coats, and free spirits.

Off 13: The Eastern Shore of Virginia Guidebook

by Kirk Mariner

Kirk Mariner's book "Off 13 - The Eastern Shore of Virginia Guidebook" offers a highly informative and entertaining guide to an overlooked but tranquil peninsula bounded by the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, not far from the Nation's Capital. Many people know of Chincoteague but may not be aware that the rest of the Virginia eastern shore is well worth exploring. "Off 13" is full of interesting anecdotes and historical information about the area and its many little towns as well as useful and practical information for travellers.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge: An Ecological Treasure

by Irene Hinke-Sacilotto

Beautiful photos of Chincoteague National Wildlife: birds, ponies, sunsets. Not a lot of detailed information but it is a photography book primarily and nice to look at and dream of being there.

A Field Guide to the Atlantic Seashore: From the Bay of Fundy to Cape Hatteras

by Kenneth L. Gosner

More than 1,000 illustrations, arranged according to visual similarities, show plant and animal species of the Atlantic Coast from the Bay of Fundy to Cape Hatteras. This guide includes information on how to locate each species by geographic range, tidal range, tidal level, season, topography, and climate.

Assateague: Island of Wild Ponies

by Andrea Jauck and Larry Points

Children's Book- In a nature tour format, the authors portray the seasons of this famous island. They present facts about the area's ecology while focusing on the ponies. The tone is conversational, written in an informal style and defining equine terms in context. One or two full-color photos on each page show the animals in their habitat. Scenes show both the natural beauty of the island and the ponies in action, sometimes in humorous poses. Photos and text promote Assateague's wildness while cautioning readers about humankind's effects on the fragile environment. Suggest this as background for readers of Marguerite Henry's books, and as a supplement to Jack Scott's Island of Wild Horses

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6 days

5 nights

14 meals

5 B 4 L 5 D

DAY

1

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Wallops Island

D

Chincoteague Bay Field Station

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

Afternoon: Program Registration: 3:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby 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: In the Field Station Dining Hall.

Evening: 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. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. All programs are led by Chincoteague Bay Field Station staff, who will be the group leaders throughout the program. During the program, kids will prepare for a talent show. Program-related travel will be via field station bus. Meals will be provided in the CBFS dining hall or in the field. 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/current 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

National Wildlife Refuge, Island Visit, Campfire

Wallops Island

B,L,D

Chincoteague Bay Field Station

Activity note: Getting on/off a field station bus; driving about 12 miles each way, approximately 1 hour total riding time. Walking less than 1/4 mile; wet, muddy, and/or sandy terrain. Possible high temperatures on beach, no shade.

Breakfast: In the Dining Hall.

Morning: We will gather with one of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge’s educational staff who will tell us about the refuge system and the unique qualities of the refuge at the impressive Bateman Visitor Center, which we’ll take the bus to for a visit. Afterwards, we’ll get back on the bus for a ride to the beach.

Lunch: On the beach, we’ll have a cookout.

Afternoon: From the refuge center, we’ll hop aboard the field station bus and ride up the refuge’s Service Road –, a restricted access road – to the home of the majority of the wild ponies living on the island. Amid spectacular views, we’ll spend the afternoon searching for ponies and the birds of the island, including the piping plover and the brown pelican.

Dinner: In the Dining Hall.

Evening: We’ll enjoy an evening of traditional campfire fare with a variety of fun skits from field station staff and camp songs we can all participate in. We’ll top off the night with delicious s’mores!

DAY

3

Salt Marsh Ecology, Boat Trip, Movie Night

Wallops Island

B,L,D

Chincoteague Bay Field Station

Activity note: Getting on/off a field station bus; driving about 12 miles each way to/from PM class, 4 miles each way to/from AM class, approximately 30 minutes total riding time. Walking less than 1/4 mile; wet, muddy, and/or sandy terrain. Wear bathing suit under clothes for AM class with clothing and shoes that can get very muddy, shoes must be sneakers or other very secure shoes that tie, and long pants must be worn. Getting on/off pontoon boat for PM class. Wear closed toe shoes and bring layers.

Breakfast: In the Dining Hall.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a Chincoteague Bay Field Station ecologist for an in-lab discussion about how wetlands function and why they are so important to the environment. We’ll then ride out to the salt marsh to experience and learn about this environment first hand. To experience the productivity of the saltmarsh, we’ll take a dip in the mud, then return to the field station.

Lunch: In the Dining Hall.

Afternoon: After lunch, we'll meet in the lab to discuss boat safety and what organisms we may expect to see on our boat. Then, after a short drive, we'll climb aboard a pontoon boat with Daisey's Island Cruises to observe wildlife and deploy our trawl net to see what organisms we can find under the water. Participants will get truly hands on with our aquatic friends!

Dinner: In the Dining Hall.

Evening: We’ll enjoy a movie night at the field station.

DAY

4

Fish Biology, Free Time, Adult Social, Talent Show Practice

Wallops Island

B,L,D

Chincoteague Bay Field Station

Activity note: Getting on/off a field station bus; driving about 12 miles each way, approximately 1 hour total riding time. Walking less than 1/4 mile; wet, muddy, and/or sandy terrain. AM class wear bathing suit under clothing and clothes and shoes that can get wet. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.

Breakfast: In the Dining Hall.

Morning: We'll meet in our lab for a short lecture from a CBFS ecologist on what makes a fish, a fish, then we'll head out into the field to get hands on, feet wet. Participants will dip net around oyster castles and seine in Chincoteague Bay to put their fish identification and handling skills to the test!

Lunch: In the Dining Hall.

Afternoon: Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your 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. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.

Dinner: In the Dining Hall.

Evening: Grandparents will enjoy some adult time with an evening social. We’ll have cheese, crackers, cookies, coffee, and tea available; feel free to bring your own beer or wine. Kids will practice with staff for the talent show tomorrow night.

DAY

5

Dune Ecology Lecture & Field Trip, Organism Lab, Talent Show

Wallops Island

B,L,D

Chincoteague Bay Field Station

Activity note: Getting on/off a field station bus. Walking less than 1/4 mile; wet, muddy, and/or sandy terrain.

Breakfast: In the Dining Hall.

Morning: A Chincoteague Bay Field Station ecologist will lead an in-lab discussion about barrier island formation and the unique pattern of life found on these islands. We’ll then go on a field trip to the pristine environment of the sand dunes of Wallops Island NASA base. This island is closed to the public, so this opportunity — exclusive to the Chincoteague Bay Field Station Road Scholar program — is a chance to see a natural beach ecosystem. While in the field, we’ll learn about dune succession and collect shells. Afterwards, we’ll return to the field station for lunch.

Lunch: In the Dining Hall.

Afternoon: In the lab, we’ll get a closer look at the organisms we’ve collected to help identify them and learn more about their interesting characteristics.

Dinner: In the cafeteria, we’ll have a traditional Chesapeake seafood boil with some non-seafood alternatives as well. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: Talent show and skit night! Bring along a guitar or your favorite song to teach the group. Kids will perform the lively skits we’ve practiced with camp staff. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY

6

Photo Slideshow, Crafts, Program Concludes

Wallops Island

B

Activity note: Field station check-out by 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast: In the Dining Hall.

Morning: After check-out, we’ll hear from our fellow Road Scholars and share what we’ve learned and our favorite activity. We’ll also watch a slideshow of pictures from the week and kids will create a craft project to remember our program at CBFS. 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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Protecting the Environment

At a Glance

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General Notes