Virginia
Chincoteague Service Learning: Preserving Barrier Island Environments
Program No. 2637RJ
Help preserve and maintain the town of Chincoteague and the Assateague National Seashore — as you learn about the island’s unique music, culture and lore.
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800-454-5768
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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
1
Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Chincoteague , Va.
2
Local History & Lore, Museum, Begin Projects
Chincoteague , Va.
3
Service Project Work
Chincoteague , Va.
4
Service Learning Project; Pirates, Shipwrecks & Treasures
Chincoteague , Va.
5
Service Learning Project Work, Musical Entertainment
Chincoteague , Va.
6
Assateague Lighthouse, Program Concludes
Chincoteague , Va.
At a Glance
Spend a week on the beautiful barrier islands of Chincoteague and Assateague working at the Assateague National Seashore and with the Museum of Chincoteague Island, Town of Chincoteague, or Beebe Ranch to help conserve the islands’ wildlife habitats, facilities, history and culture. Under the supervision of experts, assist with a variety of projects ranging from repairing and clearing woodland trails and walkways, to cleaning up undeveloped beaches, preserving historic sites, or working among the Museum’s collection of artifacts and records. You will have opportunities to observe barrier island waterfowl and other wildlife up close, including the herds of wild Chincoteague ponies. Discover the unique culture of this treasured natural barrier island paradise with local experts.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to one half mile at a time over level ground. Some groups may walk up to a mile at a time through sand or marsh terrain. Projects may involve painting and/or physical labor. Transportation will be via bus, boat, golf cart, car or pickup truck.
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…
- Work outdoors on the Assateague National Seashore amonth the waterfowl, the Beebe Ranch, island historic sites, or at the Museum of Chincoteague Island, helping to manage its expanding collection of local artifacts.
- Walk along our pristine beaches helping to clean up cast-off fishing nets and debris deposited by ocean storms, learn or refresh your carpentry skills while building or repairing walkways and structures throughout the islands, or participate in one of many other projects to help preserve the islands.
- Enjoy an evening of entertainment by local musicians featuring sea shanties and local lore.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Beth Scheeley
Beth Scheeley was born and raised on Chincoteague Island. She has many family ties to the island, which makes her a true "teaguer." Beth has an extensive knowledge for Chincoteague's history. Her childhood memories of Chincoteague's past looks, restaurants and people will call for endless conversations and stories during your time with her. Her go-getter personality and friendliness will surely make you feel right at home on Chincoteague Island.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Beth Scheeley
View biography
Beth Scheeley was born and raised on Chincoteague Island. She has many family ties to the island, which makes her a true "teaguer." Beth has an extensive knowledge for Chincoteague's history. Her childhood memories of Chincoteague's past looks, restaurants and people will call for endless conversations and stories during your time with her. Her go-getter personality and friendliness will surely make you feel right at home on Chincoteague Island.
Suggested Reading List
(6 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.
Chincoteague Service Learning: Preserving Barrier Island Environments
Program Number: 2637
Slave and Free on Virginia's Eastern Shore
The Eastern Shore of Virginia has been home to English-Speaking people for almost four hundred years, and for more than half that time it was legal for some of its residents to own other residents who live on the peninsula with them, to buy and sell, use and abuse them for their own purposes and profit. What was it like to live in that day when human bondage was accepted, its mindset and practices firmly embedded in the everyday affairs of ordinary people? Solidly researched, Slave and Free is a good place to begin the study that no one wants to talk about. It will be found accessible and readable by both the scholar and the general reader; as well as by all who know and love Virginia's Eastern Shore. Available in the Museum gift shop in person or online at www.chincoteaguemuseum.com
Stormy, Misty's Foal
This sequel to "Misty" describes the events on Chincoteague during the Ash Wednesday storm in 1962. Misty is about to give birth and the book details the actions the Beebe's take to ensure a safe birth. It also covers the role Misty and her foal play in raising donations to restore the island after the storm. Available at the Museum of Chincoteague Island and on our website. Chincoteaguemuseum.com
Misty of Chincoteague
A Newberry Honor book, for children 8 - 12 years old. This is the story of Paul and Maureen Beebe and their quest to buy the elusive Phantom, a wild Chincoteague pony. On Pony Penning Day, they not only bring in the Phantom, but also her colt, Misty. It is a wonderful heart-warming tale of the efforts of two children to achieve their dream. Available at the Museum of Chincoteague Island and on our website. Chincoteaguemuseum.com
Once Upon an Island: The History of Chincoteague
Settled for more than 300 years, surrounded by waters which have for centuries provided both livelihood and recreation, known for ponies and wildfowl, seafood and seashore, "old salts" and decoys. Chincoteague Island, Virginia is both colorful and storied. And never until now has its complete history been told.
This book chronicles the often surprising story of a place named for Native Americans who never really lived there, settled not by fishermen but by cattlemen, so individual that it refused to follow the rest of the state into the Confederacy during the Civil War. Here is a full account of how the famous pony penning came to be, of the boom and bust of the seafood industry, and of a hardy people who survived fire, flood and isolation to build a community that has now been visited by millions. It is the story not of one island but of several - Chincoteague, Assateague, Wallops, and of their interplay with both the nearby Eastern Shore and with more distant places familiar to islander who "went to sea" at an early age.
Once Upon an Island is both good, sound history and a "fun read" for anyone who is fascinated by colorful, celebrated Chincoteague Island. Available in the Museum gift shop in person or online at www.chincoteaguemuseum.com
Watermen and Wild Ponies, A Chincoteague Waterman Remembers Life on Chincoteague and Assateague
An informative and touching chronicle of the life-long friendship of two business partners who catch and sell fish, oysters and clams for over 30 years until the early 1960's. It reflects the flavor of living and making a livelihood on Chincoteague and the early settlement of Assateague. Available at the Museum of Chincoteague Island and on our website. Chincoteaguemuseum.com
Chincoteague and Assateague Islands (MD and VA) (images of America)
This book provides a short pictorial and narrative description of these two barrier islands, their history and relationship. One is a small town community catering to thousands of tourists who come almost year-round to enjoy the beach and view the wildlife on the other. Available at the Museum of Chincoteague Island and on our website. Chincoteaguemuseum.com
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.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals (
5B, 4L, 4D
)
1 expert-led lecture
3 expert-led field trips
6 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
D
Stay:
Refuge Inn
Activity Note
Motel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00-4:30 p.m. at the Museum of Chincoteague Island. Meet with 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 motel conference room.
Evening:
Orientation will be immediately following dinner. Our 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. This evening is the time to sign up for one of several interesting projects we’ll begin tomorrow. Each project has an assigned team leader who will direct us in our tasks and provide project oversight and expert supervision of project participants. Projects vary depending on the needs and time of year and may include activities such as beach clean-up and restoration, walkway and observation deck maintenance, sign painting, pony corral repairs, and work at the museum or historic sites. These projects are designed and chosen specifically to preserve barrier island habitats and enhance the experience of more than a million visitors who come every year. Each workday, we’ll have a different catered lunch on the project site. 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.
Day
2
Local History & Lore, Museum, Begin Projects
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Refuge Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Working at project site.
Breakfast:
At the motel.
Morning:
We will learn local history from the Group Leader on a bus exploration of Chincoteague Island. Next, we will visit the Museum of Chincoteague Island, where we will see the rare First Order Fresnel Lens that was the original lens on the Assateague lighthouse. We will meet the Executive Director, who will give an introduction before we enjoy a self-directed exploration at our own pace.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will join our work crew and begin our service learning work project(s). We expect to wrap up around 4:00 p.m. and return to the motel by bus. Prior to dinner, you might like to enjoy the motel sauna, indoor pool, and hot tub after the day’s work. Remember to sign up for Tuesday’s work project.
Dinner:
At the Museum of Chincoteague Island, with a local expert who will discuss local history via cuisine.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Service Project Work
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Refuge Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Working at project site.
Breakfast:
At the motel.
Morning:
We will travel by bus to the project location and carry on with this morning’s work schedule.
Lunch:
We will have lunch on site.
Afternoon:
We will continue our service learning work project(s). We expect to wrap up around 3:00 p.m., then return to the motel and adjourn for the day.
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.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Service Learning Project; Pirates, Shipwrecks & Treasures
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Refuge Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Working at project site.
Breakfast:
At the motel.
Morning:
We will travel by bus to the project location and carry on with the work schedule.
Lunch:
We will have lunch on site.
Afternoon:
We will continue our service learning work project(s), with expected wrap-up and return to the motel around 3:00 p.m.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
In the restaurant or the hotel conference room after dinner, depending upon restaurant availability, we will enjoy pirate, shipwreck and buried treasure trivia. You are invited to join us as a pirate and bring your own grog!
Day
5
Service Learning Project Work, Musical Entertainment
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Refuge Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Working at project site. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the motel.
Morning:
We will travel to the project location and carry on with the work schedule.
Lunch:
We will have lunch on site.
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:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
In the Museum’s Legacy Pavilion following a brief bus ride, we’ll be joined by Salts, seasoned singers/players who present energetic and eclectic performances of Celtic, nautical, traditional, and contemporary music. They will entertain us with witty banter while also teaching about their songs and instruments. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Assateague Lighthouse, Program Concludes
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Motel check-out by 11:00 a.m. Getting on/off a bus. Minimal walking on the lighthouse grounds. Those who wish may climb 175 stairs to the lighthouse’s observation deck.
Breakfast:
At the motel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will take the bus to visit the Assateague Lighthouse. We will learn about the Assateague Village that was nearby until the early 1900s, the lighthouse keepers’ mansion, and some lighthouse history. We will also have the opportunity to climb to the observation deck, approximately 175 steps from the ground level. We’ll then take the bus back to the motel and say farewell. 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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MEALS
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
- Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
- Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
- Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
- Mar 22, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026
- Mar 29, 2026 - Apr 03, 2026
- Oct 25, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Participant Reviews
Based on 8 Reviews
Sort By:
Fun and beautiful place. Really enjoyed the warmer weather and the beach.
— Review left May 11, 2024
I have to say, my first trip was SO wonderful, Yosemite, that I was afraid the next just couldn't be as amazing. I found that this one was just as great. Everyone was so kind and helpful. Staff and participants. I have my third trip reserved and I am certain that it will be just as perfect!!
— Review left November 20, 2023
The instructors and leaders of the Chincoteague Service Learning Program made this experience seamless because of how connected they are; their bond made it a really fun experience. Thank you for your generosity + sharing your passions + knowledge!
— Review left November 17, 2023
Ponies, pirates, and sweet potato biscuits! I cannot speak highly enough of the Road Scholar team who worked together to make this trip to Chincoteague so much fun, so educational, and so rewarding--from coordinators to trip leaders to guest lecturers and performers. This is a service learning program, so we participated in a variety of volunteer activities helping to preserve the community's heritage, culture, and environment--all things that made us feel like we were making a difference! Along the way, we also had loads of fun as we worked shoulder to shoulder with local volunteers. We were treated to delicious seafood from local eateries, such as crab cakes, oyster pot pie, and shrimp. We had a tapas and wine pairing event; a pirate party; a live concert with a local band; lectures on culture and natural history; and were privileged to get an inside look at wild pony lore--including in-depth introductions to the origin story of "Misty of Chincoteague" by Marguerite Henry and the fascinating artifacts preserved at the Museum of Chincoteague Island! We explored the island's pristine beaches, historic Assateague LIght House, and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The hospitality and warmth of the people we met made this a wonderful learning adventure!
— Review left October 29, 2023
Visiting Chincoteague and Assateague Islands was a wonderful experience. We learned lots about the ponies and hopefully our group left things in a little better shape than when we arrived.
— Review left May 6, 2023
I enjoyed this trip tremendously. All leaders were excellent, the projects interesting and the participants very friendly. Chincoteague is an absolutely lovely place. The reserve had so many interesting creatures, many very small specially the turtles and toads. We observed ponies and a variety of birds.
Since I live in Virginia, I plan to go back more often.
— Review left April 24, 2019
What a wonderful trip to Chincoteague and Assoteague Islands!Having three projects to rotate through each day gave me a wonderful mix of projects to work on. Our leaders, locals or people who were drawn to move there, provided a rich source of information and history for our experience. I can't say enough about staying at the Refuge in, the make-up of the group and the wonderful experiences throughout the week.
— Review left April 9, 2019
This was my first Road Scholar experience and I would highly recommend it to others.
— Review left April 7, 2019
