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A wooden boardwalk winds through the salt marshes of Assateague National Seashore in Virginia during a dramatic sunset.
Virginia

Chincoteague Service Learning: Preserving Barrier Island Environments

Program No. 2637RJ
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Itinerary
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. Read More.
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
Included
13 meals ( 5B, 4L, 4D )
1 expert-led lecture
5 expert-led field trips
5 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Chincoteague , Va.
Chincoteague Service Learning: Preserving Barrier Island Environments
Oct 29 - Nov 3, 2028
Program Number 2637
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your name tag.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 - 4:45 in the hotel lobby. Meet with program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, your program materials will be at the front desk.
Dinner:
In the Museum's Legacy Pavilion.
Evening:
Orientation will follow immediately after dinner. Our Group Leader will greet everyone, leading introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions.

At orientation, you will also receive a list of service projects you will have the opportunity to participate in throughout the week. Sign-ups for specific projects will take place every evening. Work will officially begin on Tuesday, so you will sign up for your first project Monday evening. Each project has an assigned group leader who will provide oversight and expert supervision. Projects vary depending on the time of year and specific needs of our community. They may include beach clean-up, sign-painting, pony corral repairs, and museum collections / historic preservation. All projects are designed to help maintain the heritage and history of the Island, ensuring that our visitors and local community can continue to enjoy this unique place.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Working at project site.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Monday will serve as our introductory day to the Island. You will gain a better understanding of our history, heritage, geography, and economy. By having a deeper understanding of our community, you will be able to contribute in a deeper way and learn the “why” behind our projects.

First, you will board the bus for a historic bus tour of Chincoteague. Your group leader will point out important landmarks, and you will have a chance to visit the Wildlife Refuge, keeping an out for birds and other wildlife. Next, you will visit the Museum of Chincoteague Island. You will meet our Executive Director, who will provide an introduction, allowing time afterwards for self-guided exploration of the exhibits.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will visit Island Creamery, a family owned and operated ice cream shop on the Island. It is a summer staple for tourists and locals alike. After a sweet treat, we will visit the Beebe Ranch, the ancestral home of Misty of Chincoteague. This property aims to preserve the iconic legacy of Misty and the Beebe family. This story is incredibly important to the identity of the Island and it is a must see land mark for all visitors.
Dinner:
In the Museum's Legacy Pavilion.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Working at project site.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will travel by bus to the project location and carry on with this morning’s work schedule.
Lunch:
In the Museum's Legacy Pavilion.
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.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Working at project site.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will travel by bus to the project location and carry on with the work schedule.
Lunch:
In the Museum's Legacy Pavilion.
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:
We will gather in the hotel conference room for a lecture on pirates, shipwrecks, and buried treasure with our historian, Cindy Faith.
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 hotel.
Morning:
We will travel to the project location and carry on with the work schedule.
Lunch:
In the Museum's Legacy Pavilion
Afternoon:
We will come together as a group for a beach clean-up.
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.
Activity Note
Hotel Check-out by 11am.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, you will say farewell to your group leader. This is a great time to reflect on the program, and share highlights with your fellow participants
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