Activity note: Motel check-in from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 3:00-4:30 p.m. In the motel’s conference room, register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: We’ll walk to a local restaurant for a plated dinner with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Orientation. When we return to the motel after dinner, we’ll gather in the conference room where 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 let the Group Leader know what types of projects most interest you and 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 at the refuge. 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.

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Working at project site.

Breakfast: In the motel dining area, the breakfast buffet offers choices such as scrambled eggs, sausage, oatmeal, cereals, yogurt parfaits, breads, bagels, English muffins, milk, juice, coffee, tea, water. There will also be rotating daily specials such as blueberry scones, orange-cranberry muffins, or warm, gooey cinnamon rolls.

Morning: We'll board a bus and ride to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge where we’ll be greeted by the refuge staff. Then we’ll explore the interior of the refuge by bus with a local expert to look for wild ponies, petite Sika elk, nesting terrapin, otters, bald eagles, Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel and other wildlife. We will be going into an area that is normally closed to the public.

Lunch: Refuge catered lunch.

Afternoon: We will join our work crew and begin our service learning work project(s). We expect to wrap up around 3:00 p.m. and return to the motel by bus. The remainder of the afternoon is free. You might like to enjoy the motel sauna, indoor pool and hot tub after a hard day’s work.

Dinner: We’ll board the bus and ride to a local restaurant for a plated dinner with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: We’ll be joined by a local expert who will discuss Chincoteague Island history and tales as well as the charm of this unique island. We’ll learn about the wild Chincoteague pony herds. We’ll also hear about the reasons for Chincoteague Island’s surprising decision not to join the rest of Virginia when it seceded from the Union and its profitable alignment with the North throughout the Civil War. Remember to sign up for tomorrow’s work projects.

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Working at project site.

Breakfast: Motel buffet.

Morning: We will travel to the refuge and carry on with this morning's work schedule. Here is some general information from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service that has authority for the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge: “Some of the most gorgeous beaches found on the Atlantic Coast are located here at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The white sandy beaches of this windswept barrier island are a major reason for visitors to flock to this area.”

Lunch: Refuge catered lunch.

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. The remainder of the afternoon is free.

Dinner: We’ll board the bus and ride to a local restaurant for a plated dinner with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: After dinner, we’ll return to the Museum of Chincoteague Island where museum staff will interpret exhibits that feature the original Fresnel lens from the Assateague lighthouse, the Beebe Ranch including Misty and Stormy in their artfully preserved state, and the seafood and tourist industry. Remember to sign up for Wednesday's work crews.

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Working at project site.

Breakfast: Motel buffet.

Morning: We will travel to the refuge and carry on with this morning's work schedule.

Lunch: Refuge catered lunch.

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. The remainder of the afternoon is free.

Dinner: We’ll board the bus and ride to a local restaurant for a plated dinner with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Returning to the motel, we’ll meet in the conference room for a talk by a local expert and former museum executive director on the history of lighthouses with particular emphasis on the Assateague's historic lighthouse and its Fresnel lens. From the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: “In 1833, the first Assateague Lighthouse was constructed to warn ocean travelers of the dangerous shoals offshore. Construction on a taller, more powerfully illuminated brick lighthouse began in 1860 but was delayed by the Civil War. After the war, work resumed and the lighthouse was completed in 1867. The light was also upgraded that year, to a first order Fresnel lens. In 1891, a separate oil storage building was built, and a new assistant keeper's house was constructed in 1910. In 1929, the keeper staff was reduced. In 1933, the lighthouse’s oil lamps were replaced by an electric lamp, and the original keeper's house was removed.”

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Working at project site.

Breakfast: Motel buffet.

Morning: We will travel to the refuge and carry on with this morning's work schedule.

Lunch: Refuge catered lunch.

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. The remainder of the afternoon is free.

Dinner: We’ll board the bus and ride to a local restaurant for a plated dinner with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Share favorite experiences with your new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: We’ll be joined by 3 Sheets, a trio of 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: Motel check-out 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Motel buffet. 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!