Virginia

Chincoteague Service Learning: Preserving Barrier Island Environments

Program No. 2637RJ
Help preserve and maintain the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge — home to the wild Chincoteague ponies — as you learn about the island’s unique music, culture and lore.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Oct 27 - Nov 1, 2024
Starting at
1,499
Mar 23 - Mar 28, 2025
Starting at
1,599
Apr 6 - Apr 11, 2025
Starting at
1,599
Full Inventory
Oct 26 - Oct 31, 2025
Starting at
1,599
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Oct 27 - Nov 1, 2024
Starting at
1,889
Mar 23 - Mar 28, 2025
Starting at
1,989
Apr 6 - Apr 11, 2025
Starting at
1,989
Full Inventory
Oct 26 - Oct 31, 2025
Starting at
1,989

At a Glance

Spend a week on the beautiful barrier islands of Chincoteague and Assateague working at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and with the Museum of Chincoteague Island, Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, or Beebe Ranch to help conserve the islands’ wildlife habitats, medical 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 physical labor. Transportation will be via school bus, boat, golf cart, car or pickup truck.
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

  • Work outdoors on the Refuge among the wild ponies and waterfowl, at pony care properties, 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 refuge, or participate in one of many other projects to help preserve the island and care for the wild ponies.
  • Enjoy an evening of entertainment by local musicians featuring sea shanties and local lore.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Cindy Faith
Cindy Faith has been a Group Leader and lecturer at the Museum of Chincoteague Island’s Road Scholar programs for many years. Raised on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, her knowledge of the region’s natural and local history is encyclopedic. Her expertise runs the gamut from horseshoe crabs and wild ponies to pirates and the Civil War’s impact on the Chincoteague region. Combined with her warm sense of humor, Cindy’s vast knowledge assures Road Scholar participants of an informative and interesting experience.

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

Profile Image of Cindy Faith
Cindy Faith View biography
Cindy Faith has been a Group Leader and lecturer at the Museum of Chincoteague Island’s Road Scholar programs for many years. Raised on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, her knowledge of the region’s natural and local history is encyclopedic. Her expertise runs the gamut from horseshoe crabs and wild ponies to pirates and the Civil War’s impact on the Chincoteague region. Combined with her warm sense of humor, Cindy’s vast knowledge assures Road Scholar participants of an informative and interesting experience.
Profile Image of Beth Scheeley
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.
Profile Image of Darcy Cole
Darcy Cole View biography
Darcy has lived on the island for over 15 years. In her early encounters with the wild horses of Assateague, she became fascinated with the idea that each horse had a name and a personality. In those 15 years, she has become a regional expert on the horses, publishing books on the horses and conducting workshops and talks related to the horses. In addition to her many lectures at the Museum of Chincoteague, Darcy serves as a Team Leader on the two annual Service Projects.
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.





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