Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration, 3:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and other important information. If you arrive late, this packet will be available at the Orientation meeting held at 6:30 p.m. in the Holt Lodge in the first floor meeting room.

Dinner: At the Lake View Dining Hall, from 5:00-6:00 p.m., we will enjoy a cafeteria-style dinner; beverage choices will include coffee, tea, water.

Evening: Orientation. 6:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone in the Holt Lodge first floor meeting room and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Blacksmithing requires long periods of standing and use of upper body strength during class. Minimal walking in workshop; high temperatures by the forge. Periods in the daily 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. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholar’s, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.

Activity note: Long periods of standing using upper body strength during class; high temperatures by the forge. Minimal walking; indoors and outdoors on retreat center grounds, level terrain. Driving is possible with parking close to the blacksmith shop. Getting on/off bus; short drive to town.

Breakfast: At the Lakeview Dining Hall, our cafeteria-style breakfast will be served from 7:30-8:15 a.m.

Morning: Meeting in the blacksmith shop, the instructor will begin with introductions and a lecture on the proper safety procedures that are involved with blacksmithing. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a demonstration showing us how to create one of the projects for the week. Together as a class, we will begin with one design, possibly more if time permits, using contemporary and traditional forging and finishing techniques.

Lunch: At Lakeview Dining Hall, we will be welcomed with cafeteria-style lunch offered from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Returning to Blacksmith Shop, we will restart the forges and continue work on our projects under the instructor’s guidance.

Dinner: Dining hall cafeteria-style dinner will be served from 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Evening: We’ll then meet at the Holt Lodge meeting room to enjoy evening entertainment beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Activity note: Working in the blacksmith shop.

Breakfast: Dining hall cafeteria-style breakfast will be offered from 7:30-8:15 a.m.

Morning: Meeting in the blacksmith shop, we will continue our projects, working towards completion. Students should be prepared to ask questions and share ideas and challenges.

Lunch: Dining hall cafeteria-style lunch will be offered from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Returning to the blacksmith shop, we will continue working on our projects.

Dinner: Dining hall cafeteria-style dinner will be served from 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Evening: At leisure. Should you wish to use it, the blacksmith shop will be open for studio time with the instructor available to assist with projects.

Activity note: Long periods of standing using upper body strength during class; high temperatures by the forge. Minimal walking; indoors and outdoors on retreat center grounds, level terrain. Driving is possible with parking close to the blacksmith shop. Getting on/off bus; short drive each way to distillery.

Breakfast: Dining hall cafeteria-style breakfast will be offered from 7:30-8:15 a.m.

Morning: The instructor will begin the morning by demonstrating the use of advance hammering techniques, joinery techniques and how to estimate materials. We will learn to expand our skills by working smarter not harder. We will then practice these techniques on a new project of choice to sharpen these skills.

Lunch: Dining hall cafeteria-style lunch will be offered from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Afterwards, we will then continue to work on our projects under the supervision of our instructor.

Dinner: Dining hall cafeteria-style dinner will be offered form 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Evening: After meeting in the lodge, at 6:30 p.m., we’ll set out via bus for a field trip to the authentic Appalachian Moonshine Distillery located less than two miles a short drive from the conference center. Upon arrival, we’ll be treated to a lecture given by the owner of the distillery on the history of moonshine in West Virginia. Our expert will show us around the distillery while providing commentary on the process and, once our exploration is complete, we’ll be invited to sample the products during a tasting. We’ll then return to the retreat center.

Activity note: Working in the blacksmith shop.

Breakfast: Dining hall cafeteria-style breakfast will be served from 7:30-8:15 a.m.

Morning: Beginning with an illuminating demonstration given by our instructor, we’ll then then have time to work on our projects.

Lunch: Dining hall cafeteria-style lunch will be served from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Afternoon: As we finish up our projects, we’ll get started on setting up our display for the evening’s open studio event.

Dinner: In the side dining room of Lake View Dining Hall, from 5:00-6:00 p.m., we will have a cafeteria-style dinner together where we will celebrate the successes of the week. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: We will then proceed as a group to the Craft House to begin our walk through all the open studios where instructors will give brief talks on their class activities and students will display their projects. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Dining hall cafeteria-style breakfast, will be offered from 7:30-8:15 a.m.

Morning: As we come to class for the last session, we will put the finishing touches on any unfinished items. Our instructor will offer further ideas and projects to continue our blacksmithing craft.

Lunch: Farewell dining hall cafeteria-style lunch, will be offered from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Bagged lunches to go will be available upon request. This concludes our program.

Afternoon: We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!