Athens Parent Article - Eldershostel vacations for grandchildren and grandparents

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Grandparenting
Elderhostel Camps for Grandparents and Kids Alike
By Catherine Leigh
April/May 2004

In June 2000 my daughters took a cross-country trip to a Colorado dude ranch with their grandparents. The trip was like no other experience they had ever had. The difference was it was an Elderhostel Intergenerational Program. They are all still talking about it.

"I feel like the trip allowed us to get to know our granddaughters better and to spend quality time with them. We plan on taking our other two grandchildren when they get old enough,” said Barbara Niehuss.

Elderhostel Intergenerational Programs are for adults 55 years and older to participate in learning experiences with young relatives. These programs provide opportunities for the grandparents to get to know their grandchildren better and to provide quality learning experiences they can both share in.

As a non-profit Boston based organization, Elderhostel’s main goal is to provide high quality learning experiences with reasonable rates for those 55 and over. Marty Knowlton and David Bianco founded Elderhostel in 1975. The first six programs were offered on the campuses of five colleges and universities in New Hampshire. Now there are 10,000 programs taking place in 90 countries overseas and the U.S. and Canada. The intergenerational programs that developed in 1985 are some of the most popular.

Last summer a new twist was introduced. Family programs were added to the intergenerational programs. These family programs allow three generations to explore the world. They are designed for grandparents, adult sons and daughters and their children ages 9-18. Participants gain a deeper understanding and respect for each other while exploring educational opportunities.
For more information you may visit their Web site at www.elderhostel.org or call toll-free at 1-877-426-8056.

Catherine Leigh is a single mother of four who is looking forward to the grandparents’ next intergenerational trip.

Here are the intergenerational programs available
in the state of Georgia this summer:

Adventure on Three Barrier Islands: St. Simons, Jekyll, and Sapelo
Program # 2534
• Program Type(s): Intergeneration-Grandchildren, Traditional
• An Elderhosteler(s) must be accompanied by a child on this program.
• Site: Center for Adventure Education / St. Simons / Barrier Islands, Georgia
• Program duration: 5 nights
• Program dates: 6/13/04 - 6/18/04

EdZOOcation: Plus Dinosaurs and Railways Program # 9577
• Program Type(s): Intergeneration-Grandchildren, Traditional
• An Elderhosteler(s) must be accompanied by a child on this program.
• Site: Center for Adventure Education /Georgia SW / Atlanta Intergenerational, Georgia
• Program duration: 5 nights
• Program dates: 6/27/04 - 7/2/04

From the Land to the Sea to the Swamp: An Intergenerational Experience Program # 2533
• Program Type(s): Intergeneration-Grandchildren, Traditional
• An Elderhosteler(s) must be accompanied by a child on this program.
• Site: Fernandina Beach and Cumberland Island, Georgia
• Program duration: 5 nights

Greatest Show on Earth! Circus, Nature, And Sports Adventures At Callaway Program # 2532
• Program Type(s): Intergeneration-Grandchildren, Active Outdoor-Multi-Activity, Traditional
• An Elderhosteler(s) must be accompanied by a child on this program. Appropriate for older adults in good health with overall good mobility. Up to 3 hours of physical activity per day.
• Site: Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia
• Program duration: 5 nights

Just Horsin’ Around: Tales from the Trails Program # 7265
• Program Type(s): Intergeneration-Grandchildren, Active Outdoor-
Horseback, Traditional
• An Elderhosteler(s) must be accompanied by a child on this program. Up to 4 hours of physical activity per day.
• Site: Crandall Retreat, Georgia
• Program duration: 5 nights

Tie One On: An Intergenerational Flyfishing Experience Program # 11382
• Program Type(s): Intergeneration-Grandchildren, Active Outdoor-Fishing
• An Elderhosteler(s) must be accompanied by a child on this program. One of our most challenging programs; up to 6 hours of physical activity per day.
• Site: Crandall Retreat, Georgia
• Program duration: 5 nights
• Program dates: 6/6/04 - 6/11/04

Under the Stars Program # 11381
• Program Type: Intergeneration-Grandchildren, Multi-Active Outdoor
• An Elderhosteler(s) must be accompanied by a child on this program. One of our most challenging programs; up to 6 hours of physical activity per day.
• Site: Crandall Retreat, Georgia
• Program duration: 5 nights
• Program dates: 7/18/04 - 7/23/04

Up the Creek with a Paddle: A Canoeing Discovery Trek Program # 7255
• Program Type(s): Intergeneration-Grandchildren, Active Outdoor-Canoe/Kayak, Traditional
• An Elderhosteler(s) must be accompanied by a child on this program. One of our most challenging programs; up to 6 hours of physical activity per day.
• Site: Crandall Retreat, Georgia
• Program duration: 5 night(s)

Where the Wild Things Are: Discovering the Natural World Around You
Program # 2535
• Program Type(s): Intergeneration-Grandchildren, Active Outdoor-Multi-Activity, Traditional
• An Elderhosteler(s) must be accompanied by a child on this program. Designed for hostelers with active lives. Up to 5 hours of physical activity per day.
• Site: Crandall Retreat, Georgia
• Program duration: 5 nights

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