Road Scholar Schedule

Accommodations

Our clean, simple lodges and homey, all-you-can-eat meals (always with a vegetarian option available) will make you feel at home. Our community lounge, kitchen, fitness room, sauna and massage therapist are just a few of the amenities that will leave you feeling relaxed and comfortable. Most of our accommodations are dormitory style, however, you can upgrade to a private bath, suite or cabin if desired.

Registration

All registration for Craftsbury's Road Scholar programming occurs through Road Scholar itself. They can be reached online or through one of the methods listed here.

Road Scholar Fall 2012

The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont is a spectacular spot for enjoying the splendors of fall foliage. You will be surrounded by the vibrant colors of fall while you explore the area's unique natural environments. Paddle bodies of water big and small, hike on Nature Conservancy lands, farm roads and the trails of the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, then move indoors to find a deeper understanding of the area through the cultural, natural or historical programming available each week.

The walks, hikes and tours will provide plenty of opportunity to digest what you're learning as you make your way through open meadows, along old farm roads, or twist through the Center's hiking trails on site. All offer a great way to get a deeper experience of the area and keep body in tune with mind as you learn.

Nature of Vermont in the Northeast Kingdom

September 23 - 28, 2012
In addition to hiking and walking, this week will get you out on the water. Join Eric Hanson, the biologist for the Vermont Loon Recovery Project, and improve your canoe paddling as you explore Big Hosmer Pond and view a loon nest site. We'll move beyond flat water and test our skills on a section of the Northern Canoe Trail on the Upper Clyde River with its unique ecology. The programming component for the week will be based on further naturalist study, with lots of talks and presentations led by Eric.

Yoga

September 30 - October 5, 2012
Yoga and hiking - a match made in heaven! Yoga is the perfect way to warm up for, cool down from, and build skills necessary for improving your physical fitness. Daily yoga classes will increase your flexibility and strength, improve your balance, and help to both prevent and cure common aches and pains.

In addition to the yoga work, you'll enjoy exploring lots of trails and roads-less-traveled around the area - a perfect way to enjoy the autumn colors of New England. There's a wide variety of options for hiking and walking tours in the area, and we'll do our best to sample as many as possible!

Road Scholar Winter 2013

The Craftsbury Outdoor Center is one of the pre-eminent nordic ski centers in Vermont. The snow generally falls early and remains late because we sit high in the hills of Vermont's snow belt. In 2011, we added the capacity to augment our natural snow fall with man-made snow, smoothing some of the bumps and thaws in a New England winter. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a first-time skier, our outstanding ski instructors teach the techniques to help you progress in your skiing. Explore over 105 kilometers of expertly groomed and tracked ski trails and an extensive snowshoe trail network - all right outside the door of your trailside lodging. In between your outdoor instruction and academic pursuits, gather with your fellow participants around the tables of our Vermont Fresh Network certified dining hall. The food is abundant, healthy and delicious, with lots of local produce forming the staples of your diet. You'll be well-fueled for all your adventures!

Yoga

January 13-18, 2013
February 24 - March 1, 2013
March 3-8, 2013
Practice Hatha Yoga to relax and stretch both body and mind. Whether you already have a regular yoga practice or are just interested in trying something new, you will find a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where participants at every level are encouraged to play, explore and honor their individuality.

As is the case with all our winter Road Scholar programming, the athletic portion of the curriculum will feature cross-country skiing. Our trails are wide and professionally groomed daily for classical and skate skiing. Join our ski instructors as they introduce novices to the sport, provider a refresher on technique to those more seasoned skiers, or update and refine skills for the advanced skier. The week's yoga classes are designed to complement and support your ski technique. The guidance of all these expert tutors and our extensive terrain will help you discover some of Vermont's winter treasures. Yoga has healed, opened, strengthened and reinvigorated its practitioners for centuries - come try it this winter with us.

Introduction to Astronomy

January 21-25, 2013
We often read, watch or hear about stars, planets, galaxies and other members of our universe, yet rarely have the opportunity to learn much about them. In this course, we'll explore the nature of the universe both in terms of what appears to be out there currently, but also the broader scale of the cosmos in space and time. It's through learning about this dynamic evolution of celestial bodies that we learn and witness the true goings on.

After you explore the cosmos, give your body the chance to explore our network of 105k of cross-country ski trails! Our wide trails are meticulously groomed daily for classical and skate skiing. Join our ski instructors as they introduce novices to the sport, provide a refresher on technique to more seasoned skiers or update and refine skills for the advanced skier. The guidance of these expert skiers and our extensive terrain will help you discover winter wonders much closer to earth.

Film and Fiction

January 27 - February 1, 2013
This exciting double program will introduce you to film and short stories from the northern latitudes. We'll explore a variety of film genres, including animation, short film, documentary, feature length films (think Hollywood) as well as independent features. The presentation explores the "North Country" theme of nature, survival, and human relationships. Discussion will follow each presentation.

The other half of the academic programming will cover short fiction. The stories, by contemporary authors, will portray northern settings and characters, with discussion focusing on the interrelationships among characters. Stories will range from the contemplative to the humorous. Evenings will include active participation with literature and a traditional ski film.

The athletic side of your stay will be led by our cross-country ski instructors. These expert teachers can help you take the next step in your skiing, whether you're novice, a more seasoned skier or an advanced skier looking for an update and refinement to your technique. Our trails are wide and meticulously groomed daily for classical and skate skiing. The combination of excellent instruction and our extensive terrain will help you discover some of Vermont's winter treasures.

New England Music & Dance

February 3-8, 2013
February 10-15, 2013
Learn the history of traditional country dance and song. Instructors offer old standbys as well as newer songs and dances from New England, the Canadian Maritimes, the British Isles and Scandinavia. Live music to accompany song and dance will be provided by guitar, banjo and fiddle - bolstered one evening each week with additional local musicians for a festive contra dance.

When it's time to head outdoors, you'll enjoy cross-country skiing on our wide trails, meticulously groomed daily for classical and skate skiing. Join our ski instructors as they introduce novices to the sport, provider a refresher on technique to those more seasoned skiers or update and refine skills for the advanced skier. The guidance of these expert skiers and our extensive terrain will help you discover some of Vermont's winter treasures.