Current Conferences
2011 Road Scholar Programs (Elderhostels) at Montreat
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Adventures in Lifelong Learning
Learning is a lifelong pursuit that opens minds and enriches lives. Road Scholar participants come to Montreat from every walk of life to learn together, to exchange ideas, and to explore the world. Accommodations in the beautiful Assembly Inn, overlooking Lake Susan, are double occupancy (limited singles with an extra charge) with private baths. The Inn includes spacious lounges, classrooms, and dining facilities. Comprehensive fees include program, housing (double occupancy), and meals at the Assembly Inn.
Road Scholar is the new program name for Elderhostel, Inc. The following programs are sponsored by Montreat Conference Center, in cooperation with Elderhostel, Inc.
Program Fee
Comprehensive fee: $548 – $882, depending on program and type of accommodation selected.
Registration Information
Visit www.roadscholar.org or call 800.454.5768 toll free for comprehensive fees and registration information. Some of these programs are tentative and pending approval. They will be listed on the Elderhostel website when registration is available.
Download a list of the 2010-2011 Road Scholar programs at Montreat!
Program Dates for 2011
March 27-April 1 • April 10-15 • May 8-13 • May 22-27 • August 7-12 Intergenerational • August 14-19 • September 11-16 • September 25-30 • October 2-7 • October 9-14 • December 4-9 • December 11-16
March 27-April 1, 2011
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Sources of Tension in the Middle East Explore U.S. foreign policy as we grapple with dilemmas posed by insurgents, terrorists, and friends in the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan. Review and analyze recent developments in Afghanistan, including the Karzi government, Al Qaeda, the Taliban, Pakistan’s connections, Waziristan, and U.S. policy. Also includes a brief overview of geopolitical factors, relevant historical events, and their strategic value for the global powers. Mary Lasher
International Human Rights An introduction to international human rights as related to history, law, politics, religion and ethics. We will also learn of advocacy groups that defend human rights and consider whether we may be at a “tipping point” worldwide with regard to human rights. David Sweatt
This Land is Your Land Experience the folk music revival and its social impact through the voices of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan and others who spoke through their music during times of poverty, social unrest, unionization and the civil rights movement. Anne Lough
March 27-April 1, 2011
Program #19467 – Understanding Sciences and Technologies in Our Lives Today
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Sciences and Technologies of Modern Medicine Explore topics to help understand modern diagnostic procedures when we go for medical care of hear about them in the new. Emphasis on imaging procedures such as MRI,CT scans, mammography, and more. Perry Sprawls
Sciences and Technologies of Environmental Biology Resources to understand our changing environment and opportunities to experience the wonders of nature. Learn about air and water quality issues and the interrelations of global climate change to them and our forest ecosystems of North America. Ed Hauser
Sciences and Technologies of the Weather In 1735, “Poor Richard,” aka Ben Franklin, wrote: “Some are weatherwise, some are otherwise.” In 1743, Ben observed that northeast storms begin in the southwest. On horseback, he chased a whirlwind almost a mile to find out why. Also “Poor Richard” printed some of the first recorded weather forecasts. Clearly, Ben Franklin had weatherwisdom. Explore the historical advancements in the science of weather and weather forecasting. Enjoy hands on learning about basic weather patterns and systems, look at weather folk-lore, and receive tips and guidance on how you can predict and track the weather. We’ll also have an introduction to climate data and information and how to find that information for anywhere in the world. So come-on, be…weatherwise! Tom Ross
March 27-April 1, 2011
Program #19236 – Billy Graham’s Influence and an Overview of Many Religions
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Billy Graham: His Life and Mission Discuss how he influenced politics and historic events. What made some not agree with his views? How did his message excite part of our nation and where did it find divides? Visit The Cove and learn about his roots and what made him who he is today.
One Country: Many Religions America has become a multicultural nation. People of various faiths have become our neighbors. It was easy to talk of religious freedom when we had similar backgrounds, but how do we show respect for significantly different faiths without feeling we have compromised our own? Can I learn things from another religion that would make me a better member of my own? Is it possible that “God is bigger than any one religion?” How might an American model of religious respect contribute to reducing tensions in the world? Dick Wolgamott
April 10-15, 2011
Program #TBA
Close Encounters: UFOs and Extra Terrestrials Explore UFOs and ET visitors in literature, motion pictures, television, and the twilight zones of present day reality. Discuss works of H.G. Wells, Ray Bradbury, Steven Spielberg, and other creative geniuses. Confront the question: Could it be true? Bob Smith
Fairy Tales for Adults: Wisdom for the Young at Heart Fairy tales we remember from childhood contain psychological insights. Every culture has children’s tales meant for the second half of life that point us to wisdom and fulfillment. Let’s explore and discuss new wisdom found in old stories. Phoebe Smith
Southern Legends and Ghostly Apparitions Delight in some of our region’s unusual residents and mysterious happenings. Discover the Brown Mountain lights, Jamestown’s hitchhiker, and the couple whose faithfulness transcended death. Bring a legend from your area, or write your own. Marilyn McMinn McCredie
April 10-15, 2011
Program#16093 – Travel Back In Time: The History Of Trains And Customs Of The Southern Appalachians
As the high iron tunneled and climbed westward, momentous decisions, scandals and tragedies rolled through Appalachia. Examine the far-reaching ramifications of steam travel with railroad experts, from innovative engineering feats to the toiling laborers and rich tycoons behind their construction. Relive the romance of this bygone era as you ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to Dillsboro and Bryson City. Discover how the railroads affected the economy and culture of this mountain area on narrated visits to historic railroad depots-turned-museums such as Biltmore Station, Mountain Gateway, and Apple Valley Railroad. Learn and sing the songs inspired by train travel and, in the evening, screen and discuss films from 1927 to 1993 that are fixtures of railroad lore. Righton McCallum, Anne Lough & Peter Loewer
May 8-13, 2011
Program #8999 – Mountain Wildflowers and Forest Ecology
Appalachian forests today are vastly different from those of the past. Explore forest ecology, while investigating past and present conditions which affect the ever-changing forests. Examine how mountain ranges were formed, and how this relates to local ecology. Learn how weather affects the environment and why meterologists have such difficulty predicting weather. Walk the pathways of western NC’s gentler mountains as we amble through taking time to actually see (and sometimes smell) the wondrous flowers of an Appalachian Spring. Learn about the life and botany of our mountains, then spend afternoons hiking (on moderate trails) in search of orchids and trillium, plus hundreds of other wildflowers blooming along wooded paths. Wear good hiking shoes. Moderate trails on uneven terrain with rocks and roots, 2 to 4 miles in length, elevation increase of approximately 300 feet. Peter Loewer
May 22-27, 2011
Program #TBA
At Home in Appalachia Step back to a simpler time and experience the home-made nature of Appalachia mountain culture. Local field trips will allow you to observe carvers and carvings, current dulcimer makers, and even find a backdoor folk jam session.
History of Mountain Music and Dance Discover the roots of our mountain music while being mightily entertained. A blend of lecture and discussion, film footage, photos, live and recorded music provide a detailed look at these folks and allow us to listen to those who made the music. Don Pedi
Mountain Folk Ways, Games, Stories and Dance Each day, experience a different aspect of the recreation nature of these enchanting mountains — dancing the big circle dances, making folk toys (no batteries needed), listening to traditional folk tales, and enjoying the music of this region. Anne Lough
May 22-27, 2011
Program #TBA – Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance!
Harmony in Classical and Popular Music The beauty of harmony will be outlined, showing the connections between classical works such as those of Bach and Mozart with harmonic progressions used in popular songs and movies. Classes will include multimedia presentations with sound tracks and movie clips, along with live performances. Michael Ruiz
Exploring Music Cultures of the World Music symbolizes a people’s way of life; it represents a distillation of cultural style and for many, music is a way of life. Music will be surveyed as a functional activity in people’s lives, as a symbol of historical or national identity, and as a form of artistic expression. Models for analyzing music will be presented that demonstrate the meanings and significances of music in various societies. Milton Crotts
Great Dancers of the Silver Screen A spellbinding week of the greatest dancers and choreographers that Hollywood ever produced and the like of which we’ll never see again. Share in the Golden age of movies from the 1930’s to the 1950’s. Let your heart dance with exquisite memories of the masters of dance: Fred, Ginger, Eleanor and Gene. Michael Ruiz
May 22-27, 2011
Program #TBA
Cherokee Springtime in the NC Mountains Come celebrate and deepen your appreciation of the local culture of the ancient and modern Cherokee people. Film and lecture presentations focus on language, storytelling, and the Trail of Tears. Discuss government recognition of contemporary tribes. Visit Cherokee Museum and Village. Elena Thompson
Origins and Future of Appalachian Culture Review the cultural history of the southern Appalachian mountains with a good look at present day culture and debate its survival in the 21st century. Marilyn McMinn McCredie
August 7-12, 2011 – INTERGENERATIONAL
Program #8996 – Welcome to the Magical Land of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader!
The British Pevensie children, previous Kings and Queens of Narnia, travel once again into the magical realm of Narnia where the Talking Animals are in desperate need of assistance. During the week’s adventure, participants will create a Talking Animal character then, through a wide variety of activities and using their imaginations, travel the same perils presented in the book. Some activities include art projects (masks, star charts), creative writing (legends, histories, riddles), and games (Aslan’s Maze, Stone Table Labyrinth). Each day will be paced to match 4 chapters of reading, able to be completed either prior or during the week. By Aslan’s mane! This program is for Road Scholars and their grandchildren (or a favorite young person), ages 9 to 16; maximum of two children per adult. Grandparents share bedrooms and classes with grandchildren and are personally responsible for their behavior at all times. Children will participate in Montreat’s Clubs and Recreation program (day camp) in the afternoon.
More programs to come…
More Information…
If you would like information mailed to you via U.S. mail, please email carolo[at]montreat.org. You may also visit the Elderhostel web site or call 800.454.5768 for more details and to register online.
Learn more about other opportunities offered by The Center for Faith & Life…