• Elderhostel Program Schedule 2007
• Descriptions of Bermuda
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Elderhostel web site
Courses of Study
• Science in Bermuda Shorts
• Real Bermuda: History and Heritage
• Snorkeling the Coral Island / Intergenerational
Descriptions
Science in Bermuda Shorts
Not all scientists wear long white coats and talk an incomprehensible language! Meet a new breed of researcher, comfortable in Bermuda shorts and able to explain the latest about the health of the planet in language accessible to us all. Scientists at BBSR have been at the forefront
of ocean science for more than a century, and Science in Bermuda Shorts offers a remarkable opportunity to delve beneath the surface of the popular tourist destination and learn firsthand how this offshore laboratory provides answers to some of the most pressing questions facing humanity today.
The program considers the role of BBSR as a watchdog for the global environment: topics include the health of the coral reef; the ocean's influence on climate change;
medicines from the sea; and the battle to preserve rare plants and animals. But rather than merely lecturing, scientists lead a series of lab activities and field trips to provide hands-on experience with their research methods. The academic focus is complemented by talks from experts on local history and opportunities to explore Bermuda's unique blend of British and Caribbean culture.
Real Bermuda: History and Heritage
The finding and founding of Bermuda begins a 400 year history of one of the most remote yet sophisticated islands in all the world. It's historical founding so enchanted Shakespeare that he wrote "The Tempest" in its honor. The oldest of the British
colonies, care is taken to view Bermuda not through the eyes of tourist brochures but its local people, an African majority, a Portuguese migration and the shrinking power of the European. This course will detail Bermuda's colorful history and culture and address the dramatic changes brought on by the twentieth century. Bermuda's unique architecture, its creative exploitation of location and its influence during every war across the Atlantic will be pursued.
Bermuda's strong and surprising ties to American History and its social history, including a history of civil rights unique to the world, will be explored. Lectures will include Bermuda's history, Anatomy of an Oceanic Island (geology), Bermuda Through the Eyes of an Artist, Flora of Bermuda, and Bermuda politics. Field trips include the Bermuda Maritime Museum, Verdmont Mansion, St. George's, Hamilton (the capital), and short excursions on BBSR's
boat along the coastline (weather permitting).
Snorkeling the Coral Island/ Intergenerational
This program, designed for 13, 14, 15 year olds and their grandparents will focus on the coral reef, the building blocks of the Island of Bermuda, one of the most astonishing ecosystems on Earth. Topics include geology, biology, and environmental importance of the reef structure to the survival of the Island's inhabitants. We will immerse ourselves in this rich bio-community by snorkeling each day at diverse
sites, lectures by our resident staff of reef biologists, and examining samples hands-on in the laboratory. Participants should be in good physical condition, have good swimming skills, and feel comfortable on small boats and in deep but crystal clear water. Excursions: the colonial town of St. George, Maritime Museum, behind the scenes at BBSR, and nature reserves. Extra curricular activities: plankton hunting, stargazing, and stranded (pretend) on a desert island in the Bermuda Triangle.
One grandchild must be accompanied by one or two grandparents.
Accommodations: Residential lodging; double, triple occupancy bedrooms, private bathrooms; two bedroom apartments with bath; on second and third floors, stairs.
Participants will stay at a cutting edge marine research facility and live and study with research scientists, graduate interns and local residents.
