Continuing Education
1001 N. 7th
Pocatello, ID 83201
extendedlearning@isu.edu
(208) 282-3155
Fax: (208) 282-5894

Campus Box 8062
Pocatello, Idaho 83209

Division of Continuing Education

Elderhostel and New Knowledge Adventures

Elderhostel: Main Information
What is Elderhostel?
Elderhostel is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing extraordinary learning adventures for people 55 and over. Elderhostel is based on the belief that retirement does not have to mean withdrawal from active life; instead, it provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy new adventures and activities. From New Hampshire to New Zealand, South Africa to South Dakota, Elderhostel offers you a world of educational opportunities - at exceptional values. ISU Continuing Education is proud to sponsor Elderhostel events at the following Idaho locations:

When do Elderhostel programs take place?

ISU’s Elderhostel programs take place during the winter, summer, and fall seasons at the above locations. See individual program information for exact dates.

How much do Elderhostel programs cost?

Elderhostel programs are planned to offer participants affordable options. The cost for each location and program varies; please see individual program information for tuition and other costs.

Who can participate?

In order to attend an Elderhostel program, you must be 55 years of age or older or must be accompanying a spouse, parent, or grandparent in that age group. Grandchildren are welcome to attend the Intergenerational “Space Camp” program with their grandparents but must meet the age requirements for the program.

How do I register for an Elderhostel program?

Registration for all Elderhostel courses is done by calling the Elderhostel office at (800) 454-5768 or at the Elderhostel website.

Sunday, January 27 — Friday, February 1, 2008 (Sun Valley, Idaho)
Downhill Skiing at America’s Original Resort

Sun Valley, known for its high class ambience and classic ski center feel, features excellent skiing on a variety of terrains. You will find your perfect ski run and will learn the latest techniques to improve your skill level while skiing on Baldy, with 14 lifts, 3400 vertical feet and 65 ski runs. A 4-day lift pass and 2 group lessons are included in the cost of this program. In addition, classroom instruction will allow you to examine the political vision and genius of Abraham Lincoln as rendered by Doris Kearns Goodwin in her highly acclaimed “Team of Rivals”. Other presentations include a look at Lewis and Clark and the local mining industry.

Sunday, June 8 – Saturday, June 14, 2008 (Pocatello, Idaho)
CSI: Forensic Anthropology, Medicine and Crime Investigation

Local experts will take you on a fascinating journey into modern science. You’ll hear tales dead men tell and will discover how forensic anthropologists determine age, gender, race, pathologies, and cause of death from human remains. This is your chance to experience actual police procedures, including fingerprinting, and learn how law enforcement experts distinguish real leads from false leads. Come and step into the mind of a madman through forensic psychology and work alongside criminal/arson/death investigators to “catch a killer” while taking part in interactive discussions on current criminal cases. Field trips to local law enforcement departments and the state forensics lab will enhance your experience.

Wednesday, June 18 – Sunday, June 23, 2008 (Weiser, Idaho)
Fiddlin’ Around in Idaho: National Old Time Fiddlers’ Festival

In rural southwestern Idaho lies Weiser, a small town with a big claim to fame: It’s the “Fiddling Capital of the World” and home to The National Old Time Fiddlers’ Contest. There, you’ll soak up town history and traditions while you celebrate this instrument with the experts who know it best. You will hear about the family tradition of fiddle-making from a master, including what woods and string materials are best, and will have the opportunity to ride a horse-drawn covered wagon through Weiser’s historic buildings, learn the history of fiddle music from a local artist and enjoy bluegrass concerts, jam sessions and guest fiddlers at venues all over town. Workshops are led by professional fiddle players who have performed with famous musicians like Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard and others.

Sunday, July 13 – Saturday, July 19, 2008
Earth, Planets, Stars: An Intergenerational Space Adventure

Is your grandchild fascinated with space exploration and astronauts? Join this program to discover and inspire the next generation of explorers, in the cosmos and on earth. You will both learn about 21st-century technology and how astronauts train for top performance, and will participate in an all day field trip to Craters of the Moon National Monument where astronauts trained for their first mission to space. There, you’ll see lava flows, cinder cones and will go into lava-tube caves! A visit to the Experimental Breeder Reactor No. 1, a national historic landmark where electricity was first produced using atomic energy, is also part of the experience. Other highlights include a chance to scuba dive and experience weightlessness, map planets, view satellite imaging, build and launch both water and engine powered rockets, meet robots, and distinguish space "geography" and navigation.

This intergenerational program is for Elderhostelers and young learners ages 10-13; one youth per adult in shared accommodations.

Monday, August 4 – Saturday, August 9, 2009 (Pocatello/Fort Hall Reservation, Idaho)
Images of the West: Annual Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival

This is a unique opportunity to study the Shoshone culture and language in the heart of Shoshone country. Learn about the archaeology of the Great Basin and Snake River Plains, and about how and why these people came to live here. Examine their history with the trappers, mountain men and settlers who crossed their lands during the 1800's. Hear stories of famous Shoshone and Bannock leaders including Chief Washakie, Chief Pocatello and Sacajawea. Immerse yourself in modern Shoshone culture and basic language from a respected tribal member. Spend two evenings at the Annual Festival held at Fort Hall Reservation, one of the most popular Indian gatherings in North America. Enjoy the colorful dancers, singing and drumming from many tribes.

Wednesday, September 17 – Saturday, September 20, 2008 (Ketchum/Sun Valley, Idaho)
Myth & Mystique of the Old West and Hemingway in Idaho

Learn about the Idaho leg of Lewis and Clark’s historic, frontier-expanding journey west. Study the early explorers, mountain men, native tribes and fur trappers that gave the northwest Idaho Territory and the Sun Valley area their human character.

The great Ernest Hemingway died in Ketchum, Idaho. Explore the iconic writer’s early life and the effect it had on his work, and discuss and interpret a selection of his short stories. Participate in the annual Ernest Hemingway Festival which will take place in Ketchum September 18-21.

Sunday, October 19 – Sunday, October 24, 2008 (Sun Valley/Ketchum, Idaho)
Dixieland Jazz in Sun Valley

Study the history of jazz and the musical legends of swing within the larger context of 20th century American music. Learn the fundamentals of music appreciation with specific focus on various aspects of jazz. Apply learning through assisted immersion in two days of performances at the Sun Valley Annual Swing 'n Dixie Jazz Jamboree, hosting more than 20 of the best bands from the US and Canada, with featured European and Australian bands. Hostelers receive a pass to the entire Jamboree (October 15 to October 20) with Big Band dancing and special events, such as Legends of Jazz, Pianorama, Marching Band Salute, and Big Band Bash.

For more information on events in 2008, please go to http://www.elderhostel.org.

To register for these events, go to www.elderhostel.org or call Elderhostel at (800)454-5768. For more information, call our office at (208) 282-3155 and ask for Shirley or Victoria.

New Knowledge Adventures (NKA)

New Knowledge Adventures at ISU is a member-directed organization for adults of retirement age to expand knowledge and explore new ideas in an informal, noncompetitive environment. For membership information or other information about NKA, please call (208) 282-3155 and ask for Shirley.