Tanglewood 4-H Camp Elderhostel Celebrates Life Long Learning

Contact: Karen Meisenheimer, Tanglewood 4-H Camp Elderhostel Coordinator, (207) 589-4263Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center, One Tanglewood Rd., Lincolnville, ME 04849, (207) 789-5868

LINCOLNVILLE– Can you picture yourself on board a 42 foot-long wooden sail boat skimming the water of Penobscot Bay, taking a quiet naturalist-led walk along the pristine Duck Trap river or spending time sampling some of Maine’s unique and delicious foods? These are some of the experiences to be had over the course of 12 weeks, between May and October, during the Tanglewood 4-H Camp Elderhostel program in Lincolnville.

Topics range from birding, exploring the Maine coast, geology, marine biology, sailing, history of mid-coast Maine, sampling hand-crafted products and much more. The 2004 program schedule is available from Karen Meisenheimer at (207) 589-4263 or e-mail. If you leave a message, clearly state your full name and mailing address.

Discovering the Maine Woods and Coast, the intergenerational class, supports Tanglewood’s philosophy of teaching children and adults about the environment and responsible stewardship. Also in accordance with Tanglewood’s mission, the fee set for the children is kept below cost, enabling some to participate who might not otherwise be able.

Both Elderhostel and Tanglewood believe that learning should be a lifelong pursuit that opens minds and enriches lives, says Meisenheimer. Both organizations have worked together for over nine years, sharing the belief that new ideas, challenges, and experiences are rewarding in every season of life. Elderhostel participants come from every walk of life to learn together, to exchange ideas, and to explore the world. Tanglewood is operated by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

The Tanglewood 4-H Camp Elderhostel 2003 season hosted a total of almost 300 people from at least 41 of our 50 states. Their ages ranged from the youngest at 8 years (intergenerational), to 46 years (only one adult of a pair needs to be 55) and 88 years. Maine residents also signed up for Tanglewood Elderhostel programs, with 16 taking advantage of living nearby and some opting to stay overnight. Others elected, for reduced tuition, to spend their sleeping hours in the comfort of their own beds.

Elderhostel, Inc. is dedicated to providing extraordinary learning adventures for people 55 and over. From New Hampshire to New Zealand, South Africa to South Dakota, Elderhostel offers a world of educational opportunities — at exceptional values. Elderhostel provides the world’s most diverse and affordable selection of learning adventures. Elderhostel programs excite one’s imagination, sharpen intelligence, create new experiences, and put participants in touch with interesting people in stimulating places. Elderhostel promises a rewarding educational adventure opening up new ideas and taking you places you’ve never been and will never forget. Explore the Elderhostel web-site: www.elderhostel.org for details.

Tanglewood 4-H Camp’smission is to teach Maine youth and adults to be effective and caring citizens of the earth through affordable environmental education and nature-based experiences. Tanglewood is a place where people learn to live responsibly and in balance with the earth. It encourages reflection and respect, while inspiring change within ourselves and our communities. Tanglewood 4-H Camp Elderhostel programs are exciting learning experiences that also provide participants the opportunity for meeting other intelligent people.