Once again we are coming to the end of another program year and its time for The Annual Elderhostel Holiday Gathering. This event brings all of us together to celebrate the holidays and to show our appreciation for those people who make the Historic Gettysburg Battlefield Elderhostel the wonderful program that it is.
During my first year as the Elderhostel and Road Scholar director, I have learned how significantly important all of these people are to the program. Who are these people you might ask? Our amazing Volunteers, who have dedicated their valuable time, experience and countless hours to the program, whether as a program coordinator, preparing informational folders for the next program or opening there historical homes and properties to our participants. I also could never forget the Licensed Battlefield Guides, Instructors, Entertainers and Living Historians who shared their knowledge, talents, passion, love of Gettysburg and its history.
The 2008 program year had 579 participants who attended 27 programs. We offered our five-day traditional program and our always popular three-day program. Other exciting programs were our active programs such as our bicycling program in May. Participants enjoyed each day traveling by bicycle being accompanied by a battlefield guide and our volunteer on-site coordinator. Although it rained during much of the program it did not damper their spirits. All the participants were excited each day to ride the ten miles through the lovely countryside and learn about the battle of Gettysburg. Our walking program is a wonderful way to absorb the battlefield with a licensed guide. They visited such places as the Peace Light Memorial, Culp’s Hill, and Little Round Top. Of course all were looking forward to studying Pickett’s Charge and walking from Confederate Avenue to the Angle just as Pickett’s men did July 3, 1863.
One program that was one of my favorites was the Eisenhower National Historic Site Service program. The participants had a chance to preserve history by building, painting fences and gates. One of the larger tasks was to build feeder troughs for the cattle that were later placed in the barn. The last day of the program ended with a wonderful picnic lunch at the farm and the participants received their certificates of accomplishment and appreciation.
We are excited that 2009 will be our fifth year hosting the Road Scholar program and very proud to say Gettysburg continues to be the number one destination in the world. The reason that this program is so special is that the participants have access to some very special and historic places. It also offers less class room time, more time on the battlefield and more free time on their own to explore Gettysburg and its hidden treasures.
Again I want to thank all who were apart of this program year and a special thank you to Deb Yocum for her guidance and Christine Hoy for all of her hard work Please remember that Elderhostel and Road Scholar programs are open to local residents as a commuter or volunteer. For more details or how you can participate with Elderhostel contact Van Richards at vrichards@ywcagettysburg.org or by calling 334-9171 ext.115.
Have a Happy Holiday and a Wonderful New Year!
Van Richards is the elderhostel director at the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County. He can be reached at vrichards@ywcagettysburg.org.
