In 2017, we taught our first two workshops with the Road Scholar organization.  I was fortunate to meet some interesting and exciting students, and when asked if I would teach for them again, I enthusiastically answered “Yes!” 

Road Scholar (which began as Elderhostel) is a not-for-profit organization and is the world’s largest and most innovative creator of experiential learning opportunities.  Road Scholar is all about lifelong learning…experiencing the world, not just looking at it.

Road Scholar has offered 5500 learning adventures in 150 countries and all 50 states and serves over 100,000 participants per year.  2 of those learning adventures this year will be ours, taught in cooperation with Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, WV.

Our digital photography workshop, titled “Through the Lens of Learning: West Virginia,” is designed to guide someone with an interest in photography to learn more about their cameras and their hobby.  We spend time in the classroom, learning about camera modes and lenses, along with various techniques and equipment.  Plus, every day we are out with our cameras, taking in the interesting and attractive views available at the Conference Center, such as the covered bridge and log house.   

I’ve taught one Road Scholar workshop already this year, and will soon teach the second, and then four next year!  Just to give you an example, from the 11 people in my earlier class this year, eight states were represented, and three camera brands.  It’s also great to watch the students discussing their interests and asking and answering each other’s questions.   

If you’re interested in an introductory week-long course in digital photography and would like to do so with a group of mature adults, you may want to consider one of the Road Scholar programs.  They also offer many other activities and trips, and you can learn about them by visiting their website at www.RoadScholar.org.  Sign up with them, and they will also provide catalogs of their classes and trips by mail.  

September 2, 2018

Ron Gaskins