Missouri
Horses & Canoes: Summer Camp in the Ozarks With Your Grandchild
Program No. 1463360MEADV-1116-60
Head to summer camp with your grandchild in the foothills of the Ozarks. Go horseback riding, float down the river and fly through the forest via Alpine Swing on this amazing adventure.
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5B 4L 5D
4
Float Trip, Line Dancing
Potosi, MO
5
Trail Ride, Winery, Catered Dinner
Potosi, MO
6
Program concludes
Potosi, MO
At a Glance
Summer camp awaits you and your grandchild at YMCA Trout Lodge — a family camp situated on 5,000 forested acres on a shimmering lake in the Eastern Foothills of the Ozarks. Together you’ll take on some summer-camp favorites, like canoeing, archery and horseback riding. Plus, take part in fun activities that you’ll only find in and around Trout Lodge, from climbing among the larger-than-life granite boulders at Elephant Rocks State Park to soaring high above the forest on the Alpine Swing. Learn to line dance from the Triangle Y Wranglers, and tell stories by the campfire as you fill up on s’mores under the stars. All this and more in a beautiful setting in Eastern Foothills of the Ozarks.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
I exercise for fun, not to win contests. I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses. Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Hit the lake in a canoe, where you’ll learn how to paddle properly from your expert instructor, and take a leisurely float trip down the river.
- Practice riding a horse in the equestrian barn before heading out on a trail ride through hardwood forests.
- Climb high above the forest on the Alpine Tower, swing through the air on the Alpine Swing, and enjoy a moonlight zip line adventure as you zip through the night sky.
General Notes
Program is for grandchildren ages 10-12. For a comparable family adventure for all generations, check out "Horses & Canoes: Summer Camp in the Ozarks With Your Family" (#22180)!
Suggested Reading List
(3 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Horses & Canoes: Summer Camp in the Ozarks With Your Grandchild
Program Number: 14633
Roadside Geology of Missouri
Missouri Geology: Three Billion Years of Volcanoes, Seas, Sediments, and Erosion
Washington County, Missouri: including its History, the Horine Cemetery, the Hughes Mountain State Natural Area, and More
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Potosi, MO
Program Concludes
Potosi, MO
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
14
| 5B |
4L |
5D |
Activity Level
Summer camp awaits you and your grandchild at YMCA Trout Lodge — a family camp situated on 5,000 forested acres on a shimmering lake in the Eastern Foothills of the Ozarks. Together you’ll take on some summer-camp favorites, like canoeing, archery and horseback riding. Plus, take part in fun activities that you’ll only find in and around Trout Lodge, from climbing among the larger-than-life granite boulders at Elephant Rocks State Park to soaring high above the forest on the Alpine Swing. Learn to line dance from the Triangle Y Wranglers, and tell stories by the campfire as you fill up on s’mores under the stars. All this and more in a beautiful setting in Eastern Foothills of the Ozarks.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Hit the lake in a canoe, where you’ll learn how to paddle properly from your expert instructor, and take a leisurely float trip down the river.
- Practice riding a horse in the equestrian barn before heading out on a trail ride through hardwood forests.
- Climb high above the forest on the Alpine Tower, swing through the air on the Alpine Swing, and enjoy a moonlight zip line adventure as you zip through the night sky.
General Notes
Program is for grandchildren ages 10-12. For a comparable family adventure for all generations, check out "Horses & Canoes: Summer Camp in the Ozarks With Your Family" (#22180)!
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
I exercise for fun, not to win contests. I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses. Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(3 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals | 5B | 4L | 5D |
6 expert-led lectures
5 expert-led field trips
8 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Program Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Potosi, MO
Meals:
D
Stay:
YMCA Trout Lodge
Activity Note
Check-in from 3:30 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Help yourself to the fruit basket at the registration table! Orientation: 4:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID protocols and will adhere to applicable requirements and guidelines throughout the program. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren at all times. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. Our experienced and knowledgeable Group Leader will also serve as our Study Leader, presenting lectures and conducting field trips. Transportation will be via mini-bus unless noted otherwise. Meals will be in the Trout Lodge Dining Hall. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
In the Trout Lodge dining room.
Evening:
We will explore Trout Lodge and learn about the history of the lodge and the upcoming program activities. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Water Ecology, Rocks & Minerals, Riding Lesson, Pines Peak
Location:
Potosi, MO
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
YMCA Trout Lodge
Activity Note
Getting on/off horses. Horseback riding requires long pants and closed-toe shoes. Walking about 1 mile; hilly terrain. Bring shoes that can get wet for water ecology.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
We’ll walk to our very own cold springs for a hands-on lesson on aquatic ecology to learn what’s in and around the water. Then we’ll walk to another location and learn about rocks and minerals. We will have a wire wrapping lesson for the rocks found on the geology hike.
Lunch:
In the dining room.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll go to the Equestrian Barn, learn how to tack horses, and enjoy an educational ride in the arena. We will have a Kayak and Canoeing lesson by our waterfront crew after lunch.
Dinner:
In the dining room.
Evening:
We’ll end the evening with a Rock Climbing adventure. Pines Peak is a 35 foot climbing tower and a great start to those newer to climbing! Note: For kids ages 8 and older.
Day
3
Elephant Rocks State Park, Climbing Alpine Tower
Location:
Potosi, MO
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
YMCA Trout Lodge
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 36 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Elephant Rocks State Park and Alpine Tower-Swing require closed-toe shoes. Wear comfortable clothes.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
We will continue to have more riding lessons We’ll then board the bus and ride to Elephant Rocks State Park.
Lunch:
At Elephant Rocks State Park.
Afternoon:
We’ll enjoy the afternoon at Elephant Rocks State Park where there are amazing natural geological wonders all around. The park is named for granite rocks that are 1.5 billion years old and look like a train of circus elephants. There are two available routes through the park, one on a paved walkway, the other up and over the rocks. Our Group Leader will take one route and provide commentary as we go. Those with energy and stamina are welcome to take the other route and go up on their own. At the top, we’ll learn about more geology and history with the whole group. On the way back, we will stop in the village of Caledonia. Most of the town has been declared a National Historic District. We’ll stop at the historic general store, notable for antiques and an old time hand-dipped ice cream and candy shop. Returning to the lodge, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
In the dining room.
Evening:
We’ll have an evening of fun-filled adventure on the Alpine Tower, Alpine Swing, and zip line. The Alpine Tower is a 50-foot hourglass-shaped jungle gym with a variety of elements including rocks, cables and poles.
Day
4
Float Trip, Line Dancing
Location:
Potosi, MO
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
YMCA Trout Lodge
Activity Note
Getting on and off inflatables, going 5 to 6 miles. Bring water shoes with heel strap; wear clothes that can get wet.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
We’ll hop aboard the mini-bus and ride to the launch point for a float study trip aboard inflatable rafts led by local experts. We’ll learn about the river, the natural vegetation, and species found in the water. We’ll also have opportunities to get out and swim and enjoy the water!
Lunch:
In the dining room.
Afternoon:
We’ll complete our float study trip and return to the lodge to relax and dry off. The remainder of the afternoon will be free to enjoy however you please.
Dinner:
In the dining room.
Evening:
We’ll head on down to the ranch and learn how to line dance from our Triangle Y Wranglers.
Day
5
Trail Ride, Winery, Catered Dinner
Location:
Potosi, MO
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
YMCA Trout Lodge
Activity Note
Getting on/off horses; Closed toed shoes and long pants required.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
We will have a nice trail ride through one of our trails in the morning for half of the group and one of our programmed activities for the other half.
Lunch:
On the beach, we’ll have box lunches.
Afternoon:
We will have a nice trail ride through one of our trails in the morning for half of the group and one of our programmed activities for the other half. After trail rides, we will go to one of the local wineries and the kids will stay behind with a staff member.
Dinner:
In our meeting space, it will be a catered St. Louis Style Dinner.
Evening:
After a long day in the sun, we'll have a closing campfire with songs and s'mores.
Day
6
Program concludes
Location:
Potosi, MO
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Lodge check-out 11:30 a.m.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Afternoon:
For anyone who would like to stay longer after the program concludes, please check with the Group Leader. YMCA Trout Lodge facilities will be available after check-out (at additional cost). If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Evening:
We will have a lovely catered dinner that is St. Louis style themed. After dinner, we will have a lovely closing campfire with songs and s'mores.
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MEALS
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Aug 06, 2023 - Aug 11, 2023
Participant Reviews
Based on 12 Reviews
Sort By:
Can not find enough positive words to describe this experience for us. Steve is extremely knowledgeable and imparts that knowledge with ease which makes it quickly absorbed by all. ALL the activities were top notch and Steve bonded instantly with us. Make sure you put this program on your list. I am a retired elementary teacher so the bench mark is extremely high…Steve and this program FAR exceeded my expectations…
— Review left August 16, 2023
If you want to create an extra special bond with your active grand-child, this the program for you. Just completed this program for the second time with another grand-child and it remains of very high quality and just plain good fun and learnin'.
— Review left August 30, 2022
This was an awesome summer camp experience! Both my granddaughter and we (her grandparents) had so much fun! There were so many activities to participate in, we tried new experiences (alpine swing, anyone?) and old favorites like kayaking,rafting, swimming,campfires, hiking just too many to mention. Absolutely a great bonding time with your grandchild!
— Review left August 12, 2022
Action packed program at a wonderful camp. A wide variety of fun activities for all ages. Never a dull moment. Comfortable rooms and plentiful food. We had a great time!
— Review left July 16, 2022
A perfect program - the activities engaged both the boys and girls throughout. When my grandson did not want to leave, I knew that this was the perfect program that exposed him to new ideas as well as fostering an inclusive environment to 1) meet new friends, and 2) be comfortable being away from home alone (without parents) for the first time.
— Review left June 26, 2022
I can't say enough good things about the Horses & Canoes with Grandparents program. It was a fantastic week and my grandson had a great time with all the activities and meeting new friends. The staff was excellent. This was our first Road Scholar program but certainly not our last. I highly recommend it.
— Review left June 25, 2022
This is a great value for the activities available. The field trips are very educational and fun. Our grandson had a blast all week. I hope there are more such trips available for grandparents and grandchildren next year.
— Review left June 11, 2022
I highly recommend this program. It was fun, active and the location was perfect. We drove 13 hours to get there and it was well worth it!
— Review left August 14, 2021
Who knew that Missouri has huge rocks, the foothills of the Ozarks, and even fast water! My long held impressions of the state was completely blown away by this wonderful shared experience with our grandchild. My husband and I were probably the oldest of this intergenerational group, yet we both were active and included! All of it was Fun, Fun, Fun!
— Review left July 21, 2021
Just returned from the Horses & Canoes: Summer Camp in the Ozarks with your grandchild. It was a brilliant program and a delight to see the grandkids from different states and countries interacting so well, doing things for the first time and increasing their confidence. It certainly exceeded my expectations and I thoroughly recommend it as a way to spend time with your grandkids and see them flourish.
— Review left August 11, 2019
This was a wonderful program. The leaders were great with the kids. My grandchild has to be gluten free and the kitchen went "above and beyond" to accommodate her dietary issues. The kids were kept busy with a wonderful variety of activities and the leaders understood children and worked great with them.
— Review left July 20, 2019
Wonderful trip with varied activities for us to enjoy with our grandchild, exceeded alk expectations!
— Review left June 23, 2019
