Elderhostel's history at UVSC
In 1975, Marty Knowlton, a social activist and educator, linked the European hosteling
concept with the residential emphasis found on college campuses and
created a new kind of learning program for older adults. He called
it “ELDERHOSTEL” and
a new movement in American adult education began...
Within a two-hundred mile radius of the Utah Valley State College campus lie thousands of acres of Utah’s colorful canvas of natural wonders. The Center for Lifelong Learning wished to open this plethora of nature to Elderhostelers and in 1989, the first Elderhostel programs were sponsored by Utah Valley State College. Dinosaurs, Geology, Folklore & Outlaws were studied by fifty hostlers who found their way to Vernal, Utah. During the same summer, the first program was held at the UVSC campus. These first two programs served as forerunners to a legacy and tradition of excellence at the college.
The very next year, more campus programs were added to the UVSC curriculum and hostelers found quality instruction about computers, geology, and photography.
Enjoying the greatest snow on earth!
In 1991, Elderhostel programs were directed to the ski slopes of Park City. It did not take hostelers long to realize the splendor of this mining/resort town. Since 1991 thousands of hostelers have come to take in the spectacular view, quality golf courses, awe-inspiring hot-air ballooning, and of course, the excellent skiing of this premier resort and home of the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Tremendous growth was experienced in 1993 at UVSC as the number of programs nearly doubled and new program sites were added
In 1994 UVSC began cross-country skiing, golf, and tennis programs to round off an incredible array of year-round activities surrounded by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.
After downhill skiing, rafting, cross-country skiing, geology excursions, and the study of extinct creatures, the Elderhostel staff decided to venture to a new dimension.
In 1994, Intergenerational programs were developed to bring grandparent and grandchild together in adventurous and educational settings. Intergenerational programs have seen phenomenal success and continue to build memories and incredible bonds between generations.
Rockhounder’s dreams came to reality as Elderhostel programs were established in Delta, Utah in 1996. This unique site provides opportunities to search for rare & precious trilobites, geodes, wonderstone, sunstone & topaz.
Within a two-hundred mile radius of the Utah Valley State College campus lie thousands of acres of Utah’s colorful canvas of natural wonders. The Center for Lifelong Learning wished to open this plethora of nature to Elderhostelers and in 1989, the first Elderhostel programs were sponsored by Utah Valley State College. Dinosaurs, Geology, Folklore & Outlaws were studied by fifty hostlers who found their way to Vernal, Utah. During the same summer, the first program was held at the UVSC campus. These first two programs served as forerunners to a legacy and tradition of excellence at the college.
The very next year, more campus programs were added to the UVSC curriculum and hostelers found quality instruction about computers, geology, and photography.
Enjoying the greatest snow on earth!
In 1991, Elderhostel programs were directed to the ski slopes of Park City. It did not take hostelers long to realize the splendor of this mining/resort town. Since 1991 thousands of hostelers have come to take in the spectacular view, quality golf courses, awe-inspiring hot-air ballooning, and of course, the excellent skiing of this premier resort and home of the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Tremendous growth was experienced in 1993 at UVSC as the number of programs nearly doubled and new program sites were added
In 1994 UVSC began cross-country skiing, golf, and tennis programs to round off an incredible array of year-round activities surrounded by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.
After downhill skiing, rafting, cross-country skiing, geology excursions, and the study of extinct creatures, the Elderhostel staff decided to venture to a new dimension.
In 1994, Intergenerational programs were developed to bring grandparent and grandchild together in adventurous and educational settings. Intergenerational programs have seen phenomenal success and continue to build memories and incredible bonds between generations.
Rockhounder’s dreams came to reality as Elderhostel programs were established in Delta, Utah in 1996. This unique site provides opportunities to search for rare & precious trilobites, geodes, wonderstone, sunstone & topaz.
Traveling programs such as “Sample Utah” and “Dinosaur Triangle” were introduced with overwhelming popularity in 1998. These moving programs sample the wonders and breathtaking beauty of National and State Parks and many other popular sites in Utah.
Aviation enthusiasts flocked to our Campus in 2001 for our new Intergenerational flying adventure as grandparents and their grandchildren took to the tranquil skies as student pilots.
Utah Valley State College Elderhostel has built a program of adventure and high quality instruction. The programs are well known for excellent teachers, many of whom have been around as long as the program.
Today, Utah Valley State College, an Elderhostel Super-Site, hosts over thirty programs a year.
Soar to heights only few experience!
From skiing the slopes of Park City to a rockhounding rendezvous in Delta, UVSC has utilized the spectacular sights and natural resources of Utah’s wonderland.
Through the Elderhostel experience, UVSC has now made it possible to enjoy these resources while obtaining quality education and insight.
Few other programs in the country can boast such diversity and adventure. We hope that you will join us as this legacy of excellence continues and expands with each new Elderhostel group that discovers the true wonders of Utah!
UVLink