Previous Programs

Learning Vacations

During 2000 the VCDC offered three Learning Vacation Programs in the Trinity Conception Region of Newfoundland. Participants had an opportunity to experience aspects of life in rural areas of our Province while learning about our local culture. Below are the programs offered through Elderhostel.

Bob Bartlett: Explorer Of the Arctic

Learn about the "greatest ice-navigator of the century", who guided Robert Peary on his 1908 voyage to the North Pole. Captain Bob commanded more than 20 Arctic expeditions, many devoted to scientific knowledge of the North, and assisted the U.S. Army and Navy in both world wars. With Historic Sites Association instructors, study Arctic explorers who preceded Admiral Peary. Field trip to Hawthorne Cottage, Bartlett's home and a National Historic Site. Equivalent of two courses.

Amelia Earhart: Explorer of the Skies

Learn about Amelia Earhart's solo flight across the Atlantic. Study pioneer aviators who used Newfoundland's first airfield as a hopping-off point, and visit Conception Bay Museum's Aviation Room and Harbour Grace Airfield.

Saving the Newfoundland Pony

Victoria Community Development with the Newfoundland Pony Society offers two programs rich in the history of the Conception Bay region of Newfoundland.

Thought lectures and hands-on experience discover how the Newfoundland Pony has been helping the people of this island province harvest the rich resources of the sea, soil and forest for over 500 years. Learn how this pony lived on pastures where others starved; pulled loads that killed stronger animals; and outlived its Irish, English, Celtic and Scottish ancestors to become a unique breed. Visit a working farm and harness a pony, make hay and develop other skills. Sail to the Bell Island mines and see where ponies worked out their lives underground hauling iron ore to feed the furnaces of the western world. Discover why the number of ponies has dropped from 10,000 to less than 200 since 1970 and what is being done to save them today.