What Is Adventures In Learning?
Adventures in Learning is a signature program of Shepherd’s Centers of America (shepherdcenters.org), offering college-type courses and cultural enrichment workshops focused on helping older adults continue to learn, discover, and grow. Experience one of these classes and it’s impossible not to see and feel the incredible enthusiasm for lifelong learning attendees share. Sessions are led by class instructors who themselves are mostly 
retired older adults or community experts who bring their special interests and backgrounds to enrich lives and keep minds strong and vibrant. Each Adventures in Learning session is developed by a committee of SCNOVA volunteers based on the interests and needs of older adults in communities we serve. Subjects cover a wide range of topics: computer and technology, finance, literature, music and art appreciation, world religion, “how-to,” politics, current events, historical events and figures, foreign languages, and much more. These outstanding courses and topics – coupled with unforgettable content and camaraderie – keep attendees coming back year after year and decade after decade, making this program among our most popular.
Who Can Join?
Our Adventures in Learning (AIL) program offers adults age 50 or older a range of classes, seminars, discussion groups, and programs that combines a diversity of content with the opportunity to engage with their peers.
Current Classes/Programs
SCNOVA’s current AIL offerings are:
- Adventures in Learning Semester Series
Our Semester Series provides various classes covering a wide range of interest, designed as 5-6 weekly classes over an 8-week semester. Class topics cover a wide range of interests including Literature, Arts, History, Music, Travel, Finance & Investment, Creative Arts, Exercise, and Computer Skills. There is a fee for each semester, which covers any and all Series classes you may wish to join during those 8 weeks. The group meets Thursdays from roughly 9am-12pm. Click here for more information or to register. - Active Aging Wellness Class
This exercise class focuses on low impact exercises, balance, coordination and stretching. Classes are weekly, on Wednesdays, and are currently held on Zoom. There is a fee for each 8-week period, but you can join anytime. Click here for more information, or to register. - Great Decisions Discussion Group
Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs, designed by the Foreign Policy Association to bring people together in study groups to discuss, debate and learn about important global challenges of our time. SCNOVA sponsors a group each year which meets 1 morning a month for 8 months during the year. Limited to 25 participants to allow discussion, there is no fee for the program but a briefing book purchase is required. Click here for more information, or to register. - Caregivers Support Group
This group for caregivers is a sounding board and a safe place where everyone understands the challenges of caregiving – there is no judgment. Meetings are gently facilitated. The sharing of feelings, problems, approaches, helpful information, and highs and lows is encouraged. There is no one way to handle every caregiver situation, and sharing experiences is helpful to all. Average attendance is 7-12 caregivers – so everyone has a chance to share, ask questions, and raise topics in a warm and supporting environment. The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month (see the Events Calendar for upcoming dates). For more information, or to attend, please contact the Facilitators: Jack Tarr (703.821.6838, jtarr5@verizon.net) and Lynn Rafferty (703.508.1365, radmom8992@gmail.com). - T’ai Chi Class
T’ai Chi is a series of gentle physical exercises and stretches. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion. T’ai Chi is sometimes described as meditation in motion because it promotes serenity through gentle movements – connecting the mind and body. Our instructor guides you in each class, which are held twice each week in-person. Click here for more information, or to register.
If you have any questions about any of our AIL programs or classes, please contact the office.