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History of NAU Elderhostel
NAU´s first Elderhostel started on
campus in the summer of 1983. Geology of the Grand Canyon, Mammoth
Hunter, and Writing of the West were the subjects offered for
NAU´s first six Elderhostel weeks. Each week also embarked on
a field trip to the Grand Canyon, which is still a mainstay of
many of the NAU programs.
 Though the first weeks were a success,
complaints about the dorm at Campbell Hall were rampant! Iron
springs were the order of the day. Beds were arranged bunk bed
style, women´s bathrooms were on one floor and men´s on another.
Former NAU President Hughes joined these pioneer hostelers at
mealtime, inquiring of their interest, where they were from, and
what they thought of the program. At the end of the first Elderhostel
summer, President Hughes gave the green light to continue Elderhostel
programs at NAU.
NAU programs have continued to grow and enjoy great success
- today we host over 5,000 hostelers during
230 weeks of programs offering a variety of choices in course
content and location. Since 1983 we have hosted over 70,000
participants. All our NAU Elderhostel programs are held in
commercial motels with private baths. We currently offer both
Traditional and Service programs year-round. Typical course offerings
include geology, southwest history, ecology, Native American,
planetary studies, archeology, fine arts programs and writing
workshops. Recent additions have been active outdoor and
moving programs.
Most of our NAU programs start on Sunday and end either by
Friday noon or Saturday after breakfast. NAU Elderhostel programs tuition
ranges from $452.00 to over $1200.00 for Exploring America programs. All
programs include all meals, lodging, field trips, gratuity, course materials and
local transportation.
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