The information below will link to Instant Enrolment for further course detail, but registering for a course WILL NOT WORK until Registration opens (announcement via email) at each respective campus.
ElderCollege membership for Campbell River courses is an annual membership that covers the academic year from September 1 to August 31 . NOTE: CREC does not run courses during the period of June 1 to August 31. By requesting membership with ElderCollege, I understand the membership fee is non-refundable; I consent to NIC releasing my personal information to the ElderCollege Executive Committee and its subcommittees, for the purposes of course registration/notification, and in supporting ElderCollege volunteer activities.
Learn the art of beautiful Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery (BDE). In this class you will learn various embroidery stitches to create three dimensional flowers. Stitches include: alternating leaf stitch, stem stitch, couching, bullion, cast-on, lazy daisy and the detached buttonhole stitch. Please bring a pair of scissors and your reading glasses if you use them. Course Leader: Michele Rounds
Time to dig out those beautiful papers and put them to use! Make that negative space into a positive effect, cut up two 6 x 6 pieces of double-sided paper to make incredible cards, find out how to get the most out of one piece of 12 x 12 double-sided paper, and learn how to put those scraps to good use! The time for creating is now! There will be a $10 supply fee payable at time of registration. A supply list will be provided one week before class begins. Course Leader: Wendy Samaroden
We will demonstrate and discuss felt applique basics, including discussions on materials, tools, sourcing of items & sourcing design ideas. The project to be demonstrated will be a suitable starting point for various season design ideas. A supply fee will be in addition to the course fee. Course Leader: Lynn Clayards
Art doesn't happen in a vacuum. It is the product of learned skills. In this drawing course, you will fine tune your sense of sight and learn to draw what you see and not what you know. You will become the boss of your pencil, mastering line, shape, and shadow, and I guarantee you will surprise yourself with the results. Course Leader: Kristin Butcher
Reichsmarshall Hermann Goering visited Colditz Castle early in WW2. He declared the castle to be "escape-proof," one of many prognostications Goering got wrong. In this presentation we will see. (a)How the presenter's uncle and a bookkeeper from Manitoba pulled off one of the most famous and successful WW2 escapes. (b) Amazing Dutch escapes. (c) The fate of Prominente /hostages and (d)Liberation. Course Leader: Michael Naish
Plot is what happens in a story. This course will teach you how to structure unique, effective plots and subplots and how to weave them together to form a strong, cohesive framework for your novel or short story. Come prepared to write. Course Leader: Kristin Butcher
A survey of four composers describing their lives, their careers and recorded excerpts of their music. Become familiar with the life and work of Gerald Finzi, Hamilton Harty, Arnold Bax and Dorothy Howells. These talks are light-hearted but comprehensive, entertaining and informative. Join us. Course Leader: Bruce Dunn
This course is for photographers just starting to explore photo editing. Teaching will be about concepts and results rather than specific software and specialized tools. Maximize the WOW factor in your photos with this course. You will learn how to straighten, crop effectively, control lighting (highlights, midtones and shadows), remove unwanted objects, adjust colour, and much more. NOT a training course in any one Photo Editing Program. Course leader: Ken Beattie
This course will be part lecture and part discussion. The presenter will use PowerPoint history lectures focused on BC coastal history as a platform to illustrate how a historian and writer finds the material to create new stories. Join Catherine on her journeys to creation that are often filled with serendipity and include meeting with many exceptional individuals and locating never-before-seen images and relevant papers. Course Leader: Catherine Marie Gilbert
The purpose of this presentation is to bring awareness and understanding about clutter and hoarding. This is an area that to date, solutions and definitive supports are lacking in some areas of our province. The importance of this presentation is to help start these conversations in our communities to develop support and the resources needed. Course Leader: Cheryl Stinson
Learn how to use the public library from the comfort of your own home! A librarian will walk you through using our catalogue, ordering books, using ebooks, and even how to watch movies, all from your phone or computer. Note: this course requires some basic knowledge of how to access the internet and how to download apps. Course Leader: Arija Fisher
Understanding ChatGPT. In two sessions, this course will cover the basics of understanding and using the AI program, ChatGPT, including framing questions and handling responses. Course Leader: Bruce Bjornson
This is a basic course for seniors to learn how to keep themselves safe in an era of online scams. Course Leader: Arija Fisher
I will show you how to use simple ready made stock charts to find buy, sell and hold signals for individual stocks. You will learn how to use online trading platforms and technical analysis to make trading fun and exciting. This course is not about fundamental investing but rather shorter term trades. No prior knowledge of the stock market is required and I teach how to practice paper trading before using your own money. Course Leader: Cal Reeks
In the two sessions of this course, we'll cover the basics of using an Excel spreadsheet. Participants will practice doing: setup, data input, and report generation. Course Leader: Bruce Bjornson
This course is for those that have a basic knowledge of the Microsoft Word program. A quick review of skills will be followed by an in-depth look at formatting options such as working with columns, adding background formats and borders, tabs and rulers, creating lists, and setting up a mailing list! Course Leader: Wendy Samaroden
This fast-paced, interactive, action-oriented workshop focuses mainly on what we can do personally and publicly about climate change. Collaboration with other participants is part of the joy of our time together and is critical as building a community is key to dealing with climate change. We will learn from each other. Come ride with us on a light-filled journey through a dark subject. Solutions do exist! Course Leader: Joan Gillies
Topics we'll cover include: self care, educating others about communicating with hearing impaired people, and dealing with the public, health care workers and family. Course Leader: Marlene Taylor
With our population of older adults in Campbell River continuing to increase, it's important to identify and develop services and supports to help people age in a safe, healthy and positive way. Members of the CR Seniors Network and community partners have been busy imagining and creating services and supports to improve the lives of older adults. This workshop will explore the latest activities and programs coming to our community. Course Leader: Mary Catherine Williams
Feeling challenged by the journey of dementia? Struggling to find ways to support and care for a friend or family member living with dementia? Join an independent dementia trainer and consultant to discuss, learn and practice new skills to add to your toolbox in a safe, non-judgemental/non-medical environment. Until there's a cure, there's care. Course Leader: Heather MacLeod
The word palliative can prompt feelings of fear and anxiety. We'll discuss the approach to palliative care, who it applies to, the benefits, and what you can do to advocate on your own behalf or for a family member or friend. The goal is to create a safe place to explore how to ensure the best quality of life possible in whatever time we have remaining. Course Leader: Julia Steel
A travelogue of pictures from museums, unique buildings, historical sites, strange collections, and unique natural features of the Island. Course Leader: Steve Cooley
This travelogue covers a 42-year span, when Joan visited most coastlines, and spent time in unique more isolated, small communities, often with few tourists, even camping in the outback. It explores caves, isolated beaches, Ayers Rock ("when we could still climb it"), and the Undara Volcanic National Park, where lava flows 190,000 years ago extended up to 160 km in length, leaving huge tunnels and arches of cooled lava. Joan will include lots of pictures, and information on unique natural features, animals, plants, culture, ways to travel, and more. Course Leader: Joan Smith
A two week cruise from Southern Argentina to South of the Antarctic Circle and return on a smaller Adventure Cruise ship. George experienced penguins, whales, birds and phenomenal landscapes in the land of snow and ice. Course Leader: George Wagner
Pictures and explanations of our adventures will give you a glimpse into a China you may not have known about. The course will show our living conditions, daily lives, different cultures within China, the real Chinese food and trips to different parts of the country. Come and explore the China we grew to love. Course Leaders: Cathy and Gord Smith
We'll cover the four cornerstones of democratic governance: the electoral process, campaigning, indirect representation, and the supreme court. Readings will provide a foundation for evaluating the basic question many Canadians are asking right now about whether Canada is following the same trajectory as the United States. Brief lectures, class discussion and discovery. Course Leader: Bonnie Lynn Sherrow
A history of Hydro power generation on the Campbell River and a look at recent and future upgrades. Course Leader: Tom Kennedy
Ed will cover his naval service, including time spent in the British and Canadian Navies. Course Leader: Ed Falstrem
A guided walking tour to explore the restorative area of Willow Creek estuary and highlight ways seniors of varying abilities can participate in restoration work. We will tour beside the good witches' nettle patch, through a past indigenous presence, and into a more natural setting showcasing an ancient secret keeper alder. Please dress appropriately. In the case of very windy weather, the course will be postponed. Meet at the Ken Forde Ramp. Note: participants must sign a waiver prior to the start of the course. Course Leader: Tom Hall
Greenways Land Trust staff will present on the diverse environmental activities we are involved in, in Campbell River and Northern Vancouver Island. From planting native trees with students to gleaning fruit from backyards, we will share with you about our programming, and ways in which you can get involved in environmental initiatives with Greenways. Course Leaders: Kyle Fitzpatrick & Jeff Groat
The chaotic Middle East: a look at Iran and its fascinating story moving from "cradle of civilization" to "background power in the current conflict." Some archaeology, some anthropology and some current events. Course Leader: Erik Mairs
How do you see Campbell River's future? As a senior, what are your ideas for housing and infrastructure, health services, recreation, arts and culture? Join us for a series of conversations about what we would like to see for the future of our community. Course Leaders: Mary Ashley and Linda Jay
This course will include information on converting a sewage treatment plant into the Maritime Heritage Centre and the restoration of the BCP 45. Course Leaders: Jim Harris & Glenn Ashby