Educating Mind and Body

The College of the Tehachipis, which is an affiliate of the Elderhostel learning programs for mature travelers, has a choice of programs in Southern California in 1996 that include golf and tennis clinics, a hiking tour, a backpacking tour and a grandparent-grandkids camp. There are also two foreign tours, one in Costa Rica and the other in Australia and New Zealand. Several programs offer a choice of two dates. All prices quoted are per person, double occupancy.

* Tennis Everyone?, a program at the Rio Bravo Tennis and Fitness Resort in Bakersfield Nov. 10 to 15, offers both beginners and skilled players a tennis clinic. All meals and lodging and group instruction are included, and private lessons are available as well. Fee $525; single add $135.

* Golf: Fact, Fiction and Fun, April 21 to 30 and Oct. 6 to 15. Group instruction in clinic form, daily practice at a variety of courses. Courses include one in Palm Springs, and Rio Bravo in Bakersfield. All lodging and meals are included. Fee $535; single add $225.

* Lake Tahoe Historical Hiking Tour, Aug. 18-23. One-week hiking through historical sites, including Donner, Squaw Valley and “Lake of the Skies” mansions. Guided hikes will be moderately difficult and range in length from six to 10 miles daily, with gourmet lunches on the trail. Includes all meals, evening games, local presentations and social events. Fee $475; single add $120.

* Grandparents/Grandkids Camp Aug. 25 to 30, Mammoth. Quality time with fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, hayrides, horseshoes, petting farm, cookouts and tours to local attractions. Includes all meals in spacious, modern lodgings with bath and shower. Adult fee $690, children 6 to 12, $380.

* Backpacking the Sierra Nevada, Mammoth, June 2 to 9. Five days in the wilderness area with an experienced forest ranger, naturalist and educator and two extra nights (first and last) in inns. Fish in mountain streams, learn to identify plants and trees at various elevations. Trip includes daily hikes of five to six miles, and breakfasts and dinners at campsites. Meals are provided; cooking and cleanup chores are shared. Campers are responsible for backpacks, sleeping bags and personal gear.

Two foreign trips are also offered by the college:

* Inside Costa Rica, Oct. 6 to 19, a two-week in-depth look at this Central American democracy’s government, tourism industry, agriculture, ecology and environment. Includes round-trip air transportation from Los Angeles, ground travel, lodging, daily breakfast and dinner, guides and instruction. Price $1,900 per person; single supplement $250.

* Australia and New Zealand from A to Z--14 days, Oct. 8 to 21. A comprehensive package tour, which includes visits to dormant volcanoes and the Waitomo Caves, wine tasting. Includes all ground transportation, plus round-trip air travel from Los Angeles. $3,600 per person; single add $250.

For detailed itineraries and brochures call College of the Tehachipis (800) 224-8115.