CELL 2024 Iceland Photography and Sustainability Travel Programs

We are offering two adult travel programs to Iceland in 2024: 1) a week-long sustainability program entitled “Iceland: Land of Fire, Ice, and Susainability,” and 2) an eight-day Iceland Photography Workshop and Tour.  See below for details.

ICELAND Land of Fire, Ice, and Sustainability: An Adult Education Travel Program June 2023
Join us for a seven-day adventure exploring Iceland’s alluring landscapes, renewable energy and sustainable practices, and learn what you can do to become a part of the solution to the challenges we face…

What will you do? During this sustainability educational travel tour of Iceland, you will:
• Explore one of the world’s most remote, geologically unique, and sustainable countries;
• Experience some of the most captivatingly beautiful landscapes in the world;
• Experience life at Solheimar eco-village, one of the world’s unique sustainable living communities;
• Experience glaciers and volcanos up close and personal;
• Learn about renewable energy while visiting a geothermal power plant and hiking into a natural hot spring to bathe in its soothing waters;
• Get to know Hordur and Kristin, an Icelandic farm couple and friends of CELL, meet their animals, and partake of a traditional Icelandic meal;
• Learn about Iceland’s Viking history, and the culture, language and geography that has shaped who Icelanders are today;
• Explore Reykjavik, Iceland’s beautiful capital city, and taste some of its delicious cuisine;
• And at the completion of the program, develop an action plan for engaging sustainable practices in your own life back home.

When will we go?
June 7 to 14, 2023

What is the itinerary?  The following is a tentative schedule:
Day One (June 7, 2023): Depart Logan Airport (Boston) for Keflavik Iceland – 9 p.m. flight. Note: It is possible to fly from another airport to Iceland, but you would need to arrive in Iceland on the morning of June 3 to meet the group that arrives at 6:30 a.m.
Day Two: Arrive in Iceland (Keflavik Airport) 6:30 a.m. – Visit historic Reykjavik, visit the National Museum to learn about Icelandic history and culture, sample Icelandic food, individual time for site seeing, travel to Solheimar eco-village and settle into guest house.
Day Three: Tour Solheimar; Icelandic history, culture, language, and conservation class, visit Thingvellir National Park, enjoy a traditional Icelandic
music presentation after dinner.
Day Four: Visit Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant, hike to Hveragerdi hot springs, tour a farm and have a traditional Icelandic dinner with an Icelandic
farm family.
Day Five: Visit Iceland Soil and Water District education center to learn about conservation issues in Iceland; travel to Mt. Hekla, Iceland’s most historically active volcano; plant trees to counter soil erosion, as well as sequester all the carbon we will burn during our trip; take a short hike to a waterfall near Mt. Hekla, visit Burfell Hydropower Plant, visit an historic Viking settlement, spend night at Solheimar.
Day Six: Travel to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, visit Gulfoss waterfall on route to Geysir, evening talk about sustainability in Iceland
and at Solheimar, develop sustainability action plans.
Day Seven (June 13): Share sustainability action plans, visit Kerid Volcano, visit Laugarvatn or Blue Lagoon hot springs and spa, return to airport
by 3:00 p.m. for flight home. Note: Some people may choose to extend their stay in Iceland or travel on to Europe. Iceland Air has an arrangement where you can fly to Europe, stop over in Iceland for a period of time, and then continue on to Europe with no additional air fees.

What level of physical fitness is required? You should be in adequate physical condition to hike 3 to 4 miles on moderate terrain carrying a day pack. While visiting an outdoor geothermal hot spring, for example, we will hike in several miles. You should be comfortable walking several miles a day.

Who are we?
The Center for Ecological Living and Learning’s (CELL’s) mission is to inspire a vision and action for sustainable living. We have been bringing groups on educational learning adventures to Iceland for fifteen years – focusing on a theme of sustainability through community. In addition to offering an adventure of a lifetime, a CELL program will inspire you to return home and employ what you have learned through implementing sustainability initiatives in your home and community. Here’s a link to CELL’s website. The founders of CELL, Dave and Sue Oakes, live in Hope, Maine and have over twenty years of experience leading education programs abroad.

What to know about Iceland?
• It is one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world.
• Iceland was the last place on Earth to be settled by humans (Vikings).
• It has a 99% renewable energy supply, primarily from geothermal and hydropower.
• Many Icelanders believe in elves and trolls – adding to the magic and wonder of this beautiful country.
• You can swim outdoors in hot springs all year round: something we will do.
• About 11% of Iceland is covered in glaciers, including the 3rd largest glacier in the world.
• Iceland has over 600 hot springs and volcanoes.
• Iceland’s weather is unpredictable and can change suddenly. Icelanders, like New Englanders, say: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” They also say: “There is no bad weather, just bad clothing.” For those who plan to attend, we will provide plenty of additional details on what to expect and what to bring on this learning adventure.

What are the Costs?
$3,500 per person (which includes all in-country food, lodging, travel, and activity fees). Does not include round trip airfare (approximately $450- $600 as of 2022 prices). Note: the program will be limited to 12 participants.

For more information or to book a reservation, contact Dave Oakes, Founder and Director of CELL: 60 Blueberry Hill Road, Hope, Maine 04847; email: dave@cellonline.org; or telephone: (207) 230-4025. Let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

ICELAND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP & TOUR: VOLCANOES, GLACIERS, UBIQUITOUS WATERFALLS, AND SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPES

Join us for an eight-day photography adventure in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Who should attend? Our Iceland tour is offered for photography enthusiasts of all skill levels who would like to develop their skills with landscape and nature photography. This program is not designed for professional photographers. Contact us if you have any questions.

What will you do?
During this eight-day photography travel tour of Iceland, you will:
• Experience some of the most inspiring landscapes in the world and learn how to take stunning photographs that capture the beauty of this magical land;
• Participate in practical, hands-on photography mini-workshops that unlock secrets to taking stunning landscape/nature photos;
• Master the technical aspects of taking pictures in raw format using manual, aperture, and shutter priority modes;
• Learn and practice the artistic aspects of photography that enable you to create photos that tell a story, including: identifying the hero in your photography composition, and gaining skill with light and color, depth of field, layering, leading lines, etc.
• Explore one of the world’s most remote, geologically unique, and sustainable countries;
• Experience life at Solheimar Eco-village, one of the world’s unique sustainable living communities;
• Experience glaciers and volcanoes up close and personal;
• Visit Thingvelir and Vatnajokull National Parks – two of Iceland’s most scenic natural treasures and spectacularly beautiful sites for landscape photography;
• Get to know Hordur and Kristin, Icelandic farmers and friends of CELL, meet their animals, and join them for a traditional Icelandic meal;
• Learn about Iceland’s Viking history, and the culture, language and geography that has shaped who Icelanders are today;
• Learn some post-processing strategies, develop a beginning portfolio of your Iceland photos, and learn how to share your photos with others.

When will we go? June 15 to 22, 2024

What is the itinerary? The following is a tentative schedule:

Day One (June 15, 2024): Depart BWI airport (Baltimore) for Keflavik Iceland – 7 p.m. flight. Note: It is possible to fly from another airport to Iceland, but you would need to arrive in Iceland on the morning of June 16th by 7 a.m. Icelandic time.

Day Two: Arrive in Iceland (Keflavik Airport) – 6:30 a.m. – Visit historic Reykjavik, visit the National Museum to learn about Icelandic history and culture, individual time for site seeing, travel to Solheimar eco-village and settle into guest house, Intro to the history of Solheimar, Landscape Photography Workshop 1: Photography as storytelling.

Day Three: Landscape Photography Workshop 2: Background and perspective. Tour Solheimar and practice photography, Visit Thingvellir National Park, mini-Workshop 3: Framing and layering, time for picture taking, enjoy a traditional Icelandic music presentation at Solheimar eco-village after dinner.

Day Four: Photography Workshop 4: Natural light, white balance, back lighting, Visit Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant, hike to Hveragerdi hot springs, tour a farm and have a traditional Icelandic dinner with an Icelandic farm family and friends of CELL.

Day Five: (Monday, June 19): Photography Workshop 5: Putting it all together (a good photo has three ingredients: light, composition, something interesting). Travel to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, travel to Vik and visit black lava beach at Reynisfjara, visit cliffs at Dyrholaey, visit one or more of the following geological sites: Fjadrargljufiur Masjif, Foss a Sidu, and/or Lomagnupur valley. Spend night at hostel near Skatafell and Vatnajökull National Park.

Day Six: (Tuesday, June 20): travel to Vatnajökull National Park, hike into waterfall at Vatnajökull National Park and photograph glacier tongue, visit Jokulsarlon Glacial Bay, spend the day photographing inspiring vistas, travel back to Solheimar to spend the night. This will be a full and exciting day of travel and photography.

Day Seven: (Wednesday, June 21): Breakfast at Solheimar. Morning Meeting at Solheimar. Photography Workshop 6: When to break the rules and sharing of favorite photos from trip and why you like them (e.g. composition strategies you employed). Visit Burfell Viking Longhouse, Mt. Hekla, and waterfall. Plant trees at Mt. Hekla or at Solheimar. Tour of Islenski baerinn turf house and talk by Hannes on vernacular architecture and the eye of an artist in art / photography. Return to Solheimar to sleep. If time: View 10 rules you can break for better photos.

Day Eight: (Thursday, June 22): Share favorite images with group. Visit Geysir and Gulfoss. Visit Kerid Volcano, visit Laugarvatn hot springs and spa, return to airport by 3:00 p.m. for flight(s).

What camera equipment should you bring? We recommend bringing the following: a digital SLR camera; a sturdy, portable tripod; a day pack to carry your camera equipment, layers of clothes, rain gear, lunch, water bottle, etc.; several SD cards; extra batteries and charger; and a wide-angle lens (e.g. in the 15 to 35mm focal length range). A workhorse lens, like a 24mm to 120mm, or similar, could also be an option. Additional equipment to consider bringing: an ND filter, a remote shutter release if your camera doesn’t have an auto-timer, and additional lenses (zoom, macro, for example). We also strongly encourage you to bring a laptop computer with post-processing software, such as Lightroom. We will provide a detailed equipment list of what to bring for personal gear.

What level of physical fitness is required? You should be in adequate physical condition to walk 2 to 4 miles on moderate terrain carrying a day pack. While visiting Vatnajokull National Park, for example, we will hike several miles into a spectacular waterfall and scenic plateau overlooking a glacial tongue. We will not be taking long, rigorous hikes, however, you should be comfortable walking several miles a day.

Who are we? Dave Oakes and his wife, Sue, are co-founders of the Center for Ecological Living and Learning, a nonprofit inspiring vision and action for sustainable living. Dave has a doctorate in environmental education, is a former Professor of Environmental Education, has been offering educational learning adventures in Iceland for fifteen years, and is passionate about stewarding our beautiful green and blue planet. He loves landscape and wildlife photography and has a passion for Iceland: its culture, history and commitment to sustainability. Here’s a link to CELL’s website. Michael Berger, program co-leader, is a Professor of Chemistry at Simmons University in Boston. He is passionate about engaging students in sustainability and the environment while teaching analytical chemistry and the science of climate change. While previously at Polaroid, Michael designed novel imaging products and worked with professional photographers in a series of imaging workshops that he designed. He also taught the creative use of Photoshop at the New England Institute of Art and has exhibited his photographic and digital artwork internationally with his images appearing in several publications. Michael and Dave have teamed together to introduce students to the people, culture, history, and beauty of Iceland for over a decade.

What to know about Iceland?
•It is one of the most eco-friendly and photographically interesting countries in the world.
•Iceland was the last place on Earth to be settled by humans.
•It has a 99% renewable energy supply, utilizing, primarily, geothermal and hydropower.
• Many Icelanders believe in elves and trolls – adding to the magic and wonder of this mystical country and culture.
• You can swim outdoors in hot springs all year round: something we will experience.
• About 11% of Iceland is covered in glaciers, including the 3rd largest glacier in the world.
• Iceland has over 600 hot springs and volcanoes.
• Iceland’s weather is unpredictable and can change suddenly. Icelanders, like New Englanders, say: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” They
also say: “There is no bad weather, just bad clothing.” If you are interested in attending, we will provide plenty of additional details on what to expect and what to bring on this learning adventure.

What are the Costs?
$3,100 per person (which includes all in-country food, lodging, travel, and activity fees). Does not include round trip airfare (approximately $450- $600 as of 2023 prices).

How big is the group? The program is limited to 12 participants. This group size enables us to have a close-knit relationship and to give individual attention to each participant.

How and When should I apply? Iceland is an increasingly popular travel destination, and we anticipate that this program will be popular as well. And as we are limiting our group size to 12 participants, we recommend that you apply early so as to reserve a spot. To apply, please drop us an e-mail or give us a call at the number below, and we will set a time to have an informal interview to ensure that the program is a right fit for you. Once accepted into the program, we require a $500 deposit to reserve your spot. The deposit is applied to the overall cost of the program.

For more information or to book a reservation, contact Dave Oakes, Founder and Director of CELL: 60 Blueberry Hill Road, Hope, Maine 04847; email: dave@cellonline.org; or telephone: (207) 230-4025. Let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

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How do CELL Custom Non-Credit Programs work?

CELL works with a group, like yours, to offer unique, domestic and international learning adventures to inspiringly beautiful locations. Our programs are more than sight-seeing travel excursions. During a CELL program, you will have an adventure of a lifetime while becoming immersed in local cultures, learning about the history that has helped to shape your host country, learn about ecology while exploring a tropical rainforest, learn about geology while hiking a volcano or glacier, learn about conservation while helping tag endangered sea turtles, learn about the principles of sustainability while living in an eco-village, learn how one life, your life, can make a BIG difference in the world through committing to taking action when you return home. A WARNING is in order here: A CELL program will transform how you view yourself and your relationship with others and your natural world. Regarding logistics, CELL takes care of logistical and travel arrangements, in-country lodging and food, teaching and guiding, etc. You take care of organizing a group of people who want to have an adventure of a lifetime.

For more information:

If you are interested in learning more about a CELL Custom Abroad Program, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Telephone: 207.230.4025
Email: info@cellonline.org

If you have a group that would like to participate in an adventure of a lifetime, contact us for more details. CELL works with youth groups, civic groups, teachers and educational groups, non profit organizations, church groups, Elder Hostel, family groups, community groups, adult education, clubs, bird watching groups, hiking groups, nature enthusiasts, and other groups to design an exciting custom program. We take care of all logistics, you organize a group of excited participants. Contact us for more details.
Where do we offer programs? Around the world! We offer unique educational adventures and eco-travel programs in Africa (Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania); Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua); Iceland; Europe (Austria, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland); Scandinavia (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden); and other places you might like to explore. All of our programs include a theme of “sustainability through community” as well as experiential and service-learning opportunities.
If you have a group that would like to travel, contact us and we will begin a conversation. We don’t offer cookie cutter programs. All of our programs are designed around your interests and learning goals. Where do you want to travel? When? What do you want to learn and why? It all starts with a conversation where we explore what your group is most interested in learning, doing and serving. A CELL program is more than an adventure: you will be inspired by some of planet Earth’s most spectacular scenery, you will get up close and personal with the people and culture of your host country, you will learn the principles of sustainability from inspiring communities and people who don’t know you can’t do things, so they go ahead and do them. Contact us to begin a conversation about an unforgettable learning adventure tailored to your unique interests and motivations.
“Breathtaking beauty, silence, time to listen to nature and my heart, get inspiration from my fellow participants and the facilitators, all this profoundly impacted my sense of self and the world surrounding all of us. The workshop inspired deep reflection, renewal, and the opportunity to make new connections within myself and others on the Island.”
Randa Wilkinson

CELL-Hurricane Island "Courage Earth" Retreat