Unlock Your Potential: A Guide to Forever Learning Institute Programs
The Forever Learning Institute (FLI) offers a diverse range of programs designed to cater to various interests and skill levels, fostering a community of lifelong learners. Whether you're looking to explore a new hobby, enhance your existing skills, or simply engage in stimulating intellectual pursuits, FLI provides a welcoming and enriching environment.
Arts and Creativity
Painting
For aspiring and experienced artists alike, the painting program at FLI offers a comprehensive approach to honing your artistic abilities. You'll sharpen your skills in drawing, painting, and composition, gaining a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between moisture, pigment, and paper with each brushstroke. The emphasis is on letting your techniques serve your artistic vision, helping you gain clarity and direction in your art.
Photography
This hands-on course is designed to enhance your photographic skills using all forms of digital cameras, including point-and-shoot, cell phone, and more advanced digital SLR cameras. No prior experience is necessary; all you need is an open mind and a desire to learn how to do more with the camera you have. Each week, you'll explore assigned topics such as composition, lighting, and exposure, learning how to enhance your shots.
Language and Culture
Polish Language
Embark on a journey with Polish, building on your existing knowledge of the language, memories, and love for all things Polish. Through new phrases, simplified grammar, and conversation practice, you'll prepare for your next trip to a Polish store, write a note in Polish to a loved one, or simply reminisce about conversations you overheard growing up.
German Language
The German language program utilizes the "Begegnungen" textbook and materials from Deutsche Welle to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Textbook topics include dates, telling time, the study of days, months, seasons and years, ending with definite time. In Begegnungen chapter one topics will conclude with gender of nouns, Genitive case, talking about one’s background and daily schedule, review of verb tenses and a self evaluation. The first topic in Chapter two will be about free time. From Deutsche Welle the topic will be family including aging and household tasks.
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Music
Beginner Guitar
Age or musical experience should not keep you from exploring your passion for music. This class is for the beginner student or anyone wanting to learn to play with chords. You will work together to learn at least one song each week with sheet music and chords. Please purchase Hal Leonard's "Three Chord Songs-Super Easy Songbook". The first three songs are Ain't No Sunshine, All About That Bass, and All Around The Watchtower (available on Amazon) and bring it to the first session.
Fitness and Wellness
Cardio Drumming
Cardio drumming is a low-impact, full-body workout set to the great music of the '60s, '70s, and '80s. If you have never tried this form of exercise, you are in for a real treat. Using drumsticks, a 65-75cm stability ball, and a 16-24-gallon bucket (with rope handles), you work at your own pace using your arms, legs, and core! All fitness levels are encouraged, even if you must sit. Please purchase your bucket and ball at Meijer, Walmart, or Lowe's. George Azar, M.
Spirituality
This course will include definitions of spirituality and a discussion of the relationship between spirituality and how we conduct ourselves through a myriad of life issues. The class will explore secular spirituality along with religious and personal issues. Through thoughtful discussions we will develop a better understanding about the importance of spirituality. The course will be broken down to give us a personal yet more profound understanding of spirituality by taking a salient look into some social issues that will include mental health and addiction issues.
Social Sciences
Economics and Social Order
We live in changing and uncertain times that stress our democratic free market social order. How are you impacted by this and how can we keep our economic system working well for everyone? Can our market economy deal with concerns about the climate, an aging population, poverty, pandemics and international relations to name a few of the issues that are impacting our social order. Are you optimistic that our economy can help our social order support our values and hopes? This course explores how economics affects our social order.
Sharing Your Passion
Do you have a skill, a talent, a passionate interest to share with others in the community? Many of us after retiring have enjoyed the Forever Learning Institute, either as students or as teachers. Mike Crowe has taught many courses on his passionate interests in outer space and in Sherlock Holmes. Sonia Gernes leads discussions on short stories. Ruthann Johansen and Jane Doering directed a course on Flannery O'Connor and Simone Weil; the list is long.
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A Legacy of Learning
Forever Learning Institute was begun by our own Father Putz almost 50 years ago, when he put together both the human desire to continue learning and the rich source of academic experience available in the South Bend area. Not only has the FLI been honored at the 2021 Business of the Year for the Real Services Age of Excellence luncheon, but it is a model of fun, friendship, and delightful activities.
Yellowstone Forever Programs
E. Yellowstone Forever, in partnership with the National Park Service, delivers immersive educational experiences that helps people discover, experience, and connect with the park’s wildlife, geology, and cultural history. Since 1976, we’ve been connecting people to Yellowstone through transformative learning adventures-cultivating a community of stewards who care deeply about this extraordinary place. Ready to go beyond sightseeing? Join us on a journey of discovery and experience Yellowstone in ways you never imagined.
Field Seminars
Dive deep into Yellowstone’s natural and cultural history with multi-day seminars led by renowned scientists, artists, and Indigenous knowledge keepers. These programs go beyond typical tours-they’re designed for adults and college students seeking a truly academic, immersive experience.Offered: Year-round to explore in every season1 - 6 day immersive learning experiencesSmall group format for deeper engagementBased at Lamar Buffalo Ranch-accessible only through Yellowstone Forever programs-or our Gardiner learning campusTopics range from wildlife tracking to photography and cultural perspectivesPerfect for students and lifelong learners to deepen understanding of Yellowstone’s complexity
Lodging & Learning Experience
Yellowstone with ease through immersive Lodging & Learning programs that combine guided educational excursions with comfortable in-park lodging. Enjoy a deeper connection to the park with everything arranged for you-without sacrificing comfort.Offered: December - February, May - October4 - 6 day options of guided learning and adventureDaily excursions led by Yellowstone Forever educators, lodging, transportation, and most meals includedBased at interior park lodges like Canyon, Old Faithful, & Mammoth Hot Springs for access to iconic areasTopics include wildlife, geology, ecology, and cultural history for a well-rounded experienceFamily-friendly programs with choices that let every generation participate comfortably
Private Tours
Book a truly customizable experience perfect for all ages and ability levels, with a private guide who tailors the day to your interests, pace, and group size. Whether you’re traveling with kids, grandparents, or friends, this is a flexible and personal way to explore.Offered: December - February, May - OctoberFull day guided adventureChoose your focus: geysers, wildlife, hiking, etc.Customizable activity level, from relaxed roadside viewing to strenuous hikesGreat for families, couples, or small groupsIncludes high-quality spotting scopes, engaging insights from a Yellowstone Forever educator, and locally sourced meals.Pickup available in Gardiner, MT or Mammoth Hot Springs
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Yellowstone Day Adventures
Join us for a journey into the northern range, where wildlife and seasonal changes come alive. These adventures are designed for all ages and activity levels. Plus, they’re not only one of Yellowstone Forever’s most affordable options, but also among the most budget-friendly guided experiences in Yellowstone.Offered: December - February, May - OctoberFull day guided adventureFocus on wildlife, ecology, and storytellingEasy walking and roadside viewingGreat for first-time visitors and families (children ages 5 and up)Includes high-quality spotting scopes and engaging insights from a Yellowstone Forever educatorPickup available in Gardiner, MT or Mammoth Hot Springs
Naturalist Day Hikes
Spend an active day hiking Yellowstone’s scenic trails alongside a Yellowstone Forever naturalist. These guided hikes move at a relaxed pace, with time for wildlife observation, seasonal highlights, and interpretive storytelling along the way.Offered May - OctoberFull‑day guided hike on a scenic Yellowstone trailLeisurely pace with opportunities for wildlife viewingLed by expert naturalists providing interpretation and risk managementTransportation from Gardiner, MT (or meet at trailhead)Hikes range from 3-10 miles with varying elevationOpen to adults and families with children ages 12+ (with an adult)
Group Programs
Bring your family, school, or group to Yellowstone for a shared learning experience that builds curiosity, connection, and understanding of place. Programs take place throughout the park-on trails, at geyser basins, and other iconic Yellowstone locations-guided by experienced Yellowstone Forever educators.Offered year‑roundLed by Yellowstone Forever educatorsDesigned for families, school and college groups, youth organizations, and adult groupsExperiences may include guided hikes, hands‑on learning, wildlife observation, and exploration of Yellowstone’s natural and cultural landscapesSupport with trip planning and logisticsOptional lodging at our Yellowstone learning campuses
Speaker & Engagement Requests
Invite a Yellowstone Forever educator to engage your group with Yellowstone’s science, stories, and cultural perspectives. We work with families, community organizations, schools, and professional groups to create presentations and learning experiences tailored to your audience and setting. These workshops blend science, Indigenous knowledge, and place-based learning to help educators bring the park into their curriculum-and deepen students’ connections to nature back home.Applications typically open in late fall to early winter (often November-January), with workshops taking place in the June and July.Multi-day professional development offering CE creditsHands-on fieldwork and curriculum designFocus on STEAM, NGSS, and Indigenous perspectivesTaught in partnership with National Park Service educators and expertsLodging and meals included
Tour Operators/Travel Agencies
We partner with tour operators and travel agencies to deliver engaging educational experiences in Yellowstone National Park. Programs are designed to integrate seamlessly into multi‑day travel packages, whether part of a regional, national, or international itinerary. Offerings include guest speaking, step‑on guiding, and half‑day, one‑day, or multi‑day programs led by Yellowstone Forever educators. Through guided exploration and hands‑on learning, guests gain deeper insight into Yellowstone’s wildlife, landscapes, and ecological significance.
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