UD by the Sea

UD by the Sea—A four-day OLLI event at Rehoboth Beach

Kick off your summer with a fun learning event at UD by the Sea!

SAVE THE DATE FOR 2025!
MAY 20–23, 2025 (Tuesday through Friday)

Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center
1 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Registration for this event opens February 24. We hope to see you this year at UD by the Sea!

Designed by and for OLLI members, UD by the Sea provides OLLI members and guests with programming, activities and social time in Rehoboth Beach. Registration is open to the public, as well as all past and current OLLI members and guests!

PHOTO GALLERY: PAST UD BY THE SEA EVENTS

Join us at UD by the Sea for:

Attendance at two days of topical programs with guest speakers
A choice of eight educational programming tracks
Opening reception with entertainment and cash bar
Buffet breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday mornings; continental breakfast on Friday morning
Games and social activities
Fun at the beach, new memories and friends!

Preview this year’s learning tracks:

Delaware Goes to Space — Learn about the surprising number of contributions made to U.S. space program from individuals and organizations in Delaware, like Delaware’s first astronaut who was training for moon missions but lost his life while doing so, and much more, including on-site presentations by UD researchers who use NASA remote sensing and satellite data in their research. [Activity level is moderate, with some walking and one bus ride.]
Evolutionary Ecology — Examine one of our local habitats, including an up-close encounter with horseshoe crabs, plus a discussion/presentation about the unique organisms that inhabit our 50th state, Hawaii. We will visit the James Farm Ecological Preserve on Indian River Bay. [Activity level is robust, with bus rides and walking outdoors.]
Healthy Eating, Healthy World — What’s good for us is good for the planet! We will present scientific and practical information about how to improve your food and lifestyle choices with lectures, food demonstrations and stress management. An additional $25 fee is applicable for this track, to cover the cost of the cooking demo and lunch. [Activity level is mild, with all activities taking place indoors at the event venue.]
Local Artists and Galleries — Visit galleries in Lewes and the Rehoboth Art League in Rehoboth, with presentations by local artists. [Activity level is moderate with two bus rides and some walking.]
Potpourri of Crafts — Get that creativity going and have some fun while making various craft projects. Experts demonstrate how to make various crafts and guide participants as they make their own! We’ll learn basket-weaving basics and make a basket, and learn how to “upcycle” old clothes into new treasures, and more. An additional $25 fee is applicable for this track, to cover the cost of materials. [Activity level is mild, with all activities taking place indoors at the event venue.]
The People Who Worked In Lewes — Travel back in history to learn about various occupations that were part of Lewes’ bustling community during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. This track includes, but is not limited to visits to the Lewes Historical Society, the East End lighthouse, and the Overfalls Lightship, including a ride on the Cape Water Taxi on the Lewes-Rehoboth canal. An additional $25 fee is applicable for this track, to offset the cost of transportation. [Activity level is robust, with bus rides and walking outdoors.]
Gardening in Delaware — Visit some favorite local gardens and learn more about gardening in southern Delaware. We will visit Lewes Community Gardens, Delaware Botanical Gardens, and learn tips from a Master Gardener. [Activity level is robust, with bus rides and walking outdoors.]
International Affairs Nexus — Explore international issues facing the world today. Experts in the fields of academia and the foreign service share their insight into geopolitical issues and foreign policy. [Activity level is mild, with all activities taking place indoors at the event venue.]
Tracks with offsite components include transportation, are held rain or shine and can require walking on trails and unpaved surfaces. Moderate individual mobility required. Some tracks may require an additional fee for supplies or specific activities. Details coming soon.

Health and safety guidelines

Full vaccination strongly recommended — While OLLI or UD by the Sea participants are no longer required to provide proof of full vaccination in order to attend in-person classes or events, UD and OLLI strongly recommend that all OLLI members, volunteers, visitors and staff remain up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How to register

Registration opens Monday, February 24 at 11 a.m.

UD by the Sea registration fee —
- $225/person (active OLLI members: OLLI members are considered active if they registered for UD OLLI membership during the fall 2023 or spring 2024 semesters)
- $250/person (guest rate or non-OLLI-member rate: limit of one guest registration per OLLI member)
- Additional fees are applicable for some tracks. Please carefully note any additional fees in the descriptions above.
- Registration fee does not include hotel accommodations.
Prior OLLI participation is not necessary in order to register for UD by the Sea.
Select your desired program track when you register. Space is limited per track and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment is required upon registration.
Registration coming soon. We hope to see you at UD by the Sea 2025!

Refund and cancellation policy — For registrants wishing to cancel their UD by the Sea registration, a full refund is available for written requests received through March 31, 2024. After this date, the refund amount will be 50% of the total amount paid for UD by the Sea registration. In case of cancellation requests due to illness, an exception to the policy can be made. Neither the University of Delaware or the OLLI program is responsible for any costs incurred as a result of program cancellation or schedule changes. All refund requests must be made in writing.

Atlantic Sands Rehoboth — Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center, 1 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del. 19971

Accommodations

Participants are responsible for accommodations, with the option to make reservations directly with the Atlantic Sands Hotel, or other lodging arrangements if desired. It is not recommended for participants to make any hotel arrangements before their UD by the Sea registration is confirmed.

UD by the Sea registrants receive discounted room rates at the Atlantic Sands Hotel and should make reservations directly with the Atlantic Sands Hotel following registration confirmation. Participants may make other lodging arrangements if desired.

The discounted room rate is $139 per night (single or double occupancy) and participants will receive the UD by the Sea Event Discount Code to share with the hotel after registration for UD by the Sea. At that time, reservations should be made directly with the hotel by calling 302-227-2511.