Elderhostel, a non-profit organization based in Boston, is dedicated to “providing exceptional educational opportunities at a remarkable value,” according to its latest catalogue, the issue listing programs for December, 2009, to March, 2010.

That issue also carries the news that the name Elderhostel turns off many people who associate “hostel” with inferior accommodations and “elder” with old folks, so the organization will announce a new name for its programs and its catalogues in September. By the way, you can find these catalogues in most public libraries.

Elderhostel offers some great travel programs in all 50 states and around the world and, currently, you have to be at least 50 years old to sign up for these — or you can be younger if you’re accompanied by someone at least 50. Not very long ago, the age requirement was 55. And, interestingly enough, the new catalogue carries no mention of an age requirement.

I called the Elderhostel information number — 877 426-8056 — to ask if the age requirement is being waived. The operator told me the age requirement is currently still in effect, but “rumors are there will be other changes when the name changes.”

I will make a couple of predictions: The new name will not be “Geezers on the Go,” and the age requirement will be lowered.

Which is fine with me. As a member of the Wimberley Birding Society, I’ve arranged several charter Elderhostel programs exclusively for our club. Age requirements are waived for charter groups and I’ve never felt having younger people along detracted in the least from our good times.

And we have had some wonderful times and seen some wonderful sights.

In Rockland, Maine, we saw Atlantic puffins and ate fresh lobsters. In Arcata, California, we saw a spotted owl demolish a mouse and walked among giant redwoods. In Sedona, Arizona, we viewed the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon and saw a rare California condor soaring overhead. In Uruguay, we watched flamingoes and capybaras and ate fine steaks. In Nicaragua, ripe mangoes, blue-crowned motmots and active volcanoes all received our full attention.

And we have two more charter programs coming up this year. If you’d like to try Elderhostel, come along with us to Nevada and the Eastern Sierra on August 23-28. We’ll visit areas of spectacular beauty, including Lake Tahoe, the Owens Valley and Mono Lake Basin’s International Biosphere Preserve. We’ll travel to 6,200 feet in the mountains, experience relief from the Texas heat, see some of the area’s 300 bird species and observe a wealth of flora and fauna.

Program price of $969 per person, double occupancy, includes lodging, all meals, birding guides, instructors and coordinator.

Or come along to Bermuda, Oct. 26-Nov. 1. Walk on pink sand beaches, swim in a private cove, and learn all about Britain’s oldest colony. We’ll look for birds, visit markets, museums and art galleries, enjoy the Dolphin Quest show and travel on a research ship. Program cost of $1,727 per person, double occupancy, includes lodging, guides, transfers, instructors and all meals.

If you’re interested in the full range of Elderhostel programs, visit their Web site, www.elderhostel.org. If you’re interested in the Wimberley Birding Society charter trips, contact me at jdothall@verizon.net.