Camarillo Health Care District’s VR Activity Club encourages group experiences and social connection through an immersive program that combines virtual reality travel and in-real-life (IRL) activities. Participants may take a stroll down memory lane or learn something new by engaging in a group activity, and experience the excitement of virtual travel with guided tours and discussions.

These clubs are made up of six individuals who meet four consecutive weeks. The experiences are one-hour long with an additional 30 minutes set aside for an optional Snack & Chat (participants bring their own snacks for themselves and snack while getting to know each other better, building their connection and possibly leading to a friendship). Cost is $30 for the series.

VR has proven to help improve quality of life and a sense of well-being by reducing loneliness, addressing depression, and reducing barriers to socialization through common experiences. According to the study “Impact of Virtual Reality Experience on Older Adults’ Well Being” published by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Design and Management and MIT AgeLab, "VR is believed to be beneficial to older adults due to its immersive interaction capabilities.

"Participants who used the VR system reported being less socially isolated, being less likely to show signs of depression, experiencing positive affects more frequently, and feeling better about their overall well-being.”

VR Activity Club 2 will be offered on Fridays, June 20-July 18 (no gathering July 4), 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

June 20: Perfect Summer Day: Summer is officially here, so let’s kick it off with a relaxing beach day virtually in Cancun, Mexico. Build up an appetite for a cookout celebration as we immerse ourselves in a barbecue with grillmaster Dave. Then we’ll venture deep into the Sierra Nevada mountains of California using our headsets to marvel at the wonders of the Yosemite National Park. Our activity is developing a Beach Day playlist. What’s your beach vibe giving?

June 27: A Day at the Museum: Let’s explore museums around the world! Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, tour the National Portrait Gallery, where art and history meet, and enjoy a look into the Natural History Museum. Our activity encourages you to use your inspiration from these museum tours to draw a portrait in infinite space using the VR application Paint.

July 11: Scenic Safari: Join us for an exciting day of exploration as we embark on virtual tours of Patagonia, the Galapagos Islands, and the Grey Glacier. We’ll discover unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Our activity will be mimicking the unique movements of animals from the virtual tours, such as the penguin waddle, sea lions swimming or the slow crawl of a tortoise. Also, guess the animal we are mimicking as we talk about animals in their environments.

July 18: Revitalized by Nature: Experience a relaxing virtual tour of Sapa, meditate in serene rock pools surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil mountain views using your headset and explore Zen places worldwide. Conclude your journey with a reflective activity about nature using a pen and paper as we journal together.

VR Activity Club 3 will be offered on Mondays, Aug. 4-Aug. 25, 10-11:15 a.m.

Aug. 4: A Day at Sea: Experience a front-row view on a whale-watching adventure in Hawaii! Watch as a family of North Pacific Humpback Whales breach out of the water after a 3,000-mile migration journey from Alaska. As you enjoy the breezy boat ride, learn some fascinating facts about whales and their migration patterns. Relax on tropical beaches and kayak into the sunset. Wrap up with a game of naming your favorite water sports.

Aug. 11: Summer Holiday: Join us for a perfect summer holiday! Visit the most renowned lighthouses worldwide, road trip the iconic Route 66, and enjoy a breathtaking sunset while kayaking. Wrap up by curating your perfect road trip playlist.

Aug. 18: Trip to Paradise: Come visit the slice of paradise that can be found in Portugal. Tour the Azores region, visit Ponta Delgada, and spend a day at the beach. Wrap up by recreating a Portuguese landscape.

Aug. 25: Nature's Healing Touch: Embark on a transformative exploration of mental well-being. Find solace in guided meditations amidst Madeira's lush greenery, conquer inner peaks while hiking the Pico Ruivo Trail, and discover Zen sanctuaries worldwide, nurturing your mind, body, and spirit. Wrap up by mediating in the VR application "Breathe."

VR Activity Club 4 will be offered on Wednesdays, Sept. 17-Oct. 8, 10-11:15 a.m.

Sept. 17: Grandparents' Day: Happy Grandparents' Day! Celebrate by enjoying a playdate with an adorable grandson, join a mother cat in nurturing her kittens, and watch as a grandfather mows his lawn with his grandchild. Wrap up with a special activity reminiscing about your grandparents.

Sept. 24: Hispanic Heritage Month/Latin Landscapes: Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Celebrate this beautiful culture by touring the countries of Central America, experiencing a Toucan up close in Costa Rica, and exploring the vibrant country of Cuba. Wrap up with a personalized tour throughout South America.

Oct. 1: Captivating Coasts: Join us as we explore captivating coasts in Portugal and Italy! These mesmerizing destinations are true gems of Europe. Wrap up with an experience sharing your favorite beach trip memories.

Oct. 8: Memories & Monuments: Experience America's story in a day! From the history of the White House to Jamestown's brave beginnings and D.C.'s heroic monuments, come dive into history. We'll cap it all by filling a "Memory Time Capsule" with personal reflections, leaving a little legacy for the future!