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 10 will be offered 10-11 a.m. on Tuesdays, Sept. 8-29

Sept. 8: Globetrotting Adventure & Scenic Sanctuaries - Let's play a game of Guess the Country! Look around each location we visit, receive some hints and give us your best guess. We'll also cruise the Caribbean and spend a day in Singapore. Some activities include exploration of Finland, sailing the Mediterranean, relaxing in Paris, touring Melbourne and a gondola ride in Venice. Also on tap is an enchanting tour of Madeira, where you'll immerse yourself in the island's lush landscapes and meditate amidst its serene natural beauty.

Sept. 15: Nostalgic Tunes / Music & Marvels  - We will take you to locations associated with some of the most popular music, but also some of the most culturally iconic. Enjoy an intimate performance of the Shadow Quartet at Old Town Hall in Brno, Czech Republic as you listen to Mozart's "Turkish March." You'll also be treated to a performance of Beethoven's most well-known composition. Explore the magic of stunning destinations and beautiful compositions. Take a tour of Bratislava, enjoy Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" and learn about musical legends. Our activity will be to tour Copenhagen, Paris, Rome, Porto, Berlin, Avignon and Barcelona.

Sept. 22: Creativity & Innovation & A Day at the Museum - Discover the world of contemporary art at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Learn about the museum's history, visit its mot renowned exhibitions, and gain a deeper understanding of famous artistic movements and masterpieces. We'll also visit the American Museum of Natural History. Then we'll talk about your favorite historical figures. Next, discover the revolutionary journey of Pablo Picasso, a master of modern art whose groundbreaking techniques and prolific body of work transformed the art world forever. We'll also journey through the fascinating evolution of technology.

Sept. 29: Trail Tranquility & Animal Adventures - Join us for a day of adventure as we explore the stunning landscape of Iowa and the Rocky Mountains. We'll unleash our creativity to design the perfect biking path while sharing stories and celebrating the joy of exploration. Get ready for a scenic bike ride as we use desk cycles and VR to pedal the planet. We'll also marvel at the wonders of Yosemite National Park. Then we'll embark on an animal adventure as we visit the largest cat rescue sanctuaries in the world and learn about a number of arctic animals.