District offers VR Activity Club

Two people sitting, wearing VR headsets, in an indoor setting.
The VR Activity Club includes virtual reality experiences and group activities.

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.

A person wearing a VR headset sits while another holds a tablet. There's a stack of brochures and decorations on a table nearby.
VR Activity Club members tour Ireland on March 18.

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 9 will be offered Thursdays, June 25-July 16, 10-11:15 a.m.

June 25: Summer Vacation - Summer is finally here, so let's celebrate by going on a dream vacation. We'll start by virtually touring the island of Crete, spend a day at a resort and relax in Northern California's Point Lobos, immersing ourselves in the calming sights and sounds of waves and gentle breezes. Our activity will be an immersive video that will make us feel as if we are sailing the Mediterranean. We also will go on a Toucan Exploration.

July 2: Scenic Summer Wonders & Safari - Join us for a virtual journey through breathtaking Oregon trails, savor a sunrise in Patagonia, and explore beautiful summer-themed destinations . On our safari, we'll embark on a virtual tour of Galapagos Islands and the Grey Glacier. We'll conclude with a relaxing session of painting using VR!

July 9: Coastlines & Culture - Discover the best of Malta, Monaco, Cannes and Nice in a spectacular virtual journey, blending history, luxury, and coastal beauty for an unforgettable experience. Our activity will be capturing the vibrant colors and tranquil beauty of coastal scenes using the VR application Paint.

July 16: Wonderful Waterfalls & Broadway Magic - Explore magnificent waterfalls around the world virtually, including a double waterfall vista. We'll also participate in a peaceful meditation behind a waterfall and explore waterfalls around the world. Our activity will be a nature reflection as we spend time in nature virtually and sharing our experiences. 

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

Adventures TBD

A woman presents in a room; attendees with VR headsets are seated, whiteboard lists Ireland tour items.
Members of a VR Activity Club toured Ireland, wrote an Irish limerick and completed a word search related to St. Patrick's Day and the Emerald Isle.
A group of people wearing VR headsets are seated in a room, with one person assisting them with the equipment.

VR classes offer immersive experiences

Come explore with us. Join us for Adventures in VR. We are very excited for this opportunity to address depression and isolation in such a creative manner and look forward to sharing it with you. You'll have an opportunity to learn the equipment, practice using the application "First Steps" and then join one of introductory level explorations: snorkeling virtually in an underwater safari park in Ocean Rift, exploring the natural world and encountering 20 different animals in Nature Treks or learning Tai Chi in an environment of your choosing, including an igloo or tropical island!

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