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We received 8 replies. Experiences varied but were generally positive.  As in most Celiac travel,  preparation was very helpful  including calling ahead, and bringing some food with you.

Individual comments included the following:

I have participated in several Elderhostel programs, and the meals totally
depend on the location of the class.  I have been to several (pre-celiac)
that served outside-catered buffet meals from steam tables, where it would
have been impossible to eat gluten-free.  I have also been to two, located
at Sagamore in the Adirondaks, and the John Campbell Folk School in NC,
where the in-house kitchen staff went out of their way to make sure I had
safe, tasty food.

 My husband and I have attended several Elderhostels.  I always call them and get the name and phone number of the entity providing the program.  I then call and check on the food situation.  I have never gone hungry however, the cooperation varies from fantastic to doable. I have gone to a couple where they will not do anything special to accommodate dietary problem and still it worked out.  One had only buffets and at the worst, I could always have a salad and usually could have more.  A couple of time I went in and personally tipped the cook and got some special attention.  We were planning to take the trip to Budapest, Prague etc. and was surprised that they would have happily accommodated me.  Just happened we didn't go but they were very nice. 

My experience with Elderhostel was always very good.  Most of the
meals were buffet and there was always plenty of choices.  I didn't
request any special meals, but certainly you could give it a try.

I've been on several Elderhostels, at least 4 since I discovered I was gluten intolerant. I list it on the health questionnaire they send out and usually make a statement to the effect that I will bring supplemental food with me and mainly I just need to know when food has wheat, rye, barley in it. I feel that it's my problem to solve and just need to have their cooperation in knowing what's safe to eat and what isn't. I had one Elderhostel that seemed flustered about it and suggested I have food mailed to myself there. I wrote back that I had been on Elderhostels before with these limitations and I hadn't starved yet. If the Elderhostel is one where I will not have a car and it's in an area without easy access to grocery stores or restaurants, I might consider mailing myself a food package but haven't had to do it yet. I do carry Balance Bars (I get them at Trader Joes, most are GF but double-check the ingredients or their web site). On the last Elderhostel I had discovered Corn Thins and had them with me. For field trips they usually send you out with a brown bag lunch which includes a sandwich. For me they put the ingredients in a plastic bag and I made my own sandwich with the corn thins. They work very well if you can find them where you live. One time I packed a few Chebe buns but my luggage was lost. When I got it back a month later I had very moldy buns. That time, when we did a trip into town one of the counselors took me to a grocery store so I could buy whatever I find. String cheese sticks usually work well too and that time I also got rice cakes (but the corn thins are better). Other times I've eaten the meats/cheeses as finger food. Everyone has always been cooperative, on one I routinely visited the kitchen and read all the labels. Another one served enchiladas one night that were gluten free. They saved the left overs and kept them for me for the times I couldn't eat the main course. I tell you, I was the envy of all the others on some of those nights. I also take with me the Crispy Rice breakfast bars from Envirokidz. Other times when it's possible I eat at a near by restaurant if a meal has too many no no's. Since Elderhostels vary so much you cannot generalize but it's been more of a nuisance than a problem eating gluten free. They're great programs and I wouldn't have missed any of the one's I've been on.

I have a cousin who has been to a couple of dozen and never even calls in advance.  She just works it out when she arrives.  Neither of us have ever gotten ill on a trip.  We always bring our own bread and cold cereal or a pkg of muffins.

I've found it best to call the person in charge of food service at the Elderhostel venue.  Be sure to explain your needs before signing up.  And take the name of that person, so you can introduce yourself when you arrive.

It seems to be on an individual basis.  I attended one is Palm Desert, Palm
Springs. there were no substituions of any kind for any reason.  We were
told to buy our meal at the hotel or other facility.  I have friends who go
to Northern Calif, and some chefs will accomodate and others will not. I
would recommed calling the chef and making definite arrangments. Bring
snacks that travel well.

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