Each fall, as the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, the Ashokan Center welcomes a new wave of students and educators eager to explore, learn, and grow. The 2025–2026 educational season is especially exciting—full of fresh energy, seasoned staff, and our new state-of-the-art ropes course.

Our Brand New Ropes Course!

This thrilling challenge encourages students to push themselves both individually and as a team. Along the way, they’ll tackle elements like the kitten crawl, the Burma Bridge, and the log crossing—each designed to strengthen communication, trust, and resilience. And of course, a memory students will carry home long after their trip.

Educators Who Inspire

This year’s team blends new faces with familiar ones, including returning educator Alexis Long, who brings creativity, warmth, and a love of both nature and art.

“I was drawn to the Ashokan Center by the combination of the things I love most, nature and art. Whether it is gorge hikes, blacksmithing or nature journaling I always have the opportunity to teach the things I love.”

For Alexis, the joy of working at Ashokan comes not only from teaching students but also from bonding with fellow educators:

“During training, my good friend Alex led a hilarious ‘Hermie the Wormie’ campfire song. Being adults who had only been working together for a week, it was really special to be playful and silly together.”

She has a gift for sparking connection in the outdoors:

“Talking about a frog can help a kid identify it, but seeing a frog in its natural environment can form a lasting memory and connection. Those connections are the foundation for children to grow up caring about nature.”

And her philosophy reflects what Ashokan is all about:

“I hope my work here reminds people that nature is a place for fun. Helping people create positive connections, memories, and relationships with nature is my goal.”

A Season of Possibilities

The 2025–2026 season offers a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities, including:

  • Survival Skills – From shelter building to fire-starting.

  • Team Building – Beginner and advanced challenges for communication and collaboration.

  • Hike to Cathedral Gorge – Explore glacial history, waterfalls, and relics of the Esopus Valley.

  • Blacksmithing – Step back in time in Ulster County’s first blacksmith shop.

  • Archery – Test power and precision on our range.

  • Adventure Canoeing – Paddle the Esopus Creek and spot wildlife.

  • 1817 Schoolhouse – Travel back in time for a lesson in our historic classroom.

Across our 385-acre campus, every trail, stream, and forest holds the potential for discovery.

Why Ashokan Matters

Since 1967, the Ashokan Center has sparked curiosity and built confidence through immersive learning in nature, history, music, and art. As one student recently shared:

“Nothing is the same—the trees, the rocks, the leaves, and even the air is clean and fresh, something I do not get at home.”

We can’t wait to see the adventures, friendships, and discoveries that will unfold this year—from zipline triumphs to giggles over funny-looking fungi.

📧 To learn more or book your school’s trip, contact our education team at education@ashokancenter.org or call 845-657-8333 x14.