Make Your Field Trip Inquiry Here
DAY PROGRAMS:
-
1817 Schoolhouse Experience
Wanna go back in time to an 1817 schoolhouse? In our real schoolhouse built in 1817, our talented staff—in costume—play the part of the strict School Master or Marm, using…
-
19th Century Homestead Journey
Travel back to a simpler time on the Ashokan Homestead, where students are embraced as members of our homestead family. We expect everyone to earn their keep! Contribute to daily…
-
Adventure Canoeing
Paddle on the Esopus Creek and experience the magic that has attracted so many to this important waterway. While navigating the waters with friends, students practice cooperation and communication to…
-
Animal Tracks & Traces
Home to many elusive creatures like beavers, bobcats, and bears, Ashokan is one of the best places in the Catskills to find traces of our animal neighbors. From feathers and…
-
Apple Cidering (Sept-Nov)
Press locally grown apples into delicious cider using our antique cider press and learn all about its amazing history in our country. Each student will have a chance to participate…
-
Blacksmithing
The Ashokan Center is home to the first mill and blacksmith shop in Ulster County. Sparks will fly as students use ancient tools to hammer iron into a fire poker,…
-
Explore and Draw Nature Journaling
An opportunity for students slow down, observe and interact with the natural world around them and get creative! It is also an opportunity to connect this process as part of…
-
Forest Ecology I: Forestry Forensics
Students will become citizen science detectives and investigate the cause of the disappearance of Ash Trees in our area. After using a variety of tools and scientific methods to explore…
-
Hike to Cathedral Gorge
Hike through an old Eastern Hemlock forest along the Esopus Creek and explore the natural and social history of the region! The trail passes relics of the recent and prehistoric…
-
Hydrology Lab
Students will venture into the lab to assess the water quality of aquatic systems found on campus. Through observation and analysis of water samples, students will learn about the natural…
-
Maple Sugaring (Feb-April)
After a scenic hike out to our sugar shack, students will learn about the history of maple sugaring and its roots in Indigenous and colonial cultures. Our staff will demonstrate…
-
Nature Art
Students will interact with nature while exploring the elements and principles of art. Using inspiration from artist Andy Goldsworthy and their imaginations, students will cooperatively create a temporary art installation…
-
Pond & Stream Investigations
Students become scientists with hands on experiences as they investigate the health of our freshwater ecosystems. Just downstream from the Ashokan Reservoir, a vital source (40%) of NYC’s drinking water,…
-
Ropes Course
Challenge yourself on an obstacle course in the trees above the forest floor. Students work on their teamwork and communication skills while practicing personal and group responsibility as they encounter…
-
Team Building Level I: Challenge and Discovery
Work as a team to solve a variety of fun and purposeful challenges that cultivate trust and cooperation among the group. Designed to de-emphasize competition, these activities encourage creativity, spontaneity,…
-
Team Building Level II
This team building course is more advanced than Challenge and Discovery, designed to challenge a group, both physically and mentally, through a variety of fun initiatives and ground-level elements. As…
-
Tinsmithing and Broom Making
Students work together to make beautiful, functional crafts using colonial methods and tools. They will learn about the raw materials they’re using and question how the industrial revolution has changed…
EVENING PROGRAMS:
-
Birds of Prey (Evening Program)
Bill or Brian Robinson bring in a number of beautiful and interesting predatory birds (owl, Harris Hawk, kestrel, Turkey vulture, or red-tailed hawk.) While each bird perches on his leather…
-
Campfire (Evening Program)
Make warm s’mores and enjoy ann hour-long campfire experience with jokes, songs, and stories from the Ashokan staff. Larger groups may split in half, with the other half participating in…
-
DJ Dance Party (Evening Program)
Cut loose on the dance floor as the Ashokan staff spins fun dance tunes. This is an optional evening program with an additional cost.
-
Jay Ungar & Molly Mason (Evening Program)
Enjoy traditional music & dancing as Jay Ungar & Molly Mason perform lively and beautiful music on the fiddle and guitar and lead students in fun, easy circle and line…
-
Let’s Drum! (Evening Program)
Jonathan Duda creates an exciting hands-on drumming and percussion workshop for groups up to 40 students.
-
Night Walk (Evening Program)
Use your ears like the deer, step softly like the fox. Observe the forest at night! Available until May. No charge for this activity.
-
One Earth (Evening Program)
Renowned storyteller and folksinger John Porcino regales students with songs and stories. This is an optional evening program with an additional cost .
-
Peter, Paul & Aldo (Evening Program)
Peter, Paul, and George build community through traditional American dance & music. They joyfully engage the group with called dances that strengthen connection. This is an optional evening program with…
-
Reptiles (Evening Program)
Bill or Brian Robinson share reptiles with the group and explain their importance in nature and their varied adaptations. Normally they will bring a large snapping turtle, an alligator, a…
-
Skit and Song Night (Evening Program)
Ashokan staff lead the group in a fun night of skits and songs! This is an optional evening program with an additional cost of $385.
Teachers choose evening programs (in advance of their class’s arrival to Ashokan) that will complement the day programs. Some are presented by visiting instructors; historic re-enactors, music & dance leaders, and animal specialists. Ashokan instructors lead other evening programs like night walks, skits & song night, and campfire. Click photos for more details.