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Sample Programs offered during the day (Residential & Day Trips):
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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…
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19th Century Homestead Journey
Travel back to a simpler time on the Ashokan Homestead, where students are embraced as members of our homestead family.…
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Adventure Canoeing
Paddle on the Esopus Creek and experience the magic that has attracted so many to this important waterway. While navigating…
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Animal Tracks & Traces
Home to many elusive creatures like beavers, bobcats, and bears, Ashokan is one of the best places in the Catskills…
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Apple Cidering (Sept-Nov)
Press locally grown apples into delicious cider using our antique cider press and learn all about its amazing history in…
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Blacksmithing
The Ashokan Center is home to the first blacksmith shop and forge in Marble Town, Ulster County. Sparks will fly…
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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…
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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…
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Hike to Cathedral Gorge
Hike through an old Eastern Hemlock forest along the Esopus Creek and explore the natural and social history of the…
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Hydrology Lab
Students will venture into the lab to assess the water quality of aquatic systems found on campus. Through observation and…
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Maple Sugaring (Feb-April)
After a scenic hike out to our sugar shack, students will learn about the history of maple sugaring and its…
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Nature Art
Students will interact with nature while exploring the elements and principles of art. Using inspiration from artist Andy Goldsworthy and…
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Pond & Stream Investigations
Students become scientists with hands on experiences as they investigate the health of our freshwater ecosystems. Just downstream from the…
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Ropes Course
Challenge yourself on an obstacle course in the trees above the forest floor. Students work on their teamwork and communication…
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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…
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Team Building Level II
This team building course is more advanced than Challenge and Discovery, designed to challenge a group, both physically and mentally,…
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Tinsmithing and Broom Making
Students work together to make beautiful, functional crafts using colonial methods and tools. They will learn about the raw materials…
Programs offered in the evening (Residential Trips):
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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…
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Let’s Drum! (Evening Program)
Jonathan Duda creates an exciting hands-on drumming and percussion workshop for groups up to 40 students.
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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.
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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 .
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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…
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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…
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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.