As April ended, we welcomed back students and teachers from Montclair Cooperative School for outdoor exploration, hands-on learning, and community building in nature.

Whether hiking through Cathedral Gorge, canoeing across the pond, or enjoying hands-on experiences in archery, blacksmithing, and our new ropes course, students took part in activities that challenged, inspired, and connected them with the natural world — and with each other.

For the teachers at Montclair Cooperative, their annual visit is about much more than spending time outdoors. The Ashokan experience is deeply connected to the school’s educational philosophy and social curriculum.

A Montclair teacher shared,  “Ashokan is a milestone for students in their first year of middle school. Our trips are an essential part of our academic curricula and very importantly, our social curriculum — which is one of the things that sets us apart from other schools.” 

Throughout the week students had new experiences that encouraged resilience and teamwork, and helped build confidence. High elements and ropes course activities challenged them physically, and hiking and canoeing helped strengthen cooperation and trust.

“Ashokan enables students to connect in a different way than they do in classrooms,” one teacher reflected. “It gives them opportunities to rise to challenges while supporting emotional maturity.”

Students were quick to name their most memorable moments:

  • “The gorge hike was beautiful and really fun.”
  • “Wobbly bridge!”
  • “CAMPFIRE!”
  • “Archery”
  • “Dunking hair in the waterfall”
  • “Pond & stream exploration”

The combination of outdoor adventure and hands-on learning made a lasting impression. Blacksmithing connected directly to classroom science and history lessons, while the Zero Waste Challenge at meals encouraged students to think more deeply about sustainability and each person’s impact on the environment.

One student shared that they left the trip “more aware of zero waste,” while another joked that “the food is the best and the person who cooked it is amazing at life.”

As well as praising the flexibility, warmth and care of our staff, one teacher said, “Ashokan is a superb venue for schools. It has the ability to provide not just outdoor experiences, but also arts and crafts activities focused on American heritage.” 

Interested in bringing your school to the Ashokan Center? Learn more about our educational programs, outdoor learning experiences, and school trips at https://ashokancenter.org/educational-field-trips/