Since 1967, the Ashokan Center has provided outdoor education to thousands of school groups. We believe that students learn best through rich hands-on experiences in nature, history, music and art. Our holistic approach inspires students to make deeper interdisciplinary connections that renew classroom engagement and spark lifelong learning.

From the moment students arrive, we initiate community building activities that are built into the very fabric of a shared Ashokan trip experience. Our beautiful 385 acre preserve provides the ideal environment for inquiry, reflection and growth. Students can embark into scientific investigations in the natural world, participate in living history classes and colonial crafts, tackle our ropes and challenge courses, and even learn new songs. Through our food waste program, we help students consider how their daily behaviors can have an impact in their world. 

It is no wonder that schools return year after year!

Residential Trips

RESIDENTIAL FIELD TRIP PACKAGES INCLUDE:

• Guided experiences on our 385-acre campus
• Theme-based educational activities and classes
• Supervised meal times and Open Recreation periods 
• Buffet-style meals with full salad bar and a range of options for dietary restrictions
• Evening programs including campfire and s’mores
• Overnight accommodations in our cozy lodges
• Overnight supervision in lodges
• Daytime Nurse (overnight nursing available at additional cost)
• 24-hour on-call Ashokan Staff

We offer discounts for new schools and winter bookings, and provide need-based financial aid grants. We look forward to answering all of your questions and working with you to create the perfect trip!

Day Trips

DAY FIELD TRIPS INCLUDE:

• Guided experiences on our 385-acre campus
• Theme-based educational activities and classes
• Supervised meal times and Open Recreation periods 

More questions? email our education team at education@ashokancenter.org 845-657-8333 x14

NATURE IS THE GREAT EQUALIZER

“Nature is the great equalizer for them. They don’t need to read on grade level or remember multiplication facts. They are learning new vocabulary by actually seeing, experiencing, and doing.” – Debbie Miglione

BE SILENT

“You need to look at the light coming through the trees, you need to be silent and take in all the sounds.” – Patrick

AWAY FROM CITY LIGHTS

“I never knew there were so many stars before”

MEMORIES LAST A LIFETIME

“I went on an overnight trip to Ashokan when I was in elementary school and I will never forget it. It was amazing. We made brooms and horseshoes and took nature hikes and learned so much. It left an indelible mark on me as one of the greatest elementary school experiences I ever had!” -SB

SENSES AWAKENED

“Nature has its own sound that no one else can create. Nature helps us humans live our own lives.” – Daniel

NOTHING IS THE SAME

“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.” – Tanya

RARE EXPERIENCES

“As someone who works with children I can honestly say that programs like this are rare gems and if I had a say in it I would make it mandatory for all schools to incorporate this experience into the curriculum.” Sheryl Brumer