Connect With Nature: Frost Valley YMCA Outdoor School Programs

OUTDOOR SCHOOL: STUDENT-CENTERED, NATURE FOCUSED

Frost Valley, situated amidst the picturesque Catskill Mountains just 2.5 hours north of New York City, is more than a camp – it's a transformative retreat and outdoor education center, providing life-altering outdoor opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds on over 5,500 acres - all year round!

Why do schools come to Frost Valley?

• Create new connections and deepen existing bonds between peers

• Build student resilience and independence

• Promote a positive relationship with the outdoors

• Strengthen student/faculty relationships

• Foster a sense of respect, stewardship and community

PROGRAM STATS

Frost Valley has been offering outdoor environmental education programs since 1969.

50+ YEARS

Over the last ten years, approximately 180 schools visit annually and we serve an average of 12,500 participants each year.

PROGRAM OPTIONS

Almost all classes taught outside and can be customized based on your group.

Social Emotional Learning

At Frost Valley, through outdoor, small group social experiences, young people are challenged to develop the kinds of social emotional capacities that are predictive of long term thriving.

Outdoor Environmental Education

We strive to incorporate our core values through practices that instill awareness and appreciation of the beauty and diversity of nature. As much of our program as possible is taught outside, encouraging direct engagement with the learning process. We focus on curiosity building, observation skills and discussion-based learning.

Team Building

Through large and small group games, cooperative activities, problem-solving challenges, and trust building activities, students have the opportunity to build confidence and bond with their peers.

Outdoor Recreation

We offer a range of outdoor activities from archery and boating to climbing, hiking and sports in addition to several challenge courses and seasonal favorites like snow tubing, cross-country skiing (weather depending), and more!

I feel like we are in a movie! Like this was the best day ever and now we are all running off into the sunset.

-

Sam, Student

SCHOOL TRIP SAMPLE SCHEDULE

The following schedule is a sample of what your school field trip might do on your visit to Frost Valley. One of our staff members will contact you in advance to discuss specific details once you book your trip. We offer trips ranging from 2 to 5 days and will work with you to customize a trip that meets your needs.

OUTDOOR SCHOOL PROGRAMS INCLUDE

• Guided experiences on over 5,500 acres

• Educational activities and classes

• Community Style Meals with full salad bar and a range of dietary options

• Evening programs, which could include campfire and s’mores

• Overnight accommodations in cozy lodging

• 24 hour on-call Frost Valley staff

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND CLASSES:

We offer a variety of classes and programs that vary by season. The following are some, but not all, of the programs we offer:

Archery (indoor/outdoor)

Apple Cidering (fall)

Canoeing (fall/spring)

Broomball (winter)

Climbing (indoor/outdoor)

Cross-Country Skiing (winter)

Ecology Classes (water, forest, wildlife)

Geology Classes

Guided Hikes

Maple Sugaring (spring)

Organic Gardening

Orienteering

Outdoor Living Skills

Raptor Center Tour

Service Learning Projects

Snow Tubing (winter)

Team Building Challenges

Watershed Classes

DINING

Chartwells, our Dining Service, takes care to offer a vast array of options while meeting the dietary needs of all of our guests.

• Nutritionally balanced meals

• Organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options

• Cereal, fresh fruit, salad bars, as well as soup and sandwich fixings

LODGING

Frost Valley YMCA provides a wide variety of lodging styles from cabins to lodges. Lodging is assigned based on the needs and size of your school. Frost Valley can also provide linens for an additional fee.

Cabins 43, 44, & 45

Kellogg Lodge

Biscuit Lodge

Hyde & Watson Lodge

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Frost Valley a DOE vendor?

Yes, Frost Valley YMCA is a DOE Vendor.

What are the student to staff ratios needed?

Frost Valley trail groups consist of one Outdoor Instructor for every 15 students, with 1 chaperone provided by the school. We request a school supervision ratio of 1:8 for students in 6th grade or below and 1:10 for students 7th grade and above.

What medical support is at Frost Valley YMCA?

Schools can opt in to pay for our medical services. Frost Valley YMCA has a health center that is equipped to deal with most medical needs. We have a full-time nurse on staff and an EMT is available 24 hours a day to deal with any emergency.

Does Frost Valley Provide Bussing?

Frost Valley can assist in your trip planning by offering some attractive rates through bus companies we recommend. Once your school has returned your contract, reach out to our reservations department for details on booking buses (subject to availability).

Does Frost Valley Provide Financial Aid?

A financial assistance program has been established to assist families and schools with limited financial resources who desire to send their students to Frost Valley. We rely on the support of generous donors, foundations, and grants to help provide funds for this program.

After participating in Frost Valley programs:

79% of children succeeded in bonding with their peers.

62% of children want to become more involved with their community.

68% of children improved their self-management skills.

Kids/Staff have the opportunity to be PRESENT, which allows them to interact with the world around them. My favorite are the conversations that I have with students on our half day hikes. I get a chance to learn about them and they have the opportunity to ask about me.

- Jo, School Trip Chaperone

Frost Valley gives all the students a chance to “start fresh” and leave their reputations behind.

- Pat, School Trip Chaperone

Nothing is more powerful than getting students out of the classroom and experiencing Frost Valley’s unique ecosystem firsthand.

- Terry, School Trip Chaperone