The Straus Center at the Frost Valley YMCA

Located in the pristine forests at the base of Slide Mountain , The Straus Center features meadows, ponds, cascading waterfalls, and world-renowned trout streams. It is the perfect place for those interested in reconnecting with themselves and their world, rather than retreating from it. We offer a world with few distractions - no television, no daily papers, no cell phone reception - and ample opportunity to rejuvenate the spirit, stimulate the mind and challenge the body .

A former country estate, the Straus Center is rich in history, located on the banks of the East Branch of the Neversink River . Marked hiking trails depart just a few feet from the front door of the house. It is the ultimate Catskill country inn for small groups, featuring eleven double occupancy bedrooms as well as three areas for meeting including a spacious, comfortable living room.

Social clubs, religious groups, and not-for-profit organizations return year after year for retreats, family reunions, leadership training and educational workshops. Frost Valley 's Straus Estate is a stand-alone facility, renowned for its wellness cuisine and surrounded by hundreds of acres of forests and fields. It is wonderfully secluded and self-contained and located 14 miles from our main facility.

The Straus Center is also an ideal site for organizational retreats and trainings, small conference groups, as well as specific activity-related groups such as hiking clubs, quilt guilds, and study groups.

We can provide programming to enhance your agenda whether it be teambuilding, recreation, an evening speaker or to custom design a complete program especially tailored to meet the needs and interests of your group or organization. We specialize in intimate programs for lifelong learners who enjoy challenging themselves intellectually and physically indoors and out.

Our facility offers the perfect setting for you to restore and renew yourself while participating in programming which promotes lifelong learning and health for the mind, body, and spirit. Whether you choose to bring your own group, participate in an Elderhostel course, or immerse yourself in the growing arts program you will enjoy a visit to the Catskills that leaves your soul replenished and your mind fed.

Please select the video to view a 30 second movie about the Straus Center.

Please select the calendar to view the Straus Center's list of Elderhostel and Adult Education Programs.

For more information or to plan a retreat to the Straus Center please contact timeaway@frostvalley.org.