The programs offered at Frost Valley YMCA have evolved during our 40 years of bringing people closer to their environment. It is our hope that these experiences will have an impact beyond the student’s time here at Frost Valley. Whether on an all day ecology hike, on our Teambuilding course or in the greenhouse, Frost Valley instructors strive to incorporate our core values through practices that instill awareness and appreciation of the beauty and diversity of nature. We feel that learning should be discovery based, interactive and perhaps most of all—fun. Join us in creating an experience that will last a lifetime. Click on the program categories below to see the specific program offerings and descriptions:
Science Classes | Historic/Cultural Classes | Leadership Classes | School Teacher Taught Classes
Hikes | Adventure Programs | Recreation Activities | Evening Programs | Guest Speakers
SCIENCE RELATED CLASSES:
Acid Rain Studies
Forest Ecology
Geology of the Catskills
Organic Gardening
Orienteering
Resource Recovery
Watershed & Wilderness
Wildlife Ecology
Winter Ecology
Acid Rain Studies
Grades 6-12
Overview:
The acid deposition class is an opportunity to explore this environmental crisis through direct experience utilizing basic chemistry and the study of pH. A variety of activities will include games, simulations and sampling techniques. Students may also visit the on-site United States Geologic Survey monitoring station to observe and discuss environmental research methods.
Objectives:
Discuss the sources and terminology related to acid deposition
Develop a working understanding of the issues through experimentation
Explore individual choice and its influence on acid deposition
Setting:
Indoor or outdoor discussion with outdoor sampling and hiking
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Forest Ecology
Grades 4-12
Overview:
While hiking and exploring Frost Valley’s forests, students will compare various woodland ecosystems. The class will also include activities, which will introduce such concepts as: tree physiology; forest components; habitats; and human impact.
Objectives:
Introduce the components of the forest ecosystem
Exposure to the life cycles and the interrelationships of a forest community
Investigate types of forests and their unique features
Develop an environmental awareness which promotes a sense of stewardship
Setting:
Outside, hiking, active
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Geology of the Catskills
Grades 7 - 12
Overview:
This class involves the exploration of rocks found in Frost Valley’s streams and hills and the mechanisms involved in their deposition in this area. Students may build a model of the Catskill Mountains, observe stream power at work, or hike to interesting geological sites. Discussion of the value of interpretive geological thinking in field studies is included.
Objectives:
Explore the geological formation of the Frost Valley area
Develop an understanding of how the Catskills were formed
Define geology’s role in the environmental structure
Setting:
Outdoor hike, with possible indoor discussion
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Organic Gardening
Grades 3- 9
Overview:
Students can participate in an organic gardening experience at the Frost Valley greenhouse. Students will “dig in” and explore the world of cultivated plants. Activities may include games illustrating issues in agriculture, discussions on plant and garden needs and developing skills that will lead them toward gardening back at school.
Objectives:
Participate in basic organic gardening practices including planting, caring for and reaping of the harvests
Explore issues related to world food resources, pesticide, and water intensive practices
Setting:
Indoors and outdoors, seasonal
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Orienteering
Grades 7 - 12
Overview:
Students will spend the first part of the class reviewing or learning how to use maps and compass. The students will then be challenged to find stations on a 20-acre orienteering course in the woods. This is a great opportunity to develop math skills, introduce topographic map reading, and use problem-solving skills in the field.
Objectives:
Learn, or review, the parts of a compass and basic compass skills
Read and understand symbols on a topographic map
Utilization of compass and map skills to arrive at predetermined points
Setting:
Indoors for introduction and outdoors for activity
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Resource Recovery
Grades 5 - 12
Overview:
Resources can be as diverse as drinking water, forests, minerals or clean air. Regardless, the use of our world’s resources affect environmental quality and fuel economies and politics globally. In this program, students will be involved in activities and role play situations that challenge them to consider how resources are distributed while training their eyes to their own consumer and life-style choices that affect the use of the world’s shared resources. The students will take a tour of Frost Valley’s Resource Management Center where they will learn about the composting program and see where the recycling is staged from.
Objectives:
Explore the resources needed to manufacture objects in our everyday lives
Examine and learn about the Frost Valley composting program
Discover some potential solutions to our choices and actions
Setting:
Indoor and outdoor activity based
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Watershed and Wilderness
Grades 5 - 12
Overview:
A raindrop in the Catskill Mountains will eventually make its way to the faucets of New York City. Watersheds and Wilderness is an opportunity for students to “dive in” and explore the origins of their drinking water. Activities may include games illustrating issues regarding water use and conservation, experiments in stream gauging, water quality monitoring and purification techniques. These will all lead toward active discussions making this a thought provoking class for all students, especially those that reside in New York City.
Objectives:
Understand the Catskill Mountain watershed and its effect on NYC’s water supply
Develop an understanding of water as a world resource
Monitor the uses and misuses of water in our everyday lives
Setting:
Mostly outdoors, discussion, hiking
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Wildlife Ecology
Grades 3 - 12
Overview:
Games and activities are used to illustrate concepts and ideas (i.e. predator/prey and food web relationships). Hikes through various habitats are included. This class can also include a visit to Frost Valley’s Raptor Center to look at the different adaptations of birds of prey.
Objectives:
Promote an understanding of wildlife, their interrelationships, and ways humans effect their survival
Explore conservation issues
Examine unique adaptations used by animals for survival
Setting:
Mostly outdoors, discussion, hiking
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Winter Ecology
Grades 5 - 7 (winter)
Overview:
The wonders of winter are obvious at Frost Valley. Students will discover what makes winter happen by venturing into snow covered woods and fields. They will also observe signs of wildlife and discuss their adaptations.
Objectives:
Explore the unique ecology and features of winter
Examine the adaptations of life to the seasons
Explore global issues related to seasonal change
Setting:
Indoor discussion, outdoor hike and activities, proper clothing required
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HISTORIC/CULTURAL CLASSES:
Apple Cidering
Castle Tour
Ice Cutting
Maple Sugaring
Apple Cidering
Grades 3 - 12 (fall)
Overview:
Students learn by picking the apples, putting them through a cider press, and then by sampling the finished cider. Discussion during the course of activities highlights the expressed goals. As part of the class the students will cover seed dispersal and species propagation.
Objectives:
Develop an understanding of the structure and biology of the apple and apple tree
Experience the apple cidering process
Learn the history and uses of apples at Frost Valley, the United States and the world
Setting:
Mostly outdoors, discussions, some walking
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Castle Tour
Grades 3 - 12
Overview:
The group will experience a guided tour through Julius Forstmann’s Catskill estate. Through interpretation of historical artifacts and the use of deductive reasoning, the students will piece together the life-style of this influential family.
Objectives:
Expose the students to the cultural history of the area
Setting:
Indoors
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Ice Cutting
Grades 6 - 12 (Winter only)
Overview:
After an indoor introduction, students use original ice cutting tools to cut blocks of ice from Lake Cole. Discussions comparing technologies present and past are an important part of this activity. Exploration of the icehouse may be included.
Objectives:
Understand the use of ice in early American history and culture
Participate in harvesting ice from Lake Cole
Setting:
Indoor/outdoor activity, dress for the cold
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Maple Sugaring
Grades 6 - 12 (late winter - early spring)
Overview:
The students will study Sugar Maple trees and the Frost Valley maple sugaring project which taps over 800 trees each spring. Activities include a hike to the Frost Valley sugar shack where students will see the equipment used to make syrup, learn how it is used, and discover its historical significance.
Objectives:
Introduce the students to the natural source and process of making maple products
Acquaint students with the historical background of maple sugaring
Gain some knowledge and practical understanding of trees and their ecology
Setting:
Hike, some indoor work
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GROUP BUILDING/ LEADERSHIP SKILLS CLASSES:
Catapult
New Games
Outdoor Living Skills
Project Adventure
Ropes - Low
The Beast
Trust Trip
Catapult, Communication experience
Grades 7 - 12
Overview:
Students work together as part of a team with provided materials to build a “Catapult” that will propel an object as far as possible. This activity is popular with groups who have done Project Adventure and want a new or different challenge. An essential part of this experience is the group processing at the end of the activity. Catapult can be a fun evening program as well.
Objectives:
To have students work together as a part of a team
To develop empathy for different ideas and solutions
Allow for discussion and activity
Setting:
Outdoors or indoors, discussion and problem solving
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New Games
Grades 3 - 12
Overview:
Students play games with varying energy levels; the emphasis is on having fun and enjoying each other rather than on competition. “Play hard, play fair, nobody hurt” is the New Games motto, some discussion highlights these goals.
Objectives:
Build group cohesiveness and cooperation
Introduce students to some fun and noncompetitive games
Provide an excellent opening or closing activity
Setting:
Preferably outdoors, active
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Outdoor Living Skills
Grades 6 - 12
Overview:
Outdoor Living Skills is not a survival course, but a chance for students to learn practical skills that make outdoor recreation and camping enjoyable. Students may be involved in natural shelter construction, fire building, knots and lashing, or outdoor cooking. Discussions on first aid, sanitation, and low-impact camping attitudes could be addressed. The students will come to realize that the outdoors can be as safe and fun as any recreation in their own home.
Objectives:
Expose students to basic outdoor living skills that will enhance their enjoyment of outdoor experiences
Learn safe practices of camping equipment
Learn acceptable low-impact camping techniques that keep our environment as natural and unharmed as possible
Setting:
Outdoors, hands-on, active, some discussion and group work
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Project Adventure
Grades 3 - 12
Overview:
Project Adventure is a series of wood, cable and rope elements that challenge the group’s teamwork, communication, and to a lesser degree coordination skills. It is not a thrill seeking experience, but rather the opportunity to safely overcome unique challenges with the group’s support, ideas and perseverance. Discussion and processing are an essential part of each element. Elements are selected or avoided during the activity by the Frost Valley instructor based on how the group is working together and developing as a team.
Objectives:
Sharpen interpersonal skills such as communication, trust, and sensitivity
Develop group dynamic skills, including the role of the individual, positive group interaction, and decision making
Strengthen motivation and skills to persist in stressful situations
Understand the importance and implementation of these goals in everyday life
Setting:
Physically active, mostly outdoors
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Ropes - Low
Grades 6 - 12
Overview:
Trust building activities to develop essential skills, such as spotting, and encouragement are the first part of this program. Low Ropes elements require agility, coordination, and persistence to accomplish. In this activity we discover a supportive team environment can help students succeed who might otherwise doubt their abilities. Discussion and processing involves concepts of communication, confidence, support and challenge.
Objectives:
Encourage positive feelings by trusting and supporting each other physically and mentally
Improve self-confidence by overcoming challenging rope and cable obstacles
Foster a willingness to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment
Setting:
Outdoors, physically demanding
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The Beast, Communication experience
Grades 6 - 12
Overview:
The Beast is unlike any other communication experience. Students are broken into teams of 4 or 5; each team member has a specific job related to creating an exact replica of the Beast (a tinker toy model). Only one person from each team is allowed to actually see the original Beast, and can then speak to only one other person on their team, who tells another what materials the Beast is made of who then tells another how to build a replica. Sound confusing? Add a few more teams and there is near chaos. Through processing, we begin to realize how our messages to others, though often confusing, can be improved and how communication really is a two-way street.
Objectives:
Develop good communication skills
Encourage team work
Setting:
Indoors or outdoors, active
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Trust Trip
Grades 3 - 8
Overview:
The Frost Valley trust trip challenges students to explore their interpersonal skills. Students will gain practice through a variety of activities designed to show them how learning to trust and how to support others can be an empowering tool. The emphasis is on helping others and building the trust necessary to accept help from themselves.
Objectives:
To encourage students to trust themselves and each other
To touch upon the various types of trust, support and security that are an essential part of group dynamics
Setting:
Outside, problem-solving, active
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HIKES:
Catskill Hikes
Ecology Hikes
Catskill Hikes
Grades 3 -12
Overview:
Scenic hikes follow many trails in and around Frost Valley. Destinations may include High Falls, Devil’s Hole, or a cable bridge. Each of these hikes has dramatic vistas and/or spectacular natural formations. Discovery of natural wonders on a large and small scale is an essential part of this experience.
Objectives:
Expose students to dramatic natural areas
Develop awareness and responsibility to environmentally sensitive areas
Encourage students to use their powers of observation
Setting:
Outdoors, moderate to strenuous, please ask your coordinator about specific hikes
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Half Day or Full Day Ecology Hikes
All grades
Overview:
Many Frost Valley instructors feel that a more intimate and meaningful with students is possible by taking a group of students to remote areas of the property where the balance of nature is less interrupted by human impact and by tracking an idea or theme throughout the day. Students will compare a variety of communities through hands-on activities and investigation. Teachers are encouraged to request topics to focus on as well as destinations they may want to see. Most science-oriented classes can be integrated into these longer experiences.
Objectives:
To provide a more complete and intimate immersion into the environmental experience
Explore remote and scenic regions of Frost Valley that are often excluded by time constraints in the usual class period
Gain first-hand exposure to the inter-connectedness of various natural communities in a continuous flow of comparative activities throughout the day
Setting:
Outdoors, active
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ADVENTURE PROGRAMS:
Climbing Tower
Flying Squirrel
Giant's Ladder
Giant Swing
Leap of Faith
Ropes - High
Zipline
Climbing Tower
Grades 4 - 12
Overview:
The students will be introduced to climbing equipment, techniques, and terminology. While climbing the Tower, students are encouraged to challenge themselves through their own efforts with the encouragement and support of classmates. Emphasis is on personal challenges met rather than distance achieved.
Objectives:
Learn basic climbing and safety techniques involved in technical rock climbing
Develop self confidence through an activity involving perceived risk
Setting:
Indoors or outdoors, physical and mental challenge
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Flying Squirrel
Grades 4 - 12 (fall and spring, temperature and weather permitting)
Overview:
Participants will work as a team to lift their teammates, one at a time, into the air using a mechanical advantage system. Participants can reach heights of up to 40 feet. The students are briefed on proper safety procedures, use of harnesses and equipment by a Frost Valley instructor before the activity begins.
Objectives:
Provide a moderate level of perceived risk through individual initiative
Encourage students to work as a team to help their classmates realize their goals
Introduce students to a high ropes experience
Setting:
Outside, seasonal. Technical equipment used
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Giant’s Ladder
Grades 7 - 12 (fall and spring, temperature and weather permitting)
Overview:
Participants will work in pairs to climb a giant log and cable ladder. Frost Valley staff and belaying techniques will provide a safe environment where students can explore personal challenge and growth. Discussion and processing is an essential part of the experience.
Objectives:
Provide a high level of perceived risk through a partner experience
Encourage individuals to explore their abilities and offer opportunities to develop self-confidence and positive self-image
Encourage group support systems among peers
Setting:
Outside, seasonal. Technical equipment used
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Giant Swing
Grades 7 - 12 (fall and spring, temperature and weather permitting)
Overview:
A Group High Element. The entire group works together to hoist one team member at a time 50-70 feet in the air. Once at that elevation, at their discretion, the participant pulls a lanyard in order to fall freely into a giant swinging arc.
Objectives:
Provide a high level of perceived risk through individual initiative
Encourage individuals to explore their abilities and offer opportunities to develop self-confidence and positive self-image
Encourage group support systems among peers
Setting:
Outside, seasonal. Technical equipment used
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Leap of Faith
Grades 7 - 12 (fall and spring, temperature and weather permitting)
Overview:
The participants climbs a stepped and stapled tree while on belay, to a platform 25 feet high. Once there, the participant simply jumps off the platform into the air. It sounds easier than it is and in many cases, will require a lot of facilitation and support from the ground. Discussion and processing is an essential part of the experience.
Objectives:
Provide a high level of perceived risk through individual initiative
Encourage individuals to explore their abilities and offer opportunities to develop self-confidence and positive self-image
Encourage group support systems among peers
Setting:
Outside, seasonal. Technical equipment used
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Ropes - High
Grades 7 - 12 (fall and spring, temperature and weather permitting)
Overview:
Participants will utilize the high ropes elements at an average of 35 feet above the ground made of rope and cable. Frost Valley staff and belaying techniques provide a safe environment where students can explore personal challenge and growth. Discussion and processing is an essential part of the experience. High Ropes may be restricted during certain seasons due to weather or staff availability.
Objectives:
Provide a high level of perceived risk through individual initiatives
Encourage individuals to explore their abilities and offer opportunities to develop self-confidence and positive self-image
Encourage group support systems among peers
Setting:
Outside, seasonal. Technical equipment used
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Zipline
Grades 7 - 12 (fall and spring, temperature and weather permitting)
Overview:
Standing with your classmate, affixed with helmet and harness, on a platform at a height at a height of 50 feet atop our climbing tower there is only one way to get down… fly! Frost Valley has dual ziplines allowing friends and classmates to zip side-by-side over 300 feet along a steel cable. With a doozy of a first step and an exhilarating ride, the perceived risk of the zipline challenges students to step outside of their comfort zone and try something new. The outcome is a great sense of accomplishment and a lot of fun.
Objectives:
Present students with a challenge involving perceived risk
Build self-esteem by accepting the challenge
Promote group building by group members encouraging one another
Setting:
Outdoors, active, technical equipment used
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RECREATION ACTIVITIES:
Catskill Crafts
Seasonal Recreation
Catskill Crafts
All grades
Overview:
Candle making, Nature Crafts, Dream Catcher, Nature Stationary
Objectives:
Have Fun
Learn lifetime leisure pursuits in new environments
Setting:
Mostly indoors, some outdoor collection
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Seasonal Recreation
All grades
Overview:
Fall and Spring—Boating and Canoeing, Field Games, Hiking
Winter—Cross Country Skiing (we have enough equipment for 100 skiers at a time and over 25 kilometers of groomed trails), Snowshoes, Tubing, Tobogganing, and Broomball (hockey without the skates)
Objectives:
Have Fun
Learn lifetime leisure pursuits in new environments
Setting:
Outdoors
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SCHOOL TEACHER TAUGHT CLASSES:
Sensory Explorations
Catskill Writing
Sensory Explorations
Grades 3 - 6
Overview:
The sensory class is full of fun discovery activities that enable the students to become better “in touch” with their senses. Activities such as “Blind” hike, “meet a tree” and many more make this activity both fun and unforgettable.
Objectives:
Enjoy the outdoors while becoming more aware of our five senses
Sharpen our senses and use them to become more aware of the world around us
Setting:
Outdoors, hiking
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Catskill Writing
Grades 6 - 12
Overview:
Students will participate in activities in which they experience the natural world at Frost Valley, then write prose or poetry expressing their interpretation of the experience. Sharing and discussion may follow. Emphasis based on gaining new insights to environments through reflection. Creative writing exercises will be included.
Objectives:
Explore the values of wilderness and nature appreciation
Encourage written expression using Frost Valley resources as an inspiration
Stimulate imagination and creativity
Setting:
Outdoors or indoors
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FROST VALLEY STAFF LEAD EVENING PROGRAMS:
Action Auction
In Frost Valley’s version of a “Dutch Auction” students are split into groups of 5-15 students. “Judges” then ask students to present an object or a talent to the rest of their classmates. Charades, jokes, songs, and skits come into play during this fast-moving competition. This activity sparks creativity and lets your students discover the hidden talents of their classmates.
Astronomy/Observatory
Grades 6-12 (best with small groups)
Frost Valley is a unique environment for learning about astronomy. We have very little light pollution and an observatory with a 12” mounted telescope. Through the use of this facility students will observe different wonders of the sky: the surface of the moon; far away galaxies; nebulas and other exciting events light years away. We ask that teachers hike the students up to the observatory. This activity works best with smaller groups of students
Campfire
These campfires can be done indoors or outdoors. Songs, stories, cheers, skits and more may be arranged with staff leading this activity. Schools may wish to lead their own campfires. No limit to group’s size. Campfire lasts about one hour.
Catapult
Students work together as part of a team with provided materials to build a “Catapult” that will propel an object as far as possible. Fun problem solving and group processing.
The Lorax
An interactive dramatization of the Dr. Suess book, “The Lorax.” Students will gain a better understanding of the world around them through role-playing, discussions and debriefing.
New Games
An excellent opening or closing activity, New Games promotes group cooperation and introduces students to some fun and noncompetitive games.
Night Awareness
The emphasis is on becoming comfortable with the natural world at night time, listening skills and developing night vision are a important part of Night Awareness hikes. Flashlights are not permitted during this class.
Predator - Prey Games
These active games are done with an educational flair, featuring the interactions and relationships of animals native to the Catskill area. Setting: Outdoors or indoors. Active.
Raffa Raffa
Grades 7 - 12
In a game simulation, students are split into two imaginary cultures that follow specific rules and taboos. When each culture has learned the rules of their society, students then go visit the other culture as “observers”, and eventually try to integrate into the foreign culture. This activity is best for older students and group sizes of 30-100.
Snow Tubing
Grades 4 - 12 (winter)
Our snow tubing run can be opened up to small schools for an hour or so. This activity is not recommended for groups larger than 50.
Town Planning Meeting
Grades 6 - 12
Students will take roles within a community and take part in a mock town zoning and planning meeting. Discussing the potential of major development on Frost Valley land and how it would affect the environment leads to the facilitation of conflict management skills.
Tractor Hayrides
Socialization while enjoying several different habitat areas of Frost Valley. Group size: 20 per wagon; there are two wagons (minimum one adult per wagon) lasting 1/2 hour to 1 hour.
Zingers
Zingers is a crazy activity that involves working together. Students will be divided into small groups that rotate through several small challenges. Students are challenged to work together as a team and compete for points. Discussions at the end help to bring up issues and concerns that arise within small groups.
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EVENING GUEST SPEAKERS
The Speakers listed below are available for an additional fee. Please contact eepc@frostvalley.org for prices.
Herpetology - Jack DiMuccio
Reptiles and their natural history is the focus. Jack works with live snakes and other reptiles, and often gives students a “hands-on” experience. An emphasis is to develop respect and understanding for the important role these animals play in nature.
Native American Dance – Little Hawk
Students will develop an understanding of the cultural contributions of the Native Americans through music, dance and movement as well as crafts. Little Hawk demonstrates many interactive dances. Interwoven with his dancing are teachings about the history of the Iroquis Confederacy.
Ornithology - Bill Robinson, Brian Robinson
Emphasis is placed on bird adaptations and natural history through raptors (birds of prey). Bill uses live birds such as hawks, eagles, owls and vultures to highlight their important role in nature. Keep your eyes open because birds will be flying around the room.
Revolutionary War Soldier - Sheldon Stowe
Period tools and costumes from America's past are the highlight of this program. Sheldon helps to bring this important historical period to life through all the senses.
Square Dance - Joyce Hartsfield or Sandy Corey
Students learn several different dances. Caller emphasizes student mixing and fun dancing. Joyce can get the most challenging group of non-dancers "swinging their partners."
Catskill Storyteller - Laurie MacIntosh, Ira MacIntosh
Students will share in the rich history and culture of the Catskill region through traditional stories, songs, legends, anecdotes, and Catskill Mountain lore. Covering topics such as natural resource-based industries, The Hudson River, the building of the NYC reservoirs, the Anti-Rent War, the railroad era, and everyday life in the old days and the present.
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For any questions contact beddings@frostvalley.org