Serving schools from NYC, Long Island, CT, NJ and PA since 1977, the Greenkill Outdoor Education Center provides educational programs for students in a natural retreat-like setting. Greenkill’s staff of professional educators promote individual learning and group-oriented activities. They build interest and enthusiasm as students participate in a fun and safe environment. Students learn about nature in personalized “learning groups” with the same instructor for all classes, which allows instructors to focus on the individual needs of the students, as well as the needs of the group. Through guided discovery, communal living, hands on exploration, and social engagement with peers, students will build character, confidence, expand their understanding of nature, and learn about the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.

Students will: • Learn leadership and communication skills

• Gain self-confidence and respect

• Forge new and deeper friendships

• Develop positive interactions

Our classes are supportive tools for teachers to use as an extension or

compliment traditional in-school teaching. All classes adhere to New York State common core standards and are tailored to meet specific needs of teachers and students. Tailor the length of your trip with options like multiple three to five day trips to a one day stay with us.

A Special Value to Schools• Form and experience positive relationships

• How humans impact the environment

• Environmental impact on society

• Awareness of current environmental issues

“To waken interest and kindle

enthusiasm is the sure way to

teach easily and successfully!”

–Tryon Edwards

Author “A Dictionary of Thoughts”

The Y: For Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility

The Greenkill Outdoor

Education Center

Experience our natural 1,150 acre classroomOur 1,150-acre facility is located just 86 miles northwest of New York City, and is located on the borders of NY, NJ and PA — easily accessible from Interstate 84.

Greenkill Outdoor Education CenterNew York YMCA CampPO Box 622 - Mailing Address186 Big Pond Rd - GPS AddressHuguenot, NY 12746845-858-2226www.nyycamp.org/oecamps@ymcanyc.orgFax: 845.858.7823Main Office: 845.858.2200

NY

PA

NJ

Greenkill

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Greenkill Outdoor Education Center Where students learn about the wonder and relationships we share with nature:

1) Human to Human2) Nature to Nature3) Humans to Nature

Human-to-Human Relationships• Build character and leadership skills.• Build skills in communication, goal setting, positive peer relations, critical thinking, community building, team-building, and group dynamics.• Learn how to prevent bullying.• Build confidence and incorporate YMCA core values in all we do.

Nature-to-Nature Relationships• Discover nature in our 1150 acres by studying our lakes, hiking our forests, tracking wildlife, learning about wild edibles, and many other experiential education opportunities.• Study the multiple habitats and ecosystems, then make comparisons with their own home areas.• Gain hands-on-experience with the natural relationships that are found in the environment.

Human-to-Nature Relationships• Learn about how people and the natural environment interconnect.• Participate in critical thinking exercises, hands-on applications and town meetings on the relationship between humans and our environment.

• Raise awareness and appreciation for the outdoors.

“I went on this trip as a student. Now to be able to lead students and have them experience all that Greenkill has to offer, is a great experience! The programs are amazing. They open the eyes of the students to all that is around them.”

- Principal from Long Island

“We take our middle schoolers to Greenkill every year. Years after they graduate, they tell us that the Greenkill trip is one of their top memories of school. They build relationships that last a lifetime.”

- Principal from NYC

Social, Emotional, Developmental Learning(SEDL)Greenkill programs meet New York state standards on the five focus areas of the SEDL curriculum: Self-Awareness: the ability to recognize one’s own emotions, values, strengths and limitations.

Self Management: the ability to manage emotions and control behaviors as a means to reach goals.

Social Awareness: the ability to demonstrate empathy and

What Schools Say About Us

Character Development/ Challenge Education: • Team-Building• Low and High Ropes Courses• High Team-Building Elements for Group Participation• Zip Line• Giant Swing

Environmental Education/ History Education: • Water Ecology• Forest Ecology • Wildlife Studies • Ornithology • Geology • Paleontology

• Interpretive Hikes • Native American Studies• Pioneer History • Living with the Land

Outdoor Skills: • Survival• Map Skills• Compass Skills

Programs

understanding towards individuals and groups.

Relationship Skills: the ability to form positive relationships and resolve conflicts successfully.

Responsible Decision-Making: the ability to make ethical and constructive choices in personal and social behaviors.

SEDL Guidelines When following the SEDL guidelines, schools report an increase in achievement test scores, decreased bullying, enhanced learning skills, and better school-family-community relationships. They have also noticed a better understanding of diversity

and acceptance of cultural differences. Studies show the overall school culture and self motivation of students are improved when adhering to the SEDL guidelines. Greenkill courses and curriculum embrace the five SEDL focus areas. Communal living, family-style dining, and other social interactions enhance the Greenkill experience. With specific programs focused exclusively on the SEDL guidelines, the Greenkill experience will leave an indelible mark on your students as they learn about the wonders of nature in a wooded, safe and educational environment. They’ll utilize their learning for many years to come.

“You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their success,and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help, everybody wins.”

— Jim Stovall