Outdoor School Trips

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Outdoor School: Student-Centered, Nature Focused

As of August 24, 2025, Frost Valley YMCA is now a nut-aware facility.
For more information on this policy change, please see the full
Nut-Aware Policy here.

Frost Valley, situated amidst the picturesque Catskill Mountains just 2.5 hours north of New York City, is home to 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!

Almost all classes are taught outside and can be customized based on your group. Our staff can help you design and conduct programs that meet the standards of New York and New Jersey curriculum.

Frost Valley Outdoor School is more than a field trip – it’s an experience unlike any other! We invite you and your students to visit our outdoor classroom—the forest, fields, hiking trails, lakeshore, and riverbeds—where education lives and breathes. Here, students are immersed in natural surroundings while participating in experiential learning, group challenges, and adventure activities. Outdoor School classes and activities aim to foster teamwork and leadership, raise environmental awareness, and inspire care for the Earth and each other.

For more information, please email [email protected]

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

Terry, School Trip Chaperone

Field trips can choose from our

THEMED PACKAGES

We took time to curate packages to help meet the needs of your students and achieve goals on this trip. We recommend these classes be taken together to meet scaffolding and thematic outcomes for an unforgettable outdoor experience! We are happy to talk more about the classes and make further recommendations.

Adventure

Looking for an exhilarating visit filled with adrenaline-inducing ropes activities and lots of time outside? This track is for you.

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Art in Nature

Students get to express themselves with a selection of different arts programs centered around nature.

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Day Trip

Try some of our most popular Frost Valley activities centered around team building, recreation, and nature.

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Frost Valley Experience

Students have the opportunity to experience a variety of fun activities while learning what Frost Valley is all about!

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Life in the Catskills

Students will discover the plants and animals native to the area that live among us on land and in the water.

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Outdoor Recreation

Have fun in the Catskills while learning important outdoor skills, from using a map and compass to building shelters!

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Team Building

If you’re looking to foster a sense of community and togetherness while having tons of fun, this track is for you.

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Winter Seasonal

Embrace the magic of winter with activities like skiing, snow tubing, and snowshoeing in our Catskill winter wonderland.

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Wonders of Water

If you’re coming on a watershed grant, or just looking to learn more about the vital resource of water - this track is for you!

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Outdoor School Trips

Outdoor School: Student-Centered, Nature Focused