The Greenkill Outdoor Environmental Education Center
The 1,000-acre Classroom
At Greenkill students and their teachers are immersed in a harmonic blend of social and academic education while surrounded by 1,000 acres of woods, lakes, streams, and fields filled with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Our philosophy is centered around the belief that students must increase their knowledge of the natural sciences firsthand in order to build a greater appreciation of their environment and to better understand the impact humans have on it. Additionally, this experience supplements school curriculum while integrating all subjects. Click here for a virtual tour.
A Seasoned Program
More than 25 years of service have allowed Greenkill to develop a solid, comprehensive program, working with the complexion of the fall, winter, and spring seasons. As students understand the importance of working together, they discover similar lessons in nature. Programs are varied and continually updated, while keeping one theme throughout: nature’s components are interrelated in a healthy ecological community.
Environmental Sciences
Investigations of each ecological community examine living organisms and their physical environment. Classes offered include Pond, Stream, Forest, and Field Ecologies, Wildlife Studies, Geology, Environmental Topics, Ornithology, Tracking and Winter Water. Math, science, and language art skills apply.
Outdoor Skills
One of the first steps in cultivating an awareness and appreciation for the natural environment is enjoying and feeling comfortable outdoors. Here is the opportunity for youth, so often removed from the outdoors, to participate in elements such as: Map & Compass, Orienteering, Survival, Mountain Hikes, Cross-country Skiing, and Snowshoeing.
Challenge Education
Teamwork and communication are the backbones in our challenge education programs. Project Adventure provides a catalyst for students to work together to achieve a series of common goals. The seven elements in our High Ropes Course serve to build group support and individual goal-setting. The Low Ropes Course offers high rope elements on the ground in order to incorporate more teambuilding and communication. We also have indoor and outdoor climbing walls.
Qualified Staffing
Our staff of Naturalist Instructors all share an understanding and dedication to the YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Naturalists hold degrees in fields such as Biology, Recreation Education, Environmental Studies, and Elementary and Secondary Education. We provide ongoing trainings to keep instructors abreast in the outdoor education field. We strive to maintain a comfortable 1:12 staff-to-student ratio.
Your Stay
Students and teachers stay in comfortable lodges within walking distance of all buildings and activities. Healthy, well-balanced meals are served family-style in our dining hall overlooking Lake Marling. We can customize a program specially tailored for your day group, 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-day stay.
For more information, please contact:
Jason Marker, Program Director of Outdoor Environmental Education
(845) 858-2200 or jmarker@ymcanyc.org