Grade 4 Students Continue a Tradition

In November, Grade 4 students travelled to the Ashokan Nature Center in Olivebridge, N.Y., for an overnight trip. This expedition represents an important milestone for students and is a decades-long tradition at Friends. It fosters independence while also building bonds across the grade and providing new students an opportunity to integrate into the community.

Situated close to the Ashokan Reservoir, the area provided a stunning backdrop for students to learn about nature, observe wildlife such as bald eagles and salamanders, and learn about night vision and astronomy. Other exciting activities included making cider, blacksmithing and archery. A workshop featured birds of prey such as vultures, hawks, and falcons. Grade 4 teacher Dot Cates comments “Our Fourth graders were engaged, enthusiastic, and learned so much in this stunning experiential setting!”