Some time in May, 4th graders will go for a day trip to the Ashokan Nature Center in Olive Bridge, New York. This is a wonderful trip. Please see the documents below for more information. This is an example from the 2025-2026 trip. Activities are subject to change.
4th Grade
Ashokan Guide
The Ashokan Center Website provides additional information about the facility.
Chaperones and Supervision
Chaperones from WAJ staff will include Mrs. Mattice and Mr. Hoyt.
In addition, Ashokan provides their camp counselors as chaperones for all activities.
This trip is funded by a grant provided by Boces, so chaperones have to be predetermined.
Activities and Programs
Activities on this trip will include archery, canoeing, making crafts in a blacksmith shop, a birds of prey show, a hike to a wigwam, and many other fun team building activities.
Cost to Families
No cost to families. Please do not send your child with any money.
Medications
If your child needs to take medication during our field trip, please be sure to provide Nurse Gabi or Tracy with the necessary script and paperwork. Medications cannot be administered without this documentation.
Other Important Information about Ashokan
Itinerary
Please note that Ashokan determines the time and order of our activities. This is just an example. Activities are subject to change.
Tentative Schedule
Depart from WAJ 8:15
Arrive at Ashokan 9:30
Blacksmith Shop 9:45 to 11:15
Wigwam Tour 11:15 to 11:45
Lunch/Recess 11:45 to 12:30
Archery 12:30 to 2:00
Canoeing 2:00 to 3:45
Snack 3:45 to 4:00
Birds of Prey Show 4:00
Dinner 5:00
Departure 6:00
Arrival Time at WAJ 7:00 to 7:15
Archery
In this classic archery class, students will learn the history of archery along with the rules, safety procedures, and archery techniques before going to the range. Students will challenge themselves to improve their accuracy and precision with a bow and arrow while cheering on their classmates.
Blacksmith Shop
Students will learn about the history of blacksmithing and will get a chance to create a piece in the shop. Ashokan staff will provide students with gloves and goggles. Students will need to bring a long sleeve shirt to wear. Once the bus arrives back to WAJ, students will be given their craft project. Please make sure that you have this prior to leaving school that evening. These cannot be brought home on the regular bus with your child the next day.
Canoeing
In this class, students will canoe on the Esopus Creek. They’ll learn about water safety and maneuvering a canoe. All students will wear a life vest and are put in groups of two to three. Ashokan guides will take students on a canoe adventure once all are comfortable.
Birds of Prey Show
During this show, students will be able to see different species of birds of prey and learn about their special adaptations.