Bare Mountain offers a fine view of Long Pond and historic Camp Pok-O-Moonshine after a relatively short hike. A visiting group is typically split up for the ascent, flashlight assisted only if necessary. Then they all meet at the top for star-gazing or simple, quiet contemplation of nature.

One of our more popular evening programs is the “World-famous” Egg Drop, which, while indoors, incorporates elementary physics, dramatic skills, a dance party, and (of course!) team-work and planning. School’s chaperones serve as a judges panel and scrutinize over which team had the best combination of these.

Another teamwork-based indoor activity, Skit Night challenges students to answer a given question theatrically using only five random props. This activity also challenges non-native anglophones to practice their English before their peers. Naturally, our staff puts forth some of their own entertaining talent as well.

Nature Crafts can run day or night, and have so far included dream-catcher weaving and a challenge to create a new board game out of only natural materials.

A “just for fun,” day or evening activity, Snow Tubing gives students a chance to slide down our snow bowl in pairs or in a large group, then take the rope tow back to the top to try again.

Especially good for our visitors from urban areas, Astronomy stresses our place in the scope of the universe, then takes students outside to make a model of the solar system and to identify constellations.

Schools supplement most evening programs with a campfire, during which teachers occasionally elect to entertain students with song or story while instructors serve out a bedtime snack. We’re always adaptable, and indoor campfires are an option in inclement weather.

Two historical simulations are set amid the 1812 Homestead’s genuine 19th century facilities: Time Quest, a historical-interview/scavenger-hunt/role-play amalgamation, and Underground Railroad, where students play escaping slaves, experiencing some of the challenges they would face on the way to freedom.