In addition to the activities listed below, we offer Winter Adventures and several Hiking options.

Field Rock Climbing
Our Rock Tower is great for confidence building and introducing the fundamentals, but plastic holds do not hold a candle to real rock. Trained Pok-O instructors will set up top ropes at one of our myriad backcountry crags—King Philip’s Slab near Keene Valley is a favorite for beginners with plenty of routes in the 5.4-5.6 range. Classes can also include belaying and rappelling.
Physical Education Standard 1

Rock Climbing Tower
Our 25 foot tower has four walls of varying difficulty, making it a great place for novices to get an introduction to the sport and intermediates to hone their abilities. Our steel-cable-and-top-rope system ensures a safe climbing experience. Look for news about our new indoor and outdoor Rock Climbing Center to be unveiled in 2009!
Physical Education Standards 1, 2

Mountain Biking
Shocks come to the Hard Rock! After learning to check their ABCs (Air in the tires, Brakes functioning, Chain greased) in the Hard Rock Bike Shop, students will have a chance to familiarize themselves with their gears while riding around campus before heading off to our terrain park or nature trails.
Physical Education Standard 1

Survival
A favorite of students and instructors alike. Class begins with a discussion of creative techniques one can use to thrive far from civilization. Students may have the opportunity to build a shelter from objects found in the forest or learn the art of the one-match fire.
Science and Technology Standard 4, 7

Camping Overnights
Especially popular in the wintertime, these trips allow students to have a true camping experience while staying near the Center. Students can opt to cook meals with PMOEC stoves and then sleep in tents, three-sided lean-tos, or out under the stars. Camp at one of our four Pok-O campsites during any season.
Physical Education and Family and Consumer Science Standard 1

Campfire
Toast marshmallows, sing songs, and listen to stories all by the glow of a campfi re. Teachers should feel free to join in too!
Art Standard 1

Orienteering
Students learn map and compass skills in conjunction with a GPS lesson. Then they test their skills navigating through our forests in search of our Pok-O Geo Cache.
Mathematics, Science, and Technology Standard 2, 7

Long Pond Canoeing
From how to pick a paddle to the “J” stroke, your students will learn the basics of canoeing before setting out to explore Long Pond. Possible destinations for their tour include Bird’s Rock, Marsh Landing, Indian Rock, Tamarack Bay, and the North End Swamp. During breaks in the action, the instructor will give an introduction to the natural history of the area, including the formation of Long Pond at the end of the most recent Ice Age.
Social Studies Standard 3; Physical Education Standard 1

Canoe Trips
We can give your students the opportunity to practice the skills they learned during our Long Pond Canoe class by organizing a day trip on the Boquet or AuSable rivers or a multi-day excursion canoe-camping on the Saranac Lakes.
Social Studies Standard 3; Physical Education Standard 1

Kayaking
Have a Pok-O instructor introduce your students to this rapidly growing sport. Faster than a canoe and more maneuverable than a row boat, kayaks are an ideal way for older students to unlock the natural beauty of Long Pond. Half day excursions on the Boquet River can also be arranged.
Social Studies Standard 3; Physical Education Standard 1

Open Boating
Your students will be able to explore the Cove area of Long Pond at their leisure in either a row boat or a canoe, while under the supervision of several Pok-O instructors. This is a great way to give suburban and metropolitan visitors an informal introduction to the outdoors. Open boating is our most popular Early Bird.
Physical Education Standard 1