Kids Bushcraft Course: Explore, Create, Survive!

Our Kids Bushcraft Course is an exciting, hands-on outdoor adventure where children discover the skills and confidence to connect with nature like never before! Designed for ages 7–12, this program teaches fundamental bushcraft and wilderness skills in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.

Participants learn how to:
🌲 Build shelters from natural materials
🔥 Start a campfire safely and responsibly
💧 Find and filter water in the wild
🪵 Identify useful plants and trees
🦌 Track animals and read signs of wildlife
🔪 Practice basic safe knife and tool skills

Through games, challenges, and creative activities, kids gain not only practical skills but also teamwork, problem-solving, and respect for the natural world. Each session emphasizes environmental stewardship, personal safety, and leaving no trace.

Whether building a lean-to, crafting simple tools, or making nature art, every day is an adventure full of exploration, discovery, and confidence-building!

Teen-level courses also available!

Simple Yoga with Reiki - FREE

A gentle, supportive class designed for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and other mobility concerns. This class will be led by Linda Botens and blends accessible yoga postures, mindful breathing, and guided relaxation with the calming, restorative energy of Reiki. Movements are adapted to each participant’s comfort level and can be done seated in a chair or using supportive props. No prior yoga experience is necessary—just a willingness to move, breathe, and receive. You’ll leave feeling relaxed, balanced, and supported in body and mind.

Women’s Wednesdays at OARS
Tired of small talk and pretending you’ve “got it all together”? Us too. That’s why every Wednesday at 6 PM, we gather at the tipi (4413 Hamilton Hill Road, Cuba, NY) for a women’s night that’s equal parts connection, catharsis, and maybe a little chaos. Some weeks it’s deep conversation and mindful walks; other weeks it’s bonfires and primal screaming in the field. No agenda, no judgment—just real women, real moments, and the occasional howl at the moon.

Bring your friends, bring your feelings, bring snacks, but only if you feel like it.

No babysitter? No problem. Bring them. There are plenty of activities to keep them occupied. Co-founder will be onsite and able to keep watch as needed.

🌿 Mindful Mornings at OARS

Mondays, Tuesdays, & Wednesdays | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Self-Guided Outdoor Experience for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

Join us at the Outdoor Arts & Recreation Society (OARS) for Mindful Mornings, a welcoming and low-stimulation time designed especially for individuals of all ages on the Autism Spectrum. From 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings, our nature center and woodland trails are open exclusively for self-guided sensory-friendly exploration.

Whether you or your loved one experience sensory hypersensitivity (over-sensitivity) or hyposensitivity (under-sensitivity), this gentle outdoor experience is meant to support individual regulation, curiosity, and calm.

Why Nature?

Many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience sensory processing differences—some are highly sensitive to certain sounds or sights, while others may crave more sensory input. Spending time in nature provides a rich variety of gentle, natural stimuli that support both needs.

Research suggests that by engaging with a range of sensory experiences—such as hearing birdsong, feeling tree bark, or smelling pine—individuals can strengthen neural pathways and build comfort with a broader range of sensory inputs in a non-threatening and peaceful environment.

🧭 Self-Guided Activities You May Enjoy:

Use our trail-side signage and free printed guides to explore these optional activities:

• Sound Mapping: Sit quietly and notice the direction and type of natural sounds—birds, wind, rustling leaves.

• Texture Walk: Match natural textures like moss, bark, or smooth stones to our laminated texture cards.

• Smell Seekers: Explore scent-rich areas with herbs, leaves, and forest floor elements.

• Nature BINGO: Visual BINGO cards are available at the trailhead kiosk—find soft leaves, butterflies, clouds, and more.

• Stick and Stone Sculptures: Build a nature sculpture at the Quiet Grove using natural materials.

• Bubble Breathing Bench: Use our bubble station to practice calming breathwork.

• Sit Spot Journaling: Bring your own journal or borrow one of ours to sketch or write about what you see and hear.

👁️ Sensory Considerations

• The grounds are quiet during these hours with no loud machinery or group programs.

• A Quiet Tent and Soothing Sensory Bin are available for anyone needing a calming break.

• Trail surfaces are natural but mostly level. Please reach out if you need mobility support.

💙 Who Is It For?

This is a judgment-free, all-ages space for people on the autism spectrum and their families, friends, or aides. Whether you're seeking calm, stimulation, mindfulness, or exploration, you are welcome.

What to Bring:

• Water bottle, hat/sunscreen

• Optional: journal, drawing supplies, fidget or sensory aids

• Comfortable shoes and clothing for light walking