Upcoming events.
Yoga for Every Body : Floor • Stand • Sit
FREE! Under the certified instructor, Linda Botens: First and third Saturdays in June, July, August, and September 2026
This welcoming yoga class is designed for all experience levels and focuses on gentle, functional movement through three core positions: floor, standing, and seated. Each session builds strength, flexibility, and balance while encouraging mindful breathing and relaxation.
Participants will move through a sequence of accessible poses, with options and modifications offered throughout to support individual comfort and ability. Whether you’re looking to improve mobility, reduce stress, or simply take time to reconnect with your body, this class provides a supportive and inclusive environment to do so.
No prior yoga experience is needed. Just bring a mat (optional), comfortable clothing, and a willingness to move at your own pace.
Catt Co. Dwyer Program Women's Day
Women’s Group meets Women Vets and Spouse for a day of gentle yoga, meditation, and a slow-paced and easy hike at OARS - led by Air Force Veteran, Amy Grace DEcker, and OARS CEO, Dr. Kim Meehan.
Latern Hike
Nighttime Adventure
Ages 12+ only. Participants ages 12–17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Come along on a nighttime adventure as we explore the woods by lantern light. Listen for the sounds of nocturnal wildlife—including owls, coyotes, crickets, and frogs and hear stories about the natural and cultural history of Cuba and the Alleghany Highlands!
This program is designed for adventurers looking for a longer hike than our typical evening programs. The route is approximately 1 mile of moderately challenging natural-surface trail, with moderate uphill and downhill sections and areas of uneven terrain. Once the hike departs, participants must remain with the group for the duration of the hike for safety reasons (it gets quite dark up on the hill!).
Plan Ahead
Pack a dinner and arrive early to enjoy a picnic on the grounds before the program begins.
OARS is a pack-in/pack-out facility. Please plan to take all trash with you.
Closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking are strongly recommended.
Lanterns will be provided. For the safety and comfort of the group, additional light sources—including flashlights and headlamps—are not permitted.
Important Arrival Information
The gate opens 30 minutes before the program start time. The program will begin promptly at the advertised time. No late entry is permitted and there are no exceptions.
Youth Learning Lab
OARS Learning Lab
Tuesdays • 9:00–11:00 AM:
YOUTH AGES 8 +
Looking for meaningful, hands-on learning beyond the kitchen table? The OARS Learning Lab invites homeschool students to explore science, nature, engineering, and the world around them through investigation and discovery.
Each Tuesday, students engage in hands-on experiments, outdoor exploration, nature study, mapping, engineering challenges, creative projects, and scientific inquiry connected to our year-long OARS Homeschool STEM & Nature Collective curriculum. Science leads the learning, with mathematics, reading and writing, social studies, and the arts naturally woven into each investigation.
Learning Labs are designed for homeschool families who want their children to learn by doing, ask questions, solve problems, and explore the natural world together.
Homeschool groups and co-ops are welcome! Participation is offered at a small cost to help cover materials and program expenses.
Tuesdays | 9:00–11:00 AM | OARS, Cuba, NY
Parents/Guardians of youth under 12 yo are required to remain on site. While we encourage children under 8 yo to visit OARS, this program is aimed at youth ages 8+
Come investigate, create, explore, and learn with us!
Yoga for Every Body : Floor • Stand • Sit
FREE! Under the certified instructor, Linda Botens: First and third Saturdays in June, July, August, and September 2026
This welcoming yoga class is designed for all experience levels and focuses on gentle, functional movement through three core positions: floor, standing, and seated. Each session builds strength, flexibility, and balance while encouraging mindful breathing and relaxation.
Participants will move through a sequence of accessible poses, with options and modifications offered throughout to support individual comfort and ability. Whether you’re looking to improve mobility, reduce stress, or simply take time to reconnect with your body, this class provides a supportive and inclusive environment to do so.
No prior yoga experience is needed. Just bring a mat (optional), comfortable clothing, and a willingness to move at your own pace.
Youth Learning Lab
OARS Learning Lab
Tuesdays • 9:00–11:00 AM:
YOUTH AGES 8 +
Looking for meaningful, hands-on learning beyond the kitchen table? The OARS Learning Lab invites homeschool students to explore science, nature, engineering, and the world around them through investigation and discovery.
Each Tuesday, students engage in hands-on experiments, outdoor exploration, nature study, mapping, engineering challenges, creative projects, and scientific inquiry connected to our year-long OARS Homeschool STEM & Nature Collective curriculum. Science leads the learning, with mathematics, reading and writing, social studies, and the arts naturally woven into each investigation.
Learning Labs are designed for homeschool families who want their children to learn by doing, ask questions, solve problems, and explore the natural world together.
Homeschool groups and co-ops are welcome! Participation is offered at a small cost to help cover materials and program expenses.
Tuesdays | 9:00–11:00 AM | OARS, Cuba, NY
Parents/Guardians of youth under 12 yo are required to remain on site. While we encourage children under 8 yo to visit OARS, this program is aimed at youth ages 8+
Come investigate, create, explore, and learn with us!
Latern Hike
Nighttime Adventure
Ages 12+ only. Participants ages 12–17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Come along on a nighttime adventure as we explore the woods by lantern light. Listen for the sounds of nocturnal wildlife—including owls, coyotes, crickets, and frogs and hear stories about the natural and cultural history of Cuba and the Alleghany Highlands!
This program is designed for adventurers looking for a longer hike than our typical evening programs. The route is approximately 1 mile of moderately challenging natural-surface trail, with moderate uphill and downhill sections and areas of uneven terrain. Once the hike departs, participants must remain with the group for the duration of the hike for safety reasons (it gets quite dark up on the hill!).
Plan Ahead
Pack a dinner and arrive early to enjoy a picnic on the grounds before the program begins.
OARS is a pack-in/pack-out facility. Please plan to take all trash with you.
Closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking are strongly recommended.
Lanterns will be provided. For the safety and comfort of the group, additional light sources—including flashlights and headlamps—are not permitted.
Important Arrival Information
The gate opens 30 minutes before the program start time. The program will begin promptly at the advertised time. No late entry is permitted and there are no exceptions.
Youth Learning Lab
OARS Learning Lab
Tuesdays • 9:00–11:00 AM:
YOUTH AGES 8 +
Looking for meaningful, hands-on learning beyond the kitchen table? The OARS Learning Lab invites homeschool students to explore science, nature, engineering, and the world around them through investigation and discovery.
Each Tuesday, students engage in hands-on experiments, outdoor exploration, nature study, mapping, engineering challenges, creative projects, and scientific inquiry connected to our year-long OARS Homeschool STEM & Nature Collective curriculum. Science leads the learning, with mathematics, reading and writing, social studies, and the arts naturally woven into each investigation.
Learning Labs are designed for homeschool families who want their children to learn by doing, ask questions, solve problems, and explore the natural world together.
Homeschool groups and co-ops are welcome! Participation is offered at a small cost to help cover materials and program expenses.
Tuesdays | 9:00–11:00 AM | OARS, Cuba, NY
Parents/Guardians of youth under 12 yo are required to remain on site. While we encourage children under 8 yo to visit OARS, this program is aimed at youth ages 8+
Come investigate, create, explore, and learn with us!
Frights in the Field!
Join OARS every Friday night in October for Frights in the Field, our outdoor double-feature movie series. We’ll kick off each evening with spooky cartoons and family-friendly chills for the kids — then, as the night deepens, settle in for campy, creepy B-rated horror flicks just for the grown-ups.
✨ When: The first four Fridays of October
✨ Where: Under the stars at OARS
✨ What: $2 popcorn, cozy blankets, and plenty of low-budget thrills
Bring your lawn chairs, bundle up, and enjoy autumn evenings filled with laughs, shrieks, and unforgettable atmosphere. Movies start at dusk — come early to claim your spot!
Frights in the Field!
Join OARS every Friday night in October for Frights in the Field, our outdoor double-feature movie series. We’ll kick off each evening with spooky cartoons and family-friendly chills for the kids — then, as the night deepens, settle in for campy, creepy B-rated horror flicks just for the grown-ups.
✨ When: The first four Fridays of October
✨ Where: Under the stars at OARS
✨ What: $2 popcorn, cozy blankets, and plenty of low-budget thrills
Bring your lawn chairs, bundle up, and enjoy autumn evenings filled with laughs, shrieks, and unforgettable atmosphere. Movies start at dusk — come early to claim your spot!
Frights in the Field!
Join OARS every Friday night in October for Frights in the Field, our outdoor double-feature movie series. We’ll kick off each evening with spooky cartoons and family-friendly chills for the kids — then, as the night deepens, settle in for campy, creepy B-rated horror flicks just for the grown-ups.
✨ When: The first four Fridays of October
✨ Where: Under the stars at OARS
✨ What: $2 popcorn, cozy blankets, and plenty of low-budget thrills
Bring your lawn chairs, bundle up, and enjoy autumn evenings filled with laughs, shrieks, and unforgettable atmosphere. Movies start at dusk — come early to claim your spot!
Frights in the Field!
Join OARS every Friday night in October for Frights in the Field, our outdoor double-feature movie series. We’ll kick off each evening with spooky cartoons and family-friendly chills for the kids — then, as the night deepens, settle in for campy, creepy B-rated horror flicks just for the grown-ups.
✨ When: The first four Fridays of October
✨ Where: Under the stars at OARS
✨ What: $2 popcorn, cozy blankets, and plenty of low-budget thrills
Bring your lawn chairs, bundle up, and enjoy autumn evenings filled with laughs, shrieks, and unforgettable atmosphere. Movies start at dusk — come early to claim your spot!
Hike, Craft & Discover
Join Marsha for an evening of creativity and outdoor adventure! Each session includes a fun make-and-take craft inspired by nature, followed by a discovery hike where children explore local plants, animals, insects, and seasonal changes. Every program offers a new theme, making each visit a fresh adventure.
Parents or guardians are required to remain on-site for the duration of the program.
Earth to Color: Pigment, Pattern, and Transformation RESCHEDULED
Earth to Color: Pigment, Pattern, and Transformation is a week-long immersive painting and textile arts experience for teens that explores how color emerges from the natural world and is shaped through human creativity. Grounded in place-based making, this program invites participants to work directly with pigments and dyes derived from plants, soil, charcoal, and other natural materials.
Throughout the week, teens ethically gather and prepare natural pigments, experiment with extraction and fixation techniques, and explore painting and fabric dyeing on paper and textiles. Participants learn how color behaves across different surfaces, how patterns emerge through resist and bundle-dye techniques, and how cultural traditions have long used natural dyes to communicate identity, symbolism, and meaning.
Emphasizing experimentation and process, the program encourages curiosity, patience, and thoughtful risk-taking. Through studio practice, guided critiques, and reflective journaling, teens develop technical skills and artistic voice while deepening their understanding of nature as both source and collaborator. The week concludes with a shared exhibition of paintings and dyed textiles, accompanied by artist statements that reflect on transformation of materials, ideas, and self.
Scholarships available
Yoga for Every Body : Floor • Stand • Sit
FREE! Under the certified instructor, Linda Botens: First and third Saturdays in June, July, August, and September 2026
This welcoming yoga class is designed for all experience levels and focuses on gentle, functional movement through three core positions: floor, standing, and seated. Each session builds strength, flexibility, and balance while encouraging mindful breathing and relaxation.
Participants will move through a sequence of accessible poses, with options and modifications offered throughout to support individual comfort and ability. Whether you’re looking to improve mobility, reduce stress, or simply take time to reconnect with your body, this class provides a supportive and inclusive environment to do so.
No prior yoga experience is needed. Just bring a mat (optional), comfortable clothing, and a willingness to move at your own pace.
Leaf Casting & Painting (morning)
Cost: FREE. Registration REQUIRED. Limit 4 per order
Join OARS Resident Artist Danielle ("Danie") Kocher of Rushford, creator of Good Vibes Garden Art, for a summer series of free, hands-on art experiences that celebrate creativity, self-expression, and the beauty of the natural world.
Whether you're an experienced artist or have never picked up a paintbrush, these welcoming workshops are designed for all skill levels. Participants will explore a variety of garden-inspired and nature-themed art projects while learning techniques that can be continued at home. Each class encourages creativity, connection, and the simple joy of making something beautiful with your own hands.
Who Can Attend?
Ages 8–99+
Youth ages 8–12 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult participant.
No prior artistic experience required.
When?
Classes will be held on Thursdays throughout the summer, alternating between:
Morning sessions: 9:00 AM – 11:00+ AM
Evening sessions: 4:00 PM – 6:00+ PM
Each workshop will run for a minimum of two hours, allowing participants ample time to create, learn, and enjoy the OARS environment.
Come spend a summer morning or evening creating art, making new friends, and enjoying the outdoors at OARS. Whether you leave with a painted stone, garden decoration, or simply a renewed sense of creativity, you'll leave inspired.
Wild & Well
What if exercise felt less like a workout and more like play?
Join us for Wild & Well, a FREE outdoor wellness gathering for adults at OARS. We'll spend the evening in our beautiful meadow surrounded by woods, enjoying gentle movement, fresh air, and a chance to unwind from the stresses of daily life.
🥾 Easy nature walks
⭕ Hula hoops and playful movement
🧘 Gentle stretching and relaxation
🌲 Time to connect with nature
😊 Laughter, community, and fun
No gym. No pressure. No competition.
Just a welcoming space where adults can move, breathe, laugh, and recharge in the great outdoors.
Whether you're looking to improve your wellness, reduce stress, meet new people, or simply enjoy a peaceful evening outside, Wild & Well is for you.
📍 Outdoor Arts & Recreation Society (OARS), Cuba, NY
💲 FREE to attend
🎒 Bring comfortable clothing, water, and an open mind
Because sometimes the best medicine is a walk through the woods, a little movement, and a lot of fresh air.
#WildAndWell #OARS #CubaNY #OutdoorWellness #NatureHeals #CommunityWellness #GetOutside #MoveForJoy #OutdoorArtsAndRecreation #WesternNY #FreshAirTherapy 🌿✨
Adult Bushcraft: Cordage, Knots & Tool Making
Discover the timeless skills that have helped people work, travel, and thrive in the outdoors for centuries. In this hands-on, 2-hour Adult Bushcraft workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of creating cordage, tying practical knots, and crafting simple tools using natural and modern materials.
Participants will explore how cordage and knots serve as the foundation for shelter building, equipment repair, camp setup, and countless other outdoor applications. The class also introduces basic tool-making concepts, emphasizing safe practices, resourcefulness, and traditional bushcraft techniques.
Topics include:
The history and uses of cordage in outdoor living
Creating simple cordage from natural materials
Essential knots for camping, hiking, and bushcraft
Lashings and bindings for structures and equipment
Rope care, selection, and maintenance
Basic tool-making principles and applications
Crafting simple bushcraft tools and camp implements
Safety considerations and responsible tool use
This workshop is designed for adults of all experience levels and provides practical skills that can be applied to camping, outdoor recreation, emergency preparedness, and traditional crafts.
Duration: 2 Hours
Age: 18+
Location: Outdoor Arts & Recreation (OARS)
What to Bring: Comfortable outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear, work gloves (optional), water, and weather-appropriate gear.
Build confidence, develop practical outdoor skills, and learn how a few simple materials and techniques can solve a wide range of challenges in the outdoors.
FREE: REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
Leaf Casting & Painting (evening)
Cost: FREE. Registration REQUIRED. Limit 4 per order
Join OARS Resident Artist Danielle ("Danie") Kocher of Rushford, creator of Good Vibes Garden Art, for a summer series of free, hands-on art experiences that celebrate creativity, self-expression, and the beauty of the natural world.
Whether you're an experienced artist or have never picked up a paintbrush, these welcoming workshops are designed for all skill levels. Participants will explore a variety of garden-inspired and nature-themed art projects while learning techniques that can be continued at home. Each class encourages creativity, connection, and the simple joy of making something beautiful with your own hands.
Who Can Attend?
Ages 8–99+
Youth ages 8–12 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult participant.
No prior artistic experience required.
When?
Classes will be held on Thursdays throughout the summer, alternating between:
Morning sessions: 9:00 AM – 11:00+ AM
Evening sessions: 4:00 PM – 6:00+ PM
Each workshop will run for a minimum of two hours, allowing participants ample time to create, learn, and enjoy the OARS environment.
Come spend a summer morning or evening creating art, making new friends, and enjoying the outdoors at OARS. Whether you leave with a painted stone, garden decoration, or simply a renewed sense of creativity, you'll leave inspired.
Wild & Well
What if exercise felt less like a workout and more like play?
Join us for Wild & Well, a FREE outdoor wellness gathering for adults at OARS. We'll spend the evening in our beautiful meadow surrounded by woods, enjoying gentle movement, fresh air, and a chance to unwind from the stresses of daily life.
🥾 Easy nature walks
⭕ Hula hoops and playful movement
🧘 Gentle stretching and relaxation
🌲 Time to connect with nature
😊 Laughter, community, and fun
No gym. No pressure. No competition.
Just a welcoming space where adults can move, breathe, laugh, and recharge in the great outdoors.
Whether you're looking to improve your wellness, reduce stress, meet new people, or simply enjoy a peaceful evening outside, Wild & Well is for you.
📍 Outdoor Arts & Recreation Society (OARS), Cuba, NY
💲 FREE to attend
🎒 Bring comfortable clothing, water, and an open mind
Because sometimes the best medicine is a walk through the woods, a little movement, and a lot of fresh air.
#WildAndWell #OARS #CubaNY #OutdoorWellness #NatureHeals #CommunityWellness #GetOutside #MoveForJoy #OutdoorArtsAndRecreation #WesternNY #FreshAirTherapy 🌿✨
Hike, Craft & Discover
Join Marsha for an evening of creativity and outdoor adventure! Each session includes a fun make-and-take craft inspired by nature, followed by a discovery hike where children explore local plants, animals, insects, and seasonal changes. Every program offers a new theme, making each visit a fresh adventure.
Parents or guardians are required to remain on-site for the duration of the program.
SHELTER & WEATHER SCIENCE
Shelter & Weather Science is a hands-on outdoor learning experience that helps campers understand how design, materials, and environment work togeth-er to provide protection in the natural world. As part of the Wildcraft & Woodland Skills program, this session introduces youth 8-12 to the science behind shelter building through observation, experimentation, and teamwork.
Attendees spend a half day learning how to select safe and effective shelter sites by considering wind, sun, slope, and drainage. They explore insulation concepts using natural materials and apply these ideas to improve their shelters. Through controlled wind and water simulations, campers test their designs, observe how weather impacts structures, and problem-solve improvements.
By combining practical building skills with age-appropriate science concepts, Shelter & Weather Science strengthens critical thinking, collaboration, and environmental awareness, while reinforcing the importance of safety, preparation, and respect for the land.
Yoga for Every Body : Floor • Stand • Sit
FREE! Under the certified instructor, Linda Botens: First and third Saturdays in June, July, August, and September 2026
This welcoming yoga class is designed for all experience levels and focuses on gentle, functional movement through three core positions: floor, standing, and seated. Each session builds strength, flexibility, and balance while encouraging mindful breathing and relaxation.
Participants will move through a sequence of accessible poses, with options and modifications offered throughout to support individual comfort and ability. Whether you’re looking to improve mobility, reduce stress, or simply take time to reconnect with your body, this class provides a supportive and inclusive environment to do so.
No prior yoga experience is needed. Just bring a mat (optional), comfortable clothing, and a willingness to move at your own pace.
Leaf Casting & Painting (morning)
Cost: FREE. Registration REQUIRED. Limit 4 per order
Join OARS Resident Artist Danielle ("Danie") Kocher of Rushford, creator of Good Vibes Garden Art, for a summer series of free, hands-on art experiences that celebrate creativity, self-expression, and the beauty of the natural world.
Whether you're an experienced artist or have never picked up a paintbrush, these welcoming workshops are designed for all skill levels. Participants will explore a variety of garden-inspired and nature-themed art projects while learning techniques that can be continued at home. Each class encourages creativity, connection, and the simple joy of making something beautiful with your own hands.
Who Can Attend?
Ages 8–99+
Youth ages 8–12 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult participant.
No prior artistic experience required.
When?
Classes will be held on Thursdays throughout the summer, alternating between:
Morning sessions: 9:00 AM – 11:00+ AM
Evening sessions: 4:00 PM – 6:00+ PM
Each workshop will run for a minimum of two hours, allowing participants ample time to create, learn, and enjoy the OARS environment.
Come spend a summer morning or evening creating art, making new friends, and enjoying the outdoors at OARS. Whether you leave with a painted stone, garden decoration, or simply a renewed sense of creativity, you'll leave inspired.
Wild & Well
What if exercise felt less like a workout and more like play?
Join us for Wild & Well, a FREE outdoor wellness gathering for adults at OARS. We'll spend the evening in our beautiful meadow surrounded by woods, enjoying gentle movement, fresh air, and a chance to unwind from the stresses of daily life.
🥾 Easy nature walks
⭕ Hula hoops and playful movement
🧘 Gentle stretching and relaxation
🌲 Time to connect with nature
😊 Laughter, community, and fun
No gym. No pressure. No competition.
Just a welcoming space where adults can move, breathe, laugh, and recharge in the great outdoors.
Whether you're looking to improve your wellness, reduce stress, meet new people, or simply enjoy a peaceful evening outside, Wild & Well is for you.
📍 Outdoor Arts & Recreation Society (OARS), Cuba, NY
💲 FREE to attend
🎒 Bring comfortable clothing, water, and an open mind
Because sometimes the best medicine is a walk through the woods, a little movement, and a lot of fresh air.
#WildAndWell #OARS #CubaNY #OutdoorWellness #NatureHeals #CommunityWellness #GetOutside #MoveForJoy #OutdoorArtsAndRecreation #WesternNY #FreshAirTherapy 🌿✨
WILDCRAFT & WOODLAND SKILLS
Wildcraft & Woodland Skills is a week-long, half-day outdoor educational workshop that builds confidence, responsibility, and practical skills through hands-on learning in the forest. Designed for youth ages 8–12, this program introduces campers to traditional outdoor skills rooted in safety, respect, and environmental stewardship.
Throughout the week, attendees learn how to build and improve shelters, tie essential knots, safely use age-appropriate tools, and navigate using maps and compasses. Activities are scaffolded to support skill mastery, problem-solving, and teamwork, with an emphasis on patience, focus, and clear communication.
Guided by Leave No Trace principles, Wildcraft & Woodland Skills helps youth understand how thoughtful design and responsible decision-making keep both people and natural spaces safe. The week culminates in a Wildcraft Showcase, where campers teach skills to peers, demonstrate shelters and knots, and reflect on their growth as capable, confident outdoor learners.
Adult Bushcraft: Structure Building & Protection from the Elements
Learn the fundamentals of wilderness shelter construction and environmental protection in this hands-on, 2-hour Adult Bushcraft workshop. Participants will explore how people have used natural materials and simple tools for generations to create shelter, regulate body temperature, and stay safe in changing outdoor conditions.
Through practical demonstrations and guided activities, participants will learn how to evaluate a site, identify environmental hazards, and construct basic survival and comfort shelters using natural and improvised materials. The class also covers strategies for staying warm, dry, and protected from wind, rain, sun, and cold-weather conditions.
Topics include:
Shelter site selection and safety considerations
Understanding weather, wind, and environmental exposure
Principles of heat retention and body temperature management
Natural and improvised shelter types
Debris shelters, lean-tos, and tarp shelters
Insulation and bedding techniques
Rain, wind, and sun protection strategies
Leave No Trace considerations and responsible use of natural materials
This workshop is designed for adults of all skill levels, from beginners interested in outdoor self-reliance to experienced outdoor enthusiasts looking to expand their bushcraft knowledge.
Duration: 2 Hours
Age: 18+
Location: Outdoor Arts & Recreation (OARS)
What to Bring: Comfortable outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear, work gloves (optional), water, and weather-appropriate gear.
Gain practical skills, increase your confidence in the outdoors, and discover how thoughtful shelter design can improve comfort, safety, and resilience in the natural environment.
FREE: REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://www.outdoorartsrecreation.org/courses/p/adult-bushcraft-structure-building-protection-from-the-elements
Yoga for Every Body : Floor • Stand • Sit
FREE! Under the certified instructor, Linda Botens: First and third Saturdays in June, July, August, and September 2026
This welcoming yoga class is designed for all experience levels and focuses on gentle, functional movement through three core positions: floor, standing, and seated. Each session builds strength, flexibility, and balance while encouraging mindful breathing and relaxation.
Participants will move through a sequence of accessible poses, with options and modifications offered throughout to support individual comfort and ability. Whether you’re looking to improve mobility, reduce stress, or simply take time to reconnect with your body, this class provides a supportive and inclusive environment to do so.
No prior yoga experience is needed. Just bring a mat (optional), comfortable clothing, and a willingness to move at your own pace.
The Grace Gathering
The Grace Gathering
Where women gather to find connection, encouragement, and inspiration as they embrace positive change and create lives they love.
Leaf Casting & Painting (morning)
Cost: FREE. Registration REQUIRED. Limit 4 per order
Join OARS Resident Artist Danielle ("Danie") Kocher of Rushford, creator of Good Vibes Garden Art, for a summer series of free, hands-on art experiences that celebrate creativity, self-expression, and the beauty of the natural world.
Whether you're an experienced artist or have never picked up a paintbrush, these welcoming workshops are designed for all skill levels. Participants will explore a variety of garden-inspired and nature-themed art projects while learning techniques that can be continued at home. Each class encourages creativity, connection, and the simple joy of making something beautiful with your own hands.
Who Can Attend?
Ages 8–99+
Youth ages 8–12 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult participant.
No prior artistic experience required.
When?
Classes will be held on Thursdays throughout the summer, alternating between:
Morning sessions: 9:00 AM – 11:00+ AM
Evening sessions: 4:00 PM – 6:00+ PM
Each workshop will run for a minimum of two hours, allowing participants ample time to create, learn, and enjoy the OARS environment.
Come spend a summer morning or evening creating art, making new friends, and enjoying the outdoors at OARS. Whether you leave with a painted stone, garden decoration, or simply a renewed sense of creativity, you'll leave inspired.
Wild & Well
What if exercise felt less like a workout and more like play?
Join us for Wild & Well, a FREE outdoor wellness gathering for adults at OARS. We'll spend the evening in our beautiful meadow surrounded by woods, enjoying gentle movement, fresh air, and a chance to unwind from the stresses of daily life.
🥾 Easy nature walks
⭕ Hula hoops and playful movement
🧘 Gentle stretching and relaxation
🌲 Time to connect with nature
😊 Laughter, community, and fun
No gym. No pressure. No competition.
Just a welcoming space where adults can move, breathe, laugh, and recharge in the great outdoors.
Whether you're looking to improve your wellness, reduce stress, meet new people, or simply enjoy a peaceful evening outside, Wild & Well is for you.
📍 Outdoor Arts & Recreation Society (OARS), Cuba, NY
💲 FREE to attend
🎒 Bring comfortable clothing, water, and an open mind
Because sometimes the best medicine is a walk through the woods, a little movement, and a lot of fresh air.
#WildAndWell #OARS #CubaNY #OutdoorWellness #NatureHeals #CommunityWellness #GetOutside #MoveForJoy #OutdoorArtsAndRecreation #WesternNY #FreshAirTherapy 🌿✨
Wilderness Survival Medicine (CPR & First Aid Certification)
Wilderness Survival Medicine is a hands-on, field-based training course that prepares participants to respond to medical emergencies when professional help is far away. This immersive program combines standard CPR and First Aid certification with wilderness medicine skills used by outdoor professionals, trail crews, expedition leaders, and backcountry guides.
Students learn how to assess injuries, control bleeding, manage fractures, treat hypothermia and heat illness, respond to allergic reactions, and perform life-saving CPR — all while working in real outdoor environments. Instead of a classroom, training takes place on trails, in wooded terrain, and at simulated backcountry accident scenes.
Participants practice patient assessment, evacuation decision-making, splinting, and improvised medical care using minimal equipment, just as they would in real-world wilderness emergencies.
Upon successful completion, students earn a nationally recognized CPR and First Aid certification, along with a Wilderness Survival Medicine certificate documenting their field-based emergency care training.
This course is ideal for:
Outdoor educators and camp staff
Hikers, hunters, and backpackers
Search & rescue volunteers
Youth leaders and trip leaders
Anyone who spends time far from emergency services
Learn to stay calm, think clearly, and save lives—where it matters most: in the field. 🌲🩺
THIS COURSE IS FREE
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
ECO-ARTISTS in the woods
Eco-Artists in the Woods is a week-long, half-day nature art camp where creativity, curiosity, and the natural world come together. Designed for youth ages 8–12, this immersive program invites campers to explore the forest as both classroom and studio.
Through hands-on educational activities, attendees create land art and ephemeral sculptures using fallen natural materials, experiment with pigments made from plants, soil, and charcoal, and tell stories inspired by the landscape around them. Daily nature walks, journaling, and collaborative projects encourage close observation, imagination, and respect for the environment.
Grounded in Leave No Trace principles, Eco-Artists in the Woods emphasizes process over product, helping campers build confidence, teamwork skills, and a deeper connection to nature. By the end of the week, campers celebrate their creativity through a forest gallery and reflection, taking home artwork, journals, and a renewed sense of wonder for the natural world.
Adult Bushcraft: Land Navigation & Foraging
FREE: REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://www.outdoorartsrecreation.org/courses/p/adult-bushcraft-land-navigation-foraging
Reconnect with traditional outdoor skills in this engaging 2-hour Adult Bushcraft workshop focused on land navigation and wild foraging. Participants will learn practical techniques for finding their way in the outdoors while developing a deeper understanding of the natural resources around them.
This hands-on class introduces the fundamentals of map and compass use, terrain awareness, route planning, and natural navigation methods. Participants will also explore the basics of ethical wild foraging, including plant identification, harvesting considerations, and important safety practices for avoiding potentially harmful species.
Topics include:
Map reading and basic compass skills
Understanding topographic features and terrain
Route planning and navigation strategies
Natural navigation using the sun, landscape, and environmental clues
Introduction to edible wild plants and their uses
Foraging ethics and sustainable harvesting practices
Plant identification safety and common look-alikes
Legal considerations and Leave No Trace principles
This class is designed for adults of all experience levels and provides a practical introduction to skills that have helped people travel and thrive in the outdoors for generations.
Duration: 2 Hours
Age: 18+
Location: Outdoor Arts & Recreation (OARS)
What to Bring: Comfortable outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear, water, a notebook, and weather-appropriate gear.
Develop the confidence to navigate unfamiliar terrain and gain a greater appreciation for the edible and useful plants that surround us in the natural world.
The Grace Gathering
The Grace Gathering
Where women gather to find connection, encouragement, and inspiration as they embrace positive change and create lives they love.
Leaf Casting & Painting (evening)
Cost: FREE. Registration REQUIRED. Limit 4 per order
Join OARS Resident Artist Danielle ("Danie") Kocher of Rushford, creator of Good Vibes Garden Art, for a summer series of free, hands-on art experiences that celebrate creativity, self-expression, and the beauty of the natural world.
Whether you're an experienced artist or have never picked up a paintbrush, these welcoming workshops are designed for all skill levels. Participants will explore a variety of garden-inspired and nature-themed art projects while learning techniques that can be continued at home. Each class encourages creativity, connection, and the simple joy of making something beautiful with your own hands.
Who Can Attend?
Ages 8–99+
Youth ages 8–12 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult participant.
No prior artistic experience required.
When?
Classes will be held on Thursdays throughout the summer, alternating between:
Morning sessions: 9:00 AM – 11:00+ AM
Evening sessions: 4:00 PM – 6:00+ PM
Each workshop will run for a minimum of two hours, allowing participants ample time to create, learn, and enjoy the OARS environment.
Come spend a summer morning or evening creating art, making new friends, and enjoying the outdoors at OARS. Whether you leave with a painted stone, garden decoration, or simply a renewed sense of creativity, you'll leave inspired.
Wild & Well
What if exercise felt less like a workout and more like play?
Join us for Wild & Well, a FREE outdoor wellness gathering for adults at OARS. We'll spend the evening in our beautiful meadow surrounded by woods, enjoying gentle movement, fresh air, and a chance to unwind from the stresses of daily life.
🥾 Easy nature walks
⭕ Hula hoops and playful movement
🧘 Gentle stretching and relaxation
🌲 Time to connect with nature
😊 Laughter, community, and fun
No gym. No pressure. No competition.
Just a welcoming space where adults can move, breathe, laugh, and recharge in the great outdoors.
Whether you're looking to improve your wellness, reduce stress, meet new people, or simply enjoy a peaceful evening outside, Wild & Well is for you.
📍 Outdoor Arts & Recreation Society (OARS), Cuba, NY
💲 FREE to attend
🎒 Bring comfortable clothing, water, and an open mind
Because sometimes the best medicine is a walk through the woods, a little movement, and a lot of fresh air.
#WildAndWell #OARS #CubaNY #OutdoorWellness #NatureHeals #CommunityWellness #GetOutside #MoveForJoy #OutdoorArtsAndRecreation #WesternNY #FreshAirTherapy 🌿✨
Yoga for Every Body : Floor • Stand • Sit
FREE! Under the certified instructor, Linda Botens: First and third Saturdays in June, July, August, and September 2026
This welcoming yoga class is designed for all experience levels and focuses on gentle, functional movement through three core positions: floor, standing, and seated. Each session builds strength, flexibility, and balance while encouraging mindful breathing and relaxation.
Participants will move through a sequence of accessible poses, with options and modifications offered throughout to support individual comfort and ability. Whether you’re looking to improve mobility, reduce stress, or simply take time to reconnect with your body, this class provides a supportive and inclusive environment to do so.
No prior yoga experience is needed. Just bring a mat (optional), comfortable clothing, and a willingness to move at your own pace.
The Grace Gathering
The Grace Gathering
Where women gather to find connection, encouragement, and inspiration as they embrace positive change and create lives they love.
Leaf Casting & Painting (morning)
Cost: FREE. Registration REQUIRED. Limit 4 per order
Join OARS Resident Artist Danielle ("Danie") Kocher of Rushford, creator of Good Vibes Garden Art, for a summer series of free, hands-on art experiences that celebrate creativity, self-expression, and the beauty of the natural world.
Whether you're an experienced artist or have never picked up a paintbrush, these welcoming workshops are designed for all skill levels. Participants will explore a variety of garden-inspired and nature-themed art projects while learning techniques that can be continued at home. Each class encourages creativity, connection, and the simple joy of making something beautiful with your own hands.
Who Can Attend?
Ages 8–99+
Youth ages 8–12 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult participant.
No prior artistic experience required.
When?
Classes will be held on Thursdays throughout the summer, alternating between:
Morning sessions: 9:00 AM – 11:00+ AM
Evening sessions: 4:00 PM – 6:00+ PM
Each workshop will run for a minimum of two hours, allowing participants ample time to create, learn, and enjoy the OARS environment.
Come spend a summer morning or evening creating art, making new friends, and enjoying the outdoors at OARS. Whether you leave with a painted stone, garden decoration, or simply a renewed sense of creativity, you'll leave inspired.
Wild & Well
What if exercise felt less like a workout and more like play?
Join us for Wild & Well, a FREE outdoor wellness gathering for adults at OARS. We'll spend the evening in our beautiful meadow surrounded by woods, enjoying gentle movement, fresh air, and a chance to unwind from the stresses of daily life.
🥾 Easy nature walks
⭕ Hula hoops and playful movement
🧘 Gentle stretching and relaxation
🌲 Time to connect with nature
😊 Laughter, community, and fun
No gym. No pressure. No competition.
Just a welcoming space where adults can move, breathe, laugh, and recharge in the great outdoors.
Whether you're looking to improve your wellness, reduce stress, meet new people, or simply enjoy a peaceful evening outside, Wild & Well is for you.
📍 Outdoor Arts & Recreation Society (OARS), Cuba, NY
💲 FREE to attend
🎒 Bring comfortable clothing, water, and an open mind
Because sometimes the best medicine is a walk through the woods, a little movement, and a lot of fresh air.
#WildAndWell #OARS #CubaNY #OutdoorWellness #NatureHeals #CommunityWellness #GetOutside #MoveForJoy #OutdoorArtsAndRecreation #WesternNY #FreshAirTherapy 🌿✨
Earth to Form: Clay, Place, and Process
Earth to Form: Clay, Place, and Process is a week-long immersive ceramics experience for teens that explores the transformation of raw earth into expressive and functional art. Rooted in place-based learning, this program invites participants to slow down and engage deeply with clay as a natural, geological material shaped by time, environment, and human hands.
Throughout the week, teens locate and ethically collect clay from the landscape, learn how to process and refine it, and explore handbuilding techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab construction. Participants experiment with texture, surface, and form using natural tools and locally sourced materials, while learning how design choices reflect both function and personal expression.
The program emphasizes process over perfection, encouraging patience, problem-solving, and reflection. Through guided studio time, group critiques, and artist journaling, teens develop technical skills, creative confidence, and a stronger connection to the land as both resource and inspiration. The week culminates in a studio showcase, where participants present finished ceramic works alongside artist statements that connect material, place, and creative intent.