Predator Prey: Students will move into the animal’s world and actively experience the daily challenges of surviving, thus illustrating the principles of population dynamics and food chains. Active participation is required from teacher/chaperones as each team must have an adult leader to answer questions, encourage team decision-making, explain the site map, keep time and regroup the team. This activity works best with groups of 50 or more.

Teams Course: Sharpe features two separate challenge courses containing a variety of low ropes elements. These elements are designed to encourage groups to work together as a team in a positive and creative social environment. Activities can be adapted for different age levels ranging from fifth grade through adults. (Age 12 and up; Recommend 8-12 students per instructor.)

High Ropes Course: This course is a series of individual and group physical challenges that require a combination of teamwork skill and individual commitment. Elements are constructed of rope, cables and wood. Participants are on a “belay” system with the Fresh Air Fund staff. (Age 12 and up; Recommend 10-20 students per two instructors.)

Fresh Air Farm Hike: Visit the Fresh Air Farm and learn about domestic livestock and organic gardens. Students will learn the origin of basic foods and how agriculture replaced hunting and gathering allowing civilization to blossom. Students will also learn about compost and how it reduces food waste. (June and September only.)

BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Aquatic Ecology: Water is essential to all life on Earth. Students will discover the interdependence of living things as they search for myriad life forms in our ponds and streams. An emphasis on water’s physical characteristics as they relate to the health of the pond or stream community will be highlighted.

Forest Ecology: Become acquainted with the hardwood forest of the Northeast. Your students will take a close look at the interrelationships that are necessary for a healthy forest. Included will be an overview of food chains and webs, deciduous vs. coniferous trees, soil, water, and temperature conditions, and the animals that inhabit the forest.

Geology: The Hudson River Valley is an ideal setting for the study of glacial processes. Following our interpretive geology trail, students will study glacial effects firsthand. Also included is the study of various land forms and other earth processes.

Soil Science: An introduction to the physical characteristics of various types of minerals, soils, and rocks, and their effect on resulting plant communities. Percolation rate, grain size, pH, compaction ability and other qualities will be examined.

Meadow Ecology: Study the variety of insects that inhabit the meadow environment. Insects form the very beginning of the food chain.

Tracks and Traces: We do not always see the wildlife around us, but we know it exists by the evidence left behind. Students will become “nature detectives” in search of Sharpe’s animal inhabitants.

Wildlife/Animal Adaptations: Students will learn how animals have adapted to different environments. Students will participate in an activity called “Fill the Bill” and understand how birds adapt to acquire different foods. Also, students will learn about skulls and furs from the Sharpe collection. (Owl Pellet Dissection is available as part of this class).

Worm Ecology: Decomposers are fundamentally important to a functional food web. This class will explore the purpose and role of decomposers in the environment. Earthworms will be the organism of focus.

Weather: Students will become meteorologists and begin to forecast the weather as they are introduced to a variety of weather concepts and instruments.

ENVIRONMENTAL / HISTORICAL ISSUES

New in 2008!  Environmental Impact Series: The objective of this series is to educate students on current environmental issues and practical ways that we can make a difference. Each class is tailored to run about 45 minutes, so two or more can be combined as part of your program.

Series #1 - Dirty Water - Students will learn about the effects of human activities on the environment. They will study a simulated historical reconstruction of the pollution of the Hudson River, attempt a hands-on cleanup or remediation effort, and decide the impact on plants, animals, the environment, and other human activities.

Series #2 - Environmental Solutions - What can we do to reduce our carbon fingerprint in our own homes? Students will explore simple ways to reduce energy consumption; included will be composting, energy efficient technologies, reduce, reuse, recycle, etc.

Series #3 - Climate Change - According to science, climate is changing and weather patterns are changing worldwide. Students will learn the theory of what causes global warming and why it is a crucial issue. The class will participate in hands-on demonstrations and will go on a “global warming hike” to look at some of the local species and habitats that may be affected by climate change.

Series #4 - Population Growth - The human population is at an all-time high (over 6.6 billion people as of 2007!). This class incorporates several hands-on activities indoors and out, a video, and the observation of an ant farm. Students will understand the challenges of increased population to the environment and that finite resources limit the carrying capacity of any species. Concepts such as carrying capacity, birth and death rate, natural resources, habitat, and biodiversity are covered.

Series #5 - New York’s Endangered Species - New York’s ecosystems are recovering from years of abuse during the industrial age. With increased habitat protection and a ban on DDT and other harmful insecticides, NY’s animals are on a rebound. This class is a good news class of recovery from loss. Today eagles and falcons fly in our skies while beaver, fisher, moose and other animals prowl the forests. From this success story we can continue to forge a healthier environment for future generations!

Historical Trail: Take a trip into the past and discover the relationship that early settlers had with the land. Students will learn about Hudson Valley History, including the life of early homesteaders, loggers and charcoal pits. (New 2007! Charcoal Interpretive area, with collier’s hut and Charcoal pit.)

OUTDOOR SKILLS

Group Dynamics: Small groups will participate in active games and tasks involving problem solving that develop cooperation and trust.

Introduction to Compass: An introduction to this fundamental navigational tool.  The basics of the compass are described, as well as the Earth’s magnetic field and poles.  Newly acquired skills will be implemented in a series of activities.

Interpretive Hike: A basic nature interpretive hike up one of the Hudson Highland mountains at Sharpe Reservation.  Overlook the Hudson Valley and learn a little wildlife, forest ecology and geology along the way.

Orienteering: Join us for this lesson in map reading.  Students then put their skills to the test by navigating their way through a course set up throughout camp.  This class does not involve compass work.  Longer and slightly more challenging courses (with or without compass) are available for older or returning students.

Outdoor Café: Students will explore the forests and fields of Sharpe Reservation.  They will assume the role of gatherers and discover and taste the wild foods once utilized by early people.  Each season offers a different menu.

Sensory Trail: Students will experience a temporary loss of this major sense and travel blindfolded along a rope-guided course, focusing on sensory awareness and development. 

Wilderness Survival:  Would you know what to do if you were lost in the woods?  Could you survive?  Learn some of the basic skills of staying alive in the wild.  Skills include staying warm, building shelter, finding food and water, what to carry in your survival or hiking kit, getting found, and achieving the mental attitude for surviving a crisis.

NATURE CRAFTS

Dream Catchers:  Students will learn the Native American Ojibwa legend behind dream catchers and create their very own dream catcher.  Only available to 5^th grade students and above.

Papermaking:  Students will learn techniques of papermaking using recycled and natural materials. This program will follow the entire papermaking process from the forest to a final product of paper that students will take home. The activity will focus on waste reduction and help students develop awareness of their impact on the environment.