"We prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be."
Student Life
Outdoor Program
Inspired by the School’s mission, the Friends Seminary Outdoor Program (FSOP) creates intensive wilderness experiences, which allow students to form stronger connections to the natural world and build an eco-literacy regarding environmental sustainability. Using Experiential Education pedagogy, a theory that supports preparation, direct experience and meaningful reflection, students develop an appreciation for the outdoors and foster a sense of stewardship; one of our Quaker testimonies. In addition to the current goals of social and personal development, this expedition structure allows time to focus on a deeper place-based curriculum that incorporates a service learning component.
Outdoor Intensive
Tenth grade students are required to participate in a 5 day/3 night outdoor immersion experience as part of their graduation requirement. Students have an option to choose from three outdoor activities that challenge the human spirit: telemark skiing, backpacking, and sea kayaking. All intensives are designed for the beginner. The course will cover topics such as: personal preparation, Leave No Trace outdoor ethics, expedition behavior, group development, etc. Outdoor equipment is provided. The first day of each session will take place on campus and days 2-5 will be in the field. A personal clothing and packing list for each trip will be distributed to students prior to their trip. Service Learning and Physical Education credit will be given.
Registration for the 2018-2019 Outdoor Education Intensives will open on Friday, May 11 and close on Thursday, May 24. Students should watch for a link to the registration form in their Friends Seminary email inbox. Students will be asked to indicate their top four Intensive preferences. Families will be informed of their placement in early June by email. If you have questions, please contact Outdoor Educators: Deanna Yurchuk and Jack Phelan.
August 19-23, 2019
Registration for the 2018-2019 Outdoor Education Intensives will open on Friday, May 11 and close on Thursday, May 24. Students should watch for a link to the registration form in their Friends Seminary email inbox. Students will be asked to indicate their top four Intensive preferences. Families will be informed of their placement in early June by email. If you have questions, please contact Outdoor Educators: Deanna Yurchuk and Jack Phelan.
Intensive Dates:
Telemark Ski & Winter Camping Intensive
Belleayre Mountain, Highmount, NY
March 18- 22, 2019
Telemark Ski & Winter Camping Intesive
Belleayre Mountain, Highmount,NY
March 25-29, 2019
Sea Kayak & Camping Intensive
Atlantic Kayak Tours, Norrie Paddlesport Center,
Margaret Norrie State Park, Staatsburg, NY
Margaret Norrie State Park, Staatsburg, NY
June 3-7, 2019
Sea Kayak & Camping Intensive
Atlantic Kayak Tours, Norrie Paddlesport Center,
Margaret Norrie State Park, Staatsburg, NY
Margaret Norrie State Park, Staatsburg, NY
June 10-14, 2019
Sea Kayak & Camping Intensive
Atlantic Kayak Tours, Norrie Paddlesport Center,
Margaret Norrie State Park, Staatsburg, NY
Margaret Norrie State Park, Staatsburg, NY
June 17-21, 2019
Backpacking Intensive
Harriman State Park or Catskill Forest Preserve
August 12-16, 2019
Backpacking Intensive
Harriman State Park or Catskill Forest Preserve
August 19-23, 2019
Trips will be led by Jack Phelan and Deanna Yurchuk, long-time Friends Seminary Outdoor Program Faculty. Both are certified as Wilderness First Responders, PSIA Telemark Ski Instructors and British Canoe Union Sea Kayak Coaches.
Contact Information
Jack Phelan
jphelan@friendsseminary.org
(212) 979-5035 ext. 4380
(212) 979-5035 ext. 4380
Deanna Yurchuk
dyurchuk@friendsseminary.org
(212) 979-5035 ext. 4415
(212) 979-5035 ext. 4415
Friends Seminary — the oldest continuously operated, coeducational school in NYC — serves college-bound day students in Kindergarten-Grade 12.
