Day Programs/School Field Trips

YMCA Great Hollow Wilderness School
225 Route 37
New Fairfield, CT 06812
Phone: 203-746-5852
Fax: 203-746-1232

Great Hollow Wilderness School offers challenge course programs aimed at fostering positive attitudes towards teamwork, leadership and growth through active, experiential learning. Classes from local public/private schools come to Great Hollow to experience a progressive series of low and high ropes course activities designed to address issues of self-discovery, trust, team building and problem solving. Field trips are customized for students in fourth grade and up.

Challenge Course Highlights
Over 100 group initiatives for problem solving and group cohesion.
25’ high ropes course to challenge the individual and emphasize a supportive group environment.
35’ high ropes course including a dual participant element for added dimension.
Two zip lines for an individual challenge coupled with the reward of a thrilling ride when it is conquered.
35’ climbing tower with attached high element.
50’ Flying Squirrel to ease younger or more conservative
risk-takers into the trees with the help of their fellow group members.



Typical 0ne-day Schedule

9:00 am Arrival and introduction
9:15 am Large group activity or game
9:30 am Small group establishes a contract or acceptable norms for the day
9:45 am Small groups engage in icebreaker activities
10:00 am Low ropes or problem solving to challenge the whole group
1:00 pm Group discussions and check-in about the day
1:30 pm Group departs

High Challenge activities can be added to complement the lessons learned and to add an individual challenge to the group process.

Times may vary depending on program structure and needs of the group.
Lunch is eaten in small groups between activities.

Field trips that incorporate challenge course philosophies…
Promote cooperation, Build self-confidence, Create appreciation of diverse thoughts and ideas, Increase group cohesiveness and trust, Develop interpersonal relationships, Improve decision making skills and Promote learning in a safe and fun environment.

Schools that take advantage of Great Hollow Field Trips include: Broadview Middle School, Rogers Park, Bethel and Brookfield High Schools, Sherman School, Collegiate School, New Fairfield Middle School, and Race Brook School, to name a few.

Customized Programming
Great Hollow Wilderness School can customize a program to meet the goals and objectives of any group. With almost 40 years in the field, GHWS is the oldest outdoor education facility of its kind in the region. Our customized programs will work within any budget to provide the best possible experience for your students.


For more information, e-mail Harry Jones, Program Director, or call 203-746-5852.