Bring your students out of the classroom and onto the land for a day of experiential learning, physical activity, and cultural connection
At Hawk Mountain Earth Center, we believe that history, science, and culture are best understood when experienced firsthand. We invite students to step beyond the textbook and enter a living classroom. Our guided school trips offer a profound journey through the landscapes and legacies of the Ramapo Valley, blending physical exploration with historical, anthropological, and social teachings. Our programs are designed to foster a deep appreciation for the environment, Indigenous history, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Trip Overview
Our full-day immersion program runs from the morning (arrival between 9:30 – 10am) until approximately 1:45 – 2:00 PM. The day is divided into two distinct and powerful experiences.
Plan Your Trip
- Duration: Morning arrival 9:15-9:45; afternoon departure 1:45–2:00 PM.
- Location: Ramapo Valley County Reservation & (Choice of Split Rock Sweet Water Prayer Camp or Split Rock Monolith).
- Group Size: Suitable for middle and high school groups of 40-55 students 4-5 teachers or chaperones. We can also make accommodations for younger aged students (grades 1-5) or for students with mobility challenges with prior planning for additional staff to offer parallel activities during the hike.
- Availability: Mon, Tuesdays and Fridays Oct-Nov, Tuesdays through Thursdays April- June
Why Bring Your Students?
Our trips offer a transformative educational experience that bridges the gap between textbook learning and real-world application.
Educational Benefits:
Experiential Learning
Students learn by doing. They hike, they touch, they smell, and they listen. This multi-sensory approach significantly improves retention, engagement, curiosity and self-reflection.
Historical & Anthropological Insight
Students move beyond dates and names to understand the living history of the Ramapo Lenape. They engage with anthropology by studying how a culture interacts with its environment and maintains its traditions today.
Social & Cultural Competency
By interacting with Indigenous elders and learning about their worldview, students develop empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a broader understanding of diverse perspectives.
Environmental Stewardship
By learning about reciprocity with the land from the original stewards, students develop a deeper respect for nature and a sense of responsibility for environmental conservation.
Physical Wellness
The hikes provide fresh air and exercise, promoting physical health and mental well-being.
The Morning: Ramapo Valley County Reservation
The day begins with a guided hike through the Ramapo Valley County Reservation. Students will stretch their legs and engage their senses on a one-hour hike to a beautiful local waterfall. Our hikes are led by our youth and outreach coordinators.
- Focus: Ecology, local geology, and Indigenous land stewardship of forest and waterways.
- Experience: Students will navigate the terrain, observe local flora and fauna, and learn about the natural and cultural history of the Ramapo Valley.
- This initial experience grounds students in the natural beauty of the region and prepares them for the deeper cultural lessons to follow in the afternoon.
The Afternoon: Choose Your Immersive Experience
Following the hike, we transition to a second location where students will eat their lunch and prepare for a unique, hands-on learning experience. You may choose one of the following options for your group:
Option 1: Split Rock Sweet Water Prayer Camp
The Ceremonial Grounds of the Ramapo Lenape Nation (95 Halifax Road)
Step onto sacred ground and learn directly from the people who have stewarded this land for generations. At the Sweet Water Prayer Camp, students are led through the grounds by Indigenous guides to explore the living culture of the Ramapo Lenape.
- Tree Orchards & Medicinal Herb Gardens: Students will visit cultivated spaces to learn about traditional agriculture and the cultivation of native plants.
- Wild Medicines & Edibles: Take a walk through wild areas to identify wild medicines and edible plants, understanding the deep botanical knowledge of the Lenape people.
- The River & Reciprocity: Visit the river to learn about Indigenous cultural ways of reciprocity with the land—how we give back to the earth that sustains us.
- Ceremonial Grounds: Walk through the ceremonial grounds while learning about their cultural and spiritual significance to the Ramapo Lenape community
Option 2: Split Rock Monolith, Ramapo Mountain Preserve
For a focus on geology, history, and resilience, this option takes students to Split Rock, a sacred monolith located about a half-mile hike from the end of Split Rock Rd in Mahwah.
- The Hike: A moderate hike to one of the highest points in Mahwah New Jersey, bordering New York State.
- Sacred History: Split Rock carries deep spiritual significance and a painful history regarding colonization for the Ramapo people.
- Indigenous Perspective: Indigenous elders will explain the history, beliefs, and the continued responsibilities of the Ramapo communities regarding the care of this sacred location.
- Reflection: This experience offers a profound opportunity for students to understand the enduring presence and resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of historical trauma