Beyond the Basics:
Programming That Enhances Your Experience
Most groups design their own schedules using our facilities and land. But for those who want more, we offer instructor-led workshops, team building activities, and nature-based programming led by our experienced staff.
Every rental includes use of our facilities, trails, and farm. Many groups need nothing more, they have their own agenda, bring their own facilitators, or simply want space and time without structured programming.
But for groups that want to deepen their experience, we offer optional programming in three categories:
All optional programming is priced at $250 per session and led by experienced instructors. Sessions typically run 60-90 minutes and can accommodate groups up to 30 people (larger groups can be split).
Connect with Vermont's Ecology and Agriculture
Guided Nature Walks
Our naturalists lead walks through our forests, identifying:
- Tree species and forest ecology
- Bird species by sight and sound
- Tracks and signs of wildlife
- Seasonal natural history
Farm Tours & Agricultural Workshops
Learn about our sustainable farming practices:
- Vegetable production from seed to harvest
- Animal husbandry and livestock care
- Composting and soil health
- Farm-to-table food systems
Maple Sugaring Experience
Available March-April only
Visit our sugarhouse during sugaring season:
- See sap collection and evaporation process
- Learn about maple syrup production
- Taste fresh syrup (if timing allows)
- Understand Vermont's sugaring tradition
Seasonal Farm Work
Participate in actual farm tasks:
- Vegetable harvesting (summer/fall)
- Planting and weeding (spring/summer)
- Animal feeding and care (year-round)
- Garden preparation (spring/fall)
Forest Ecology Workshop
Deeper dive into Vermont's woodland ecosystems:
- Forest succession and tree communities
- Wildlife habitat and biodiversity
- Forest management and stewardship
- Climate change impacts on forests
Build Cohesion Through Shared Challenge
Wood Splitting Workshop
Learn proper technique for splitting firewood:
- Instruction on safe axe and maul use
- Hands-on practice under supervision
- Team challenge to split a cord of wood
- Conversation about self-reliance and manual labor
Trail Work Project
Contribute to campus stewardship:
- Clear brush from trail sections
- Build or repair water bars and drainage
- Improve trail markers or signage
- Understand forest trail maintenance
Fire Building & Outdoor Skills
Learn essential outdoor competencies:
- How to build and maintain a safe fire
- Knot-tying for practical applications
- Basic orienteering and map reading
- Leave No Trace principles
Team Challenge Course
Facilitated team-building activities:
- Communication and problem-solving challenges
- Trust-building exercises
- Collaborative group coordination tasks
- Debrief and reflection on team dynamics
Hands-On Art and Craft
Basket-Making Workshop
Create a functional basket using traditional techniques:
- Introduction to basket materials and forms
- Hands-on instruction from experienced instructor
- Each participant completes a small basket
- Discussion of craft traditions
Natural Dyes & Fiber Arts
Explore plant-based dyes and textile crafts:
- Learn about natural dye sources
- Dye fabric or yarn using plants from our farm
- Basic weaving or felting techniques
- Take home your dyed materials
Plein Air Drawing & Painting
Outdoor art session with instruction:
- Drawing or painting techniques for landscapes
- Work on Library Hill or Garden Hill
- Materials provided (basic supplies)
- Guidance from art instructor
Nature Journaling
Combine writing, drawing, and observation:
- Journal-making or use provided journals
- Guided observation exercises
- Field sketching and nature notes
- Reflection and sharing (optional)
Food Systems & Farm-to-Table Discussion
Educational session with our kitchen team and farmers:
- How we source and prepare food
- Sustainable agriculture and food systems
- Seasonal eating and menu planning
- Q&A about running a farm-to-table kitchen
Example Weekend Itineraries
These sample schedules show how groups might combine their own agenda with optional programming. Every schedule is customizable.
3-Day Outdoor Ed Trip
- 2:00 PM: Arrival, campus orientation, room assignments
- 3:30 PM: Guided nature walk (optional program)
- 5:30 PM: Dinner
- 7:00 PM: Student-led evening program
- 8:30 PM: Bonfire
- 9:30 PM: Dorms
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Farm tour and seasonal farm work (optional program)
- 11:00 AM: Student reflection time and journaling
- 12:30 PM: Lunch
- 1:30 PM: Free choice: hiking, farm exploration, or art studio
- 4:00 PM: Group discussion in library
- 6:00 PM: Dinner
- 7:30 PM: Nature journaling workshop (optional program)
- 9:00 PM: Campfire and stargazing
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Trail cleanup service project (led by teachers)
- 10:30 AM: Closing circle and reflection
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:30 PM: Departure
- 2:00 PM: Arrival, campus orientation, room assignments
- 3:30 PM: Guided nature walk (optional program)
- 5:30 PM: Dinner
- 7:00 PM: Student-led evening program
- 8:30 PM: Bonfire
- 9:30 PM: Dorms
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Farm tour and seasonal farm work (optional program)
- 11:00 AM: Student reflection time and journaling
- 12:30 PM: Lunch
- 1:30 PM: Free choice: hiking, farm exploration, or art studio
- 4:00 PM: Group discussion in library
- 6:00 PM: Dinner
- 7:30 PM: Nature journaling workshop (optional program)
- 9:00 PM: Campfire and stargazing
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Trail cleanup service project (led by teachers)
- 10:30 AM: Closing circle and reflection
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:30 PM: Departure
2-Day Leadership Offsite
- 3:00 PM: Arrival and campus tour
- 4:00 PM: Optional Program
- 6:00 PM: Welcome dinner
- 7:30 PM: Leadership team presents strategy framework (self-facilitated)
- 9:00 PM: Informal gathering
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast
- 8:30 AM: Optional Program
- 9:30 AM: Strategic planning session 1 (self-facilitated in library)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM: Walking meetings on trails (self-organized)
- 3:00 PM: Strategic planning session 2 with breakout groups (self-facilitated)
- 6:00 PM: Dinner
- 7:30 PM: Evening session: synthesis and next steps (self-facilitated)
- 9:00 PM: Bonfire
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Final planning session (self-facilitated)
- 10:30 AM: Optional Program
- 11:30 AM: Closing reflections
- 12:30 PM: Lunch
- 2:00 PM: Departure
- 3:00 PM: Arrival and campus tour
- 4:00 PM: Optional Program
- 6:00 PM: Welcome dinner
- 7:30 PM: Leadership team presents strategy framework (self-facilitated)
- 9:00 PM: Informal gathering
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast
- 8:30 AM: Optional Program
- 9:30 AM: Strategic planning session 1 (self-facilitated in library)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM: Walking meetings on trails (self-organized)
- 3:00 PM: Strategic planning session 2 with breakout groups (self-facilitated)
- 6:00 PM: Dinner
- 7:30 PM: Evening session: synthesis and next steps (self-facilitated)
- 9:00 PM: Bonfire
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Final planning session (self-facilitated)
- 10:30 AM: Optional Program
- 11:30 AM: Closing reflections
- 12:30 PM: Lunch
- 2:00 PM: Departure
3-Day Multi-Generational Gathering
- 2:00 PM: Families arrive, room assignments
- 4:00 PM: Farm tour for kids and interested adults (optional program)
- 6:00 PM: First family dinner together
- 7:30 PM: Campfire with s'mores
- Evening: Free time in dorms
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:30 AM: Basket-making workshop (optional program for adults while kids explore farm)
- 11:00 AM: Free time: some families hike, some explore, some rest
- 12:30 PM: Lunch
- 2:00 PM: Family Olympics on Library Hill (self-organized)
- 5:00 PM: Free time before dinner
- 6:30 PM: Dinner
- 8:00 PM: Family talent show in the library (self-organized)
- 9:30 PM: Adult gathering, kids' campfire
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:30 AM: Family meeting and storytelling (self-organized)
- 11:00 AM: Group photo on Library Hill
- 12:00 PM: Farewell brunch
- 1:30 PM: Departures begin
- 2:00 PM: Families arrive, room assignments
- 4:00 PM: Farm tour for kids and interested adults (optional program)
- 6:00 PM: First family dinner together
- 7:30 PM: Campfire with s'mores
- Evening: Free time in dorms
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:30 AM: Basket-making workshop (optional program for adults while kids explore farm)
- 11:00 AM: Free time: some families hike, some explore, some rest
- 12:30 PM: Lunch
- 2:00 PM: Family Olympics on Library Hill (self-organized)
- 5:00 PM: Free time before dinner
- 6:30 PM: Dinner
- 8:00 PM: Family talent show in the library (self-organized)
- 9:30 PM: Adult gathering, kids' campfire
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:30 AM: Family meeting and storytelling (self-organized)
- 11:00 AM: Group photo on Library Hill
- 12:00 PM: Farewell brunch
- 1:30 PM: Departures begin
How to Add Programming to Your Rental
During Planning Phase:
Discuss potential programming with your rental coordinator when you book. We'll help you:
Identify which programs fit your goals
Determine appropriate timing within your schedule
Confirm instructor availability for your dates Understand total costs
| Flexibility: | Most programming can be booked in advance or added closer to your arrival date (subject to instructor availability). Some seasonal programs (like maple sugaring, specific farm work) must be booked in advance. |
Customization:
We can often adapt programming to your specific needs:
Adjust duration
Combine elements from different programs
Create age-appropriate versions
Focus on particular interests or goal
| Cancellation: |
Optional programming can be cancelled up to 2 weeks before your arrival without penalty. Cancellations within 2 weeks are charged 50% of the program fee. |
What Groups Can Do Independently
These activities are available to all groups at no additional cost:
Hiking & Trail Exploration
Miles of maintained trails
Trail maps provided
Self-guided at your own pace
Bonfire
Fire setup provided
Your group manages the fire
Farm Visits
Visit animals, orchards, and vegetable gardens
Observe farm operations
Art Studio
Basic art supplies available
Creative project space
Porch Sitting & Contemplation
Multiple Porches with mountain views
Rocking chairs & benches
Outdoor Games & Activities
Library Hill for lawn games
Basic sports equipment provided
Library & Reading
Books for browsing
Quiet space for reading or reflection
Design Your Experience
Combine our facilities, your agenda, and optional programming to create exactly the experience your group needs.
Ready to discuss pricing and availability?
Ready to Plan Your Stay?
Explore pricing, accommodations, and availability for educational groups, corporate retreats, and family gatherings at the Mountain School.
Contact
(802) 685-4520
151 Mountain School Road
Vershire, Vermont 05079
Typical response time: within 1-2 business days