This very special and far reaching organization offers a wealth of outdoor and farm-related experiences for individuals, families, and groups throughout the year. 

Green Chimneys is a lot of things to a lot of people. To a kid in trouble it's a residential school offering the therapeutic environment of a real farm and a professional, caring staff that teaches life-skills and disciplines. To the family it's a great place to visit, to tour a farm, get away for a day. It's a summer camp. It's a year full of exciting events that are both educational and fun.

The Hillside Outdoor Education Center offers a full range of Educational Programs for School Groups. Emphasis is on adventure programs such as rock climbing, caving, canoeing, climbing tower, high & low ropes. 

Other programs are available in orienteering, archaeology, ecosystems, maple sugaring, and much more. Programs are adaptable for just about all ages groups and can be designed to last from a couple of hours to a week.

For the younger set a 2-hour Tour of the farm includes a pony ride, hay ride, and over 150 animals, some rare. Special Tours include the Wildlife Appreciation Tour (grades 2 - 4); Native American Heritage Tour (grades 1 - 4); Minor Breeds Program (grades 3 - 5); and the Agricultural Literacy Program (grades 2 - 5). All that Green Chimneys has to offer can scarcely be touched upon in this brief passage. It is safe to say that if your group or organization is interested in just about anything, Green Chimneys has something for you. 

A Farm Tour is great for adults, too, and individuals and families may take a self-guided tour on weekends. Bring a camera.

Other activities include horseback riding, swimming, sports, gardening, animal care, wilderness pursuits, visual arts, adventure, and farm science. All programs are very reasonably priced, and tax deductible donations are put to very good use, making this world a better place for everyone.

In addition to the main branch in Putnam, off-site locations will be found in Fairfield County, Ct., Westchester County, and New York City.

---

Admission: By voluntary donation for individuals. School and other organization Programs vary widely according to program type, length, number of students, etc. Call for details.

Group Reservations: At least 12 weeks in advance.

Lunch: Many options available. Call with your needs.

Handicapped: Accessible.

Directions: I-87 North to I 287 East to I-684 North. Proceed north to end, where 684 becomes Rt. 22. Road becomes two lanes at this point.  Follow Rt. 22 North to fifth traffic light.  Turn right onto Doansburg Road.  Go 2½ miles to Green Chimneys.  Park in Lot #2 on left. 

Time: 90 minutes north of the George Washington Bridge.

Nearby: Southeast Museum (914) 279 7500.