Learning by experience is encouraged at Ashokan. The staff recognizes their responsibility in promoting this process while protecting the health and safety of the students and the natural environment of Ashokan. We encourage a positive attitude in the students at Ashokan by modeling this attitude and upholding these policies ourselves. We have created the following policies to accomplish these goals:

Conservation: Wise use of resources is encouraged in all aspects of Ashokan. We model this for the students by:

• Leaving plants and animals undisturbed in their habitat, and leaving interesting rocks and bones for rediscovery
• Composting, recycling, minimizing food waste
• Minimizing waste of supplies in craft shops
• Turning off lights as the group is done in a room
• Closing doors in winter

Student Supervision: Students are supervised during their entire stay at Ashokan.

Alcohol/Smoking: We ask our staff to follow these guidelines established for all people visiting the Ashokan Center:

Alcoholic beverages are NOT PERMITTED on/in the Ashokan Center Outdoor Education and Retreat Property/ Facilities at any time. The chaperones with the residential program are expected to be alcohol free for the duration of their stay here.

Smoking is allowed in the Designated Smoking Area ONLY and is not allowed in any building, in the woods, or in the presence of students or of anyone who objects.

Safety is of utmost concern to us in every season at Ashokan Center, and we enforce several rules to maintain the highest level of safety, whether hiking in the Cathedral Gorge, walking on the Wiggly Bridge, on any other hikes and trails available, and in all craft shops. Trails and certain activities may be closed during any season depending on weather, erosion, or other hazardous conditions. Swimming and wading are not allowed at any time during the education program.

Appropriate Clothing

Students must be prepared with the proper gear before every activity and free time. Those without the proper attire will not go on the activity with the group and will remain with the teachers. This means:

• Long pants, long sleeves and socks must be worn by everyone in the craft shops. They must be non- synthetic material (no nylon, fleece, lycra, etc.) 50/50% cotton/polyester is acceptable, but 100% cotton is the best. WATERPROOF boots must be worn when the weather is wet or cold (below 35 degrees F).
• WATERPROOF raincoats, boots and hats must be worn when it is raining. Raincoats should be carried in threatening weather. Nylon windbreakers or "water resistant" gear is not acceptable.
• Hats must be carried in cold weather (40 degrees F or below) and must be worn by everyone when it is below 32 degrees F. This includes traveling between the bunkhouse and the recreation hall. A limited supply of extra hats, mittens, raincoats, and boots are available.
• Students may not wear sandals (or any footwear with toes exposed) outside of the bunkhouse.
• Clothing that is inappropriate at school is not acceptable at Ashokan.

Animals - Barnyard and Wild: We encourage the study and appreciation of all living things by observing them from a respectful distance (children require supervision) in their natural environment without disturbing or harming them. Animals are not to be chased, harassed, picked up or removed from Ashokan without permission of the Director.

Camp Vehicles: Only designated Ashokan staff members are permitted to drive camp vehicles. Schools should provide a vehicle for transportation of students (emergency or otherwise) during their stay.

Private Vehicles: Parking space is available at Tongore Lodge for the vehicle that represents the school. Additional cars should be parked in the upper parking lot.

Phones: A pay phone is provided in Tongore Lodge for private calls. If necessary, business calls may be made from the Ashokan office. Unless a calling card is used, these calls will be charged to the school.

Guests: Representatives from your schools are welcome to visit Ashokan. Private guests are welcome if given your school's approval. In both cases guests should be introduced to the administrative staff at Ashokan. Schools will be billed accordingly for any meals eaten by these guests.

Lost & Found: There is a "Lost and Found" box in the Recreation Hall. Any items of value should be given to the Ashokan Staff for display at mealtime. Before the students have left the Recreation Hall on your last day at Ashokan, the lost & found the items will be displayed to be claimed. All unclaimed items will be placed in a plastic bag and labeled with the date. Items not claimed within thirty days will be given to a charitable organization.