THE AWOSTING CLUB
A private wilderness Reserve dedicated to preserving the natural and scenic resources of the Shawangunk Ridge while continuing its half century commitment to its conservation and education based community.
ABOUT
For over half a century, the Awosting Club has partnered with countless educational and environmental outdoor leadership organizations, along with members and friends alike, on its' private wilderness Reserve. Come as a school, club or organization to immerse your students and members in nature based learning experiences, or come as a trial member to stay, hike and be transformed by nature. Choose from luxurious tents to more modern geodesic domes all situated in and on improved historic Girl Scout camping platforms. The Okawega Lodge has long been available upon request for larger families and groups. Join our private community and escape to the woods.
MEMBERSHIPS
To experience the Club, you may either be referred by a Member, or book a stay as a trial member introducing what the Club has to offer.
Memberships are limited as are our accommodations.
Education / partnerships
Educating younger generations with nature as the lead teacher is at the heart of the Awosting Club. It has been shown that children that spend time in nature become better stewards of the environment and happier, healthier human beings. Furthermore, in a world inundated with technological distractions, a connection and exposure to nature increases attention spans, fuels imaginations and inspires all the senses.
Interested in learning how your School can participate? Email us at info@awostingclub.com
Outdoor classroom
A Montessori Class in the Woods
JR Ranger Program
Hundreds of kids have received badges from this unique program challenging children to become familiar with basic flora and fauna identification including habitats and care, along with conservation basics, geology, swimming, trail maintenance, simple first aid, and much more.
BOOK A STAY
Originally a Girl Scout Camp, we have updated the tents - some with modern Geodesic Domes...and others with Dome Tents. Come immerse yourself in nature and be transformed. The Lodge is also available for larger groups. BOOK A DOME BOOK A TENT Book LodgeAD-ONS
(add these at check-out)
Things to do (on and off site)
John Atwater Bradley
Club founder, land steward and waterfall chaser
History
In the mid 1950's John Atwater Bradley, then a graduate student, attended a conference in Cragsmoor, the site of a celebrated art colony not far from what is now the Awosting Reserve and The Awosting Club. The next morning at dawn, he went out for an exploratory hike and did not return until long after dark. Bradley hiked through evergreen and hardwood forests, along bubbling streams, roaring waterfalls and shimmering mountain lakes. He discovered an incredible wilderness like none he'd ever seen, populated by whitetail deer, black bear, fox, racoons, bobcat and coyote as well as a natural aviary of hawks, peregrine falcons, owls, eagles and pileated woodpeckers. That day he fell in love with the Shawangunk Ridge.
A year later he leased Ridgetop Retreat at Awosting Lake, (which still exists on the far side of the Lake) then owned by Minnewaska Hotel Company, and during the ensuing years he carefully acquired the surrounding land, naming it The Awosting Reserve. He served as its steward and custodian, limiting its use to his family, friends, Boy and Girl Scouts, Outward Bound and outdoor conservation groups while dedicating it to environmental education, children's programs and family recreation. He co-founded the Shawangunk Ridge Biodiversity Partnership and has always been working towards creating a conservation based community on the land: a community of families who understand and support the importance of preserving the unique natural and scenic resources of the Shawangunk Ridge.
Bradley and his family still live on the property, and after 50 years of sharing the property with educational organizations, schools, artists, writers, explorers, camps, family and friends, are excited to invite others to fall in love with the Shawangunk Ridge as John Bradley had over 70 years ago. Bradley's daughter, Camilla, and her husband and family are keeping the Awosting traditions alive by encouraging others to experience nature:her lessons, examples, and raw beauty while emphasizing the responsibility we have as human beings that share this earth, to tread lightly, act respectfully and teach our children through nature the importance of preserving and conserving our natural resources. The camp atmosphere at The Awosting Club is fertile ground for this mission, promoting outdoor adventures: from sleeping to eating to playing to communing with nature in all her glory.