Shrub Oak students and staff celebrated the start of the fall season with our first apple picking trip of the year at Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm in Yorktown Heights, a favorite local destination known for its rolling fields, crisp apples, and welcoming atmosphere. The visit gave our students the chance to experience a favorite autumn tradition while engaging in meaningful hands-on learning opportunities.
As soon as we arrived, excitement was in the air. Students eagerly grabbed their bags and headed into the orchard, surrounded by rows of apple trees heavy with bright red and green fruit. The cool fall breeze and warm sunshine made the perfect backdrop for exploring. Many students delighted in reaching high up into the branches to find the best apples, while others carefully searched the lower branches for fruit that was ready to be picked. Some discovered apples larger than their hands, while others chose smaller varieties perfect for snacking.
The orchard provided more than just apples—it gave our students a chance to practice communication, social interaction, and teamwork. Friends compared their finds, shared strategies on which trees had the juiciest apples, and helped one another fill their bags. Staff joined in on the fun, encouraging students to use the outing as a chance to work on decision-making and independence. For many of our students, the trip also connected to the lessons they have been learning in the classroom about agriculture, nutrition, and healthy eating.
Apple picking also sparked creativity and imagination. Students and staff are now discussing seasonal recipes to try with their harvest, from apple pies and crisps to fresh applesauce and cooking and baking projects back at school, linking the day’s outing to Shrub Oak’s culinary and life skills programs. Every apple picked became more than just a piece of fruit—it was part of a larger journey toward learning, growth, and independence.
Beyond the orchard, the atmosphere at Wilkens Farm made the day extra special. Students enjoyed walking along the paths, taking in the views of the Hudson Valley countryside, and enjoying our sudden, cooler weather. The experience gave them the chance to connect with nature in a way that was both calming and engaging. For many, simply being outside, enjoying the sights and sounds of the season, was as rewarding as filling their bags with apples.
As the bags grew heavier and the day went on, laughter echoed through the fields. Students posed for photos with their friends, proudly showing off their harvest. Some took time to relax and enjoy an apple right in the orchard, savoring the fresh, sweet taste that comes straight from the tree. The joy on their faces reflected how much the trip meant—not just as a seasonal tradition, but as a memory that will stay with them.
Our first apple picking trip of the season was a true success, bringing together community, learning, and the simple joys of autumn. We returned to campus with bags full of apples, hearts full of laughter, and plenty of ideas for how to use our harvest in the weeks to come. It was the perfect way to welcome fall at Shrub Oak International School.
