Students and staff recently took a trip to Veterans’ Memorial Park in Putnam County, and it was one of those perfect summer days that reminds us just how lucky we are to be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. Shrub Oak students spent the day swimming in the lake, relaxing on the beach, and soaking up the sunshine. The peacefulness of the water, the fresh air, and the wide-open space provided the perfect backdrop for a joyful day outdoors.
Veterans’ Memorial Park offers a gentle lake with designated swimming areas, soft sand, and shaded picnic spots—everything we needed for a safe and relaxing outing. Some students waded into the water slowly, enjoying the feel of the cool lake on their feet, while others eagerly splashed and swam with confidence. For students who preferred to stay on shore, the beach offered plenty of space to relax with friends, play games, or just enjoy the quiet hum of nature.
Trips like these are more than just recreational—they are opportunities for connection, confidence-building, and sensory-rich experiences that support our students’ development in ways that traditional settings often cannot. The feel of sand, the rhythm of water, and the freedom to move in an open natural space offer powerful therapeutic benefits, especially for autistic students. Days like this help build comfort with new environments and create space for spontaneous social interaction, all while promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
We are fortunate that our campus is nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, surrounded by countless parks, lakes, trails, and preserves. Veterans’ Memorial Park is just one example of the many beautiful places available to us for off-campus learning and recreation. The region’s natural landscape gives us access to year-round activities—hiking in the fall, snowshoeing in winter, gardening and farm work in spring, and beach and lake days like this one in the summer. These experiences not only enrich our students’ daily lives but also provide real-world opportunities to generalize skills in communication, self-regulation, and independence.
As always, our staff ensured the day was well-structured and supportive, with safety protocols in place and individualized accommodations for students who needed them. Throughout the day, staff and students laughed, played, and created new memories together. The trip was a reminder of how small moments—like swimming in a lake or sitting on a sunny beach with friends—can have a big impact.
Students and staff returned to campus feeling refreshed and grateful, already looking forward to the next opportunity to get outside and explore more of what our region has to offer. The Hudson Valley continues to be a gift to our school community, and we feel incredibly lucky to call this place home.
