Date
December 27, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Starts 4:00 PM · Ends 10:30 AM
Location
The Y at Watson Woods
Painted Post, NY
ECRS Winter Adventure is a creative and joyous alternative holiday experience. There's nothing tedious or tiresome here — young and old are thoroughly engaged in four days filled with a diverse array of classes.
Each evening, we gather together as a group to enjoy a mix of activities for all ages: games, dancing, informal dramatics, sing-alongs and making music together, and good conversation. After an evening snack, there are a variety of "late-night activities." Not a fan of typical New Year's Eve parties? Celebrate the uniquely ECRS way, with enough warmth, light, and fun to last through next year.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are buffet-style, with everyone eating together in groups at large round tables. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.
Tuition
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ages 18 and up | $110 |
| Ages 0–17 Tuition is waived for children and teens. | Free |
Room & Board
Main Lodge
Dorm-style rooms with twin or bunk beds, and shared bath; guests must bring sheets and towels. Ages 0–5 are free, ages 6–12 are "Child," and ages 13+ are "Adult."
| Occupancy | Per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 per room — Adult | $430 |
| 2 per room — Child | $375 |
| 3 per room — Adult | $380 |
| 3 per room — Child | $325 |
| 4 per room — Adult | $355 |
| 4 per room — Child | $305 |
Hillside
A short walk up a hill from Main Lodge. A limited number of rooms with shared baths in this two-story house; guests must bring sheets and towels. Single occupancy is restricted to age 18 and above.
| Occupancy | Per Person |
|---|---|
| Single — Adult | $575 |
West Wing
Attached to Main Lodge. Hotel-style rooms with two double beds, private bath, and carpeting; all linens (blankets, sheets, towels, and pillows) are supplied.
| Occupancy | Per Person |
|---|---|
| Single — Adult | $820 |
| 2 per room — Adult | $560 |
| 2 per room — Child | $495 |
| 3 per room — Adult | $470 |
| 3 per room — Child | $410 |
| 4 per room — Adult | $430 |
| 4 per room — Child | $370 |
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, from dinner on December 27 through breakfast on January 1.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available (specify when you register). Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are available all day, with a snack served after Evening Program.
Schedule
Morning, first period
- International Folk Dance — Ages 12+ All 4 days
Come connect with cultures from around the world through dance. Whether fast or slow, in circles or in lines, serene, joyful, or anything in between, every dance can move us in body, mind, and spirit. Great music, great exercise, great fun, great community! No partner necessary, and absolutely no need to do them "right"!
- Leadership Playground — Ages 15+ All 4 days Limited capacity
Welcome experienced and aspiring leaders! We'll unpack ECRS's magic and emerge with insights, ideas, sharpened skills, and greater self-awareness. You are encouraged to propose — in advance — an activity (game, dance, song, craft, or discussion) you'd like to lead. Come to play, lead, reflect, learn, and to become an integral part of ECRS's future.
Class size is limited. Please register in advance. We will keep a wait list once we have reached capacity.
- Chair Yoga — Ages 12+ Days 1–2
Stretch your body, relax and feel renewed with Chair Yoga. Yoga poses and exercises done in a chair or standing next to a chair. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle.
- Breathe and Be — Ages 12+ Days 3–4
A gentle introduction to mindfulness through breath, easy movement, and self-compassion. You'll explore simple practices to slow down, reconnect, and manage stress. The final session closes with a calming sound bath. No experience is needed — come as you are.
- Children's Program/Preschool — assisted by and All 4 days
Why should the grown-ups have all the fun? ECRS offers a completely integrated program for children ages 2–11 during two class periods. Children may learn new games, create new crafts, sing silly songs, or even get the chance to share activities they have fun doing at home. Depending on age and interest, they may take a field trip to experience the more kid-friendly adult classes! Children's Program is first and third periods only; a cooperatively-led Children's Program staffed by parents and volunteers runs second period.
Children are expected to stay for the entire program, and are the responsibility of their guardians at all other times.
Morning, second period
- Sketch 101: From Blank Page to Big Laughs — Ages 12+ All 4 days
Turn your everyday observations into laugh-out-loud sketches! Learn the fundamentals of sketch comedy writing through a proven step-by-step process. We'll work in small groups to craft original three-minute scenes from the funny moments hiding in your daily life. No experience required — just bring your sense of humor and willingness to play.
- Sacred Circle Dances — Ages 12+ Days 1–2
Circle Dancing is a folk art danced together around a central focus point. These tend to be simpler dances held for a longer period of time, encouraging each of us to sink into the rhythmic movement. Open to all levels of experience and fitness.
- Games! — assisted by Ages 12+ Days 1–2
Lots of games! Some new, some old, some active, some quiet, lots of laughter, ALL FUN! For all ages and abilities, with leadership strategies to bring the ECRS spirit into your everyday groups.
- Crafts: Deck the Halls — Ages 12+ Days 1–2 Limited capacity
Join the merriment as we create décor for our New Year's Eve celebration. Follow preplanned designs or bring your festive imagination to make a winter wonderland for a peace- and wonder-full New Year.
Class size is limited. Please register in advance. We will keep a wait list once we have reached capacity.
- Empathy Games — Ages 12+ Days 3–4
In this interactive workshop, we'll use empathy games to explore interpersonal connection and support. Each activity builds toward deeper connection and a shared understanding of the meaning of interdependence. Come curious, leave connected.
- Joy of Movement: Moving to Heal — Days 3–4
Let's dance and stretch your body's way. Music and dance will be fun, playful, and healing. All levels invited — you'll be encouraged to modify to your body's needs. All ages welcome.
- Cooperative Children's Program/Preschool All 4 days
Group activities organized and staffed by parents and volunteers. We will create a sign-up sheet and there will be a room designated with some materials to share.
Afternoon
- Relax with Board and Word Games — Ages 12+ Days 1–2
Enjoy relaxing with friends over new or old games. Play an old favorite, or learn a new game. Bring your own to share!
- Small Scenes — Ages 12+ Days 1–2 Limited capacity
Using scripts (no memorizing required!) we'll rehearse, perform, and discuss a collection of scenes. Comedy, drama, we have it all. Explore, discover, and create!
Class size is limited. Please register in advance. We will keep a wait list once we have reached capacity.
- Hat Game — and Ages 12+ Days 1–2 Limited capacity
Equal parts ice-breaker, improv lab, and rapid-fire creativity workshop. Every participant writes a brief activity prompt and drops it into a hat — then we bring them to life.
Class size is limited. Please register in advance. We will keep a wait list once we have reached capacity.
- Improv Games — Ages 12+ Days 3–4
Are you ready? No? Perfect! Come make it up as you go. We'll learn a little, play a lot, and laugh too much. No experience needed.
- Explore Your Encore — Ages 50+ Days 3–4
Explore your post-career ideas for life with others. Geared to anyone age 50 and older. Leave with new ideas, insights, and an action plan.
- Rock Opera Build — and Ages 12+ Days 3–4 Limited capacity
A mini-lab guiding participants through the creative arc of producing an original rock opera — from seed idea to song building. No prior music theory required.
Class size is limited. Please register in advance. We will keep a wait list once we have reached capacity.
- Children's Program — assisted by and All 4 days
Why should the grown-ups have all the fun? ECRS offers a completely integrated program for children ages 2–11 during two class periods. Children may learn new games, create new crafts, sing silly songs, and more.
New to ECRS? Is this your first multi-day ECRS event? Newcomers get free tuition!
Financial assistance: We ask that you consider a donation to help keep costs from rising and to support those who need financial assistance due to hardship.
Policies
Cancellation
Refund cutoff: December 1, 2025
Cancellations before the refund cutoff receive a refund of Room & Board fees; tuition is non-refundable. Cancellations after the cutoff are not eligible for a refund, since ECRS has already committed to Watson Homestead based on final attendance numbers — except for a communicable illness (such as COVID-19, flu, or other contagious conditions), which qualifies for a 50% refund of the total registration. Please contact us as soon as possible if this situation arises.
Health
During the week before Winter Adventure, please mask when in crowded indoor spaces and monitor your health. If you are sick, we ask that you not come.
Event Staff
- Staff Coordinator:
- Business Manager:
- Assistant Business Manager:
- Programs for All Co-Coordinator:
- Tech/AV Support:
Patricia Williams
Folk Dance Instructor
Patricia has taught International Folk Dancing (IFD) at ECRS for many years, bringing dances from around the world to our community. Throughout the year she leads IFD and Scottish country dancing at community events, music and dance workshops, leadership development courses, fundraisers, and private celebrations. She is known for a warm and welcoming manner and a deep appreciation for the cultural nuances of dances. From novice to expert dancers, people find her instructions simple and clear, her enthusiasm infectious!
View full profile →Kim Neubauer
Leadership Theory
Kim is an award-winning Learning and Development Consultant with expertise in leadership development and career transition. She has supported US Department of State diplomats, USAID development professionals, graduate business students, and Fortune 500 company employees with coaching, workshop facilitation, resume writing and interview preparation.
Kim is a folk dancer, dance musician and a popular guest leader for two Israeli dancing groups.
As a child, Kim enjoyed collecting frogs/tadpoles while absorbing ECRS values, theory and practices well enough to be invited onto the staff by age 18. She has since served on the Board as well as designed and facilitated the first ECRS leadership retreat. She has coordinated Evening Sings, and led singing, games and international folk dances. She has mentored multiple ECRS leaders and has offered a variety of leadership classes.
Judi Powers
Movement
Judi has been a member of the ECRS family for over 10 years. She has her blue belt in NIA and is a certified instructor for Moving to Heal. She loves teaching joy of movement, moving your body's way. Dancing is an experience that can be so uplifting and healing on many levels; in a group it's just infectious! She lives in the Adirondack Mountains where she enjoys her many outdoor passions from skiing to gardening. She is a licensed Adirondack guide in hiking, camping and whitewater. She is part of the local theater group of dancing witches. Hope you come join me and share some smiles!
View full profile →Allie Cliffe
Improv and Sketch Comedy
While Allie's education and work background is in astrophysics and biomedical science writing, her true passion lies in writing and performing outside her comfort zone - the comedic arts. A self-proclaimed creative trapped in a scientist's body, Allie is in a local sketch comedy group up in Portland, Maine and has graced the stages of the Portland Fringe Festival, the Portland Maine Comedy Festival, and recently tickled funny bones at a Halloween show at Three of Strong Distillery. Join her for "Sketch Comedy Bootcamp - From Saturday Night Live to YOUR Life" and discover how to unleash your inner comedian, no matter your background!
View full profile →Sharon Underberg
Folk Dancing
Sharon Underberg believes in the power of play and its importance for adults as well as children; her membership in ECRS since the age of 16 is a large foundation of this belief. As a pediatric radiologist, she combines state of the art high tech imaging with being able to sing all the verses of "The Wheels on the Bus," motions included. Her passions include live action role play, singing and acting. Sharon teaches folk dance workshops (ask her about teaching dance in Sweden and Finland) and works as a coordinator at ECRS events.
View full profile →Kay Gering
Crafts
Kay first attended ECRS with her family when she was 16. In her 20s she was offered a position as Children's Program Leader where she loved trying to engage the kids with a wide variety of activities. But creating art has always been her passion. So it was inevitable that she find her way to leading Craft classes. Now she is ever on the hunt for new art and craft projects to bring to the welcoming and creative ECRS community.
View full profile →Isaac Lebwohl-Steiner
Improv and Drama
Isaac has been coming to ECRS his entire life and currently serves as Board Chair. He leads improv, cooperative and theater games, Small Scenes, and other ways to play at ECRS events. He has served on various committees over the years. He invites you to join him at ECRS for the same reason he leads here: to connect with a caring community and play, just because we can.
View full profile →Heather Klemanski
Well-Being and Self-Compassion
Heather Klemanski is a well-being expert in stress management, mindfulness, and self-compassion. She empowers individuals and groups through transformations that build resilience, self-worth, and compassion. With qualifications in Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), Safe Space Facilitation, and Somatic Practices, Heather supports individuals navigating overwhelm, burnout, and emotional disconnection through a trauma-sensitive approach, gently guiding them back to balance and well-being.
With a love for creativity and play, whether it's making earrings, collaging, or weaving beauty into the everyday, Heather brings warmth, presence, and meaning into all she does. To learn more: heatherklemanski.com
Lisa Natale
Children's Program
Lisa loves to grow, create, and play. She's been fortunate to pursue these passions under the tutelage of experts: children. A grateful mom and teacher, she has spent the last nine years crafting meaningful learning opportunities for people at various points in their educational journeys, from preschool to college. In every classroom and every community she has experienced, she strives to inspire openness, curiosity, and collaboration.
View full profile →Susannah Duncan
Children's Program
Susannah is an after-school instructor at an elementary school, where she organizes themed program days for kids. She loves connecting with people of all ages through creativity and play, and has been a creative writing club leader, substitute teacher, and director of a theater workshop in which she worked with second- and third-graders to develop, write, and perform their very own plays. In her free time, she enjoys writing fantasy and sci-fi, exploring new artistic mediums, exclaiming over cool bugs in the woods, and traveling.
View full profile →Camden Elliott-Williams
Camden is a machine learning scientist with deep-rooted appreciation for creativity, empathy, and intentionality. He has accumulated playful exploration techniques from decades of practice alongside a five-time International Jugglers Championships gold medalist, a three-time American Ninja Warrior contestant, a Hugo Award winner, and even venerated ECRS teachers from the Workshop era. Whether he's directing first-time actors, teaching strategic board games, or revitalizing his workplace's new-hire welcoming program, Camden's inclusive and encouraging leadership fosters connection, safety, and growth.
View full profile →Lane Neubauer
Leadership Theory
Lane has been attending ECRS since she was 11 (over 55 years!). She has been on staff many times teaching a variety of classes including Informal Dramatics, Games, Square Dancing, Group Dynamics and Leadership. She has been Staff Coordinator as well Evening Program Coordinator multiple times. Lane served on the ECRS Board and was Chair for two years of her three year term. Professionally, Lane was Associate Dean of Students for 17 years at La Salle University. She initiated and facilitated a Peer Education program and grew this to be over 60 students. Prior to La Salle, she was Director of 'Wellness Services' at Arcadia University for 10 years and was an Adjunct Faculty member teaching Group Dynamics to Masters level teachers; in this course, she incorporated ECRS philosophy in teaching teachers how to build a positive, inclusive climate with their students. Throughout her professional career as well as after she retired, Lane has been called upon by a variety of different populations to facilitate workshops focusing on team building, conflict resolution and leadership.
View full profile →Rob Eames
Relationship Coach
Rob Eames, M.A., is a Certified Trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication and a Relationship Coach who specializes in helping people build relationships rooted in authenticity & compassion. As founder of Couples Focus and Relational Academy, Rob offers coaching and workshops that blend practical skillbuilding with experiential discovery. His approach centers on cultivating relational skills, both with ourselves and others, as the foundation for interdependence, resilience, and meaningful connection.
View full profile →Bonnie Ostrofsky
Music and Ukulele
ECRS history: member for 30 years, past Board member, and current chairperson of the Programming and Staffing committee. Enjoys the opportunity to play games, dance, sing, and play music together. Leads a monthly ukulele "jam" (play and singalong) in eastern PA.
View full profile →Josh Silverbauer
Music and Games
By day, Rachael is a creative director and Josh is a director of analytics, but they've woven creativity into every corner of their lives. Josh has written two full-length rock operas, while Rachael is in the process of publishing her own children's books. Together, they've collaborated on numerous projects, including an annual musical retelling of the Purim story. Improvisation and creative play are their love language, and they've been playing the Hat Game through every chapter of their journey together. Now as parents, they're bringing that same spirit of music, play, and imagination to their kids. They're thrilled to lead classes at ECRS this year, and can't wait to stretch your creative limits right alongside them.
View full profile →Rachael Silverbauer
Music and Games
By day, Rachael is a creative director and Josh is a director of analytics, but they've woven creativity into every corner of their lives. Josh has written two full-length rock operas, while Rachael is in the process of publishing her own children's books. Together, they've collaborated on numerous projects, including an annual musical retelling of the Purim story. Improvisation and creative play are their love language, and they've been playing the Hat Game through every chapter of their journey together. Now as parents, they're bringing that same spirit of music, play, and imagination to their kids. They're thrilled to lead classes at ECRS this year, and can't wait to stretch your creative limits right alongside them.
View full profile →Reed Dewey
Transition Coaching
Reed Dewey is a transition coach with What's Next Coaching. He supports clients who want to explore and plan for the life they want, and dream of having, especially in later life. Reed holds numerous coaching certifications and received his coach training from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (accredited through the International Coach Federation). Prior to his encore career, Reed was a senior leader at numerous local and national nonprofits. He ran the Montgomery County Volunteer Center where he supported thousands of volunteers and hundreds of nonprofit agencies. Visit Reed Dewey's website at www.whats-next.org.
View full profile →Karen Wisnia
Staff Coordinator
Karen has been attending ECRS events since she first came as a sophomore in college (Spring 1979). She loved it so much she's hardly missed an event since. Karen was Treasurer on the ECRS Board of Directors in the 1980s and Board Co-Chair in the 1990s. She was Chair of the Weekend Planning Committee starting in 1986 until it morphed into the Programming and Staffing Committee in 2020, and continued to Co-Chair until 2022. Karen's staff roles at Winter Adventure include Staff Coordinator, Assistant Business Manager, and Class Co-Leader. At weekend events, Karen has held roles such as Co-Coordinator, Class Leader, Registrar, Assistant Registrar, and various scholarship positions. Karen has most recently been Co-Coordinator at several one-day ECRS events in Philadelphia.
View full profile →Gabriella Frisone
Business Manager
Gabby has been involved with ECRS since she started coming with her family as a teenager, and she's been hooked ever since. In the past, she has served on the Board and served as Board Chair. She is currently involved in the Programming and Staffing Committee and the One Day Committee.
View full profile →Zsuzsi Nagy
Assistant Business Manager
Zsuzsi has been coming to ECRS since childhood with her family. Following a hiatus during college in Hungary, she returned to ECRS now with her son Daniel, wanting him to also experience the shared joy, freedom, love and community. She has served on the Board and has filled various staff roles at ECRS events. Zsuzsi works as a mental health clinician at a university, in an emergency room and teaches at a Hungarian Saturday school. Biking, hiking, and discovering new things are her joys.
View full profile →Hugh Abrams-Helde
Programs for All Co-Coordinator
Hugh has been attending ECRS since attending a weekend in 1994 at the tender age of 15 months. He has served in several supporting roles since 2014 (Assistant Registrar, IT support, and most recently on the Programming and Staffing committee) and is excited to be taking on a program leadership role for the first time as Evening Program Co-coordinator.
View full profile →Tom Helde
Tech/AV Support
Tom provides sound and other A/V support at Winter Adventure. Outside ECRS, Tom volunteers for his church as a video producer on live-streamed services and is their lighting designer/operator for special events. Before raising his kids, Tom volunteered as a sound operator for dances, concerts, and festivals in the DC area folk music community, and worked on lighting in college and community theater.
View full profile →