Winter Adventure 2025
What is Winter Adventure 2025?
A New Way to Connect
ECRS Winter Adventure offers a creative and joyous alternative holiday experience with diverse classes engaging participants of all ages across four days. Sample from a smorgasbord of 2- and 4-day classes spanning dance, games, sketching, theater, crafts, mindfulness, and more.
Community & Evening Gatherings
Evening gatherings feature mixed-age activities including games, dancing, informal dramatics, sing-alongs, and conversation. Late-night activities follow evening snacks. Celebrate New Year's Eve in a uniquely ECRS way!
Delicious Buffet Dining
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are buffet-style at large round tables, promoting connection among participants. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon registration.
Unscheduled Time
Between classes, enjoy board games, puzzles, fireplace relaxation, naps, walks, or local exploration. Winter activities like sledding and hiking are available, plus easy access to the Corning Museum of Glass.
The Y at Watson Woods
Located on 600 acres near Corning, NY, The Y at Watson Woods conference center offers ideal positioning for winter activities and local attractions including the Corning Museum of Glass. The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Phone: 607-962-0541
Accommodation Options
Ages 0-5 receive free room and board. Ages 6-12 are classified as 'Child' for pricing. Ages 13+ are classified as 'Adult' for pricing.
Main Lodge
Shared rooms in the main conference building
| Occupancy | Adult (13+) | Child (6-12) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 per room | $430 | $375 |
| 3 per room | $380 | $325 |
| 4 per room | $355 | $305 |
West Wing
Premium shared and private rooms
| Occupancy | Adult (13+) | Child (6-12) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $820 | — |
| 2 per room | $560 | $495 |
| 3 per room | $470 | $410 |
| 4 per room | $430 | $370 |
Hillside
Single occupancy rooms
| Occupancy | Adult (13+) |
|---|---|
| Single | $575 |
Daily Schedule
Check-in: 3:30 PM on December 27
Check-out: After breakfast and closing program on January 1
Schedule applies to December 28–31. Class registration occurs after event enrollment.
Class Descriptions
Morning First Period (9:00–10:40 AM)
International Folk Dance
Leader:
Days: All 4 days
Ages: 12+
Come connect with cultures from around the world through dance. No partner needed.
Leadership Playground
Leader:
Days: All 4 days
Ages: 15+
Participants are encouraged to propose activities to lead.
Limited class size; advance registration required.
Chair Yoga
Leader:
Days: Days 1-2
Ages: 12+
Stretch your body, relax and feel renewed with Chair Yoga.
Breathe and Be
Leader:
Days: Days 3-4
Ages: 12+
Gentle mindfulness introduction with breath work, movement, and sound bath finale.
Children's Program
Leader:
Days: All 4 days (1st & 3rd periods)
Ages: 2-11
Engaging activities for our youngest participants.
Children remain under guardian supervision outside program hours.
Morning Second Period (10:50 AM–12:30 PM)
Sketch 101: From Blank Page to Big Laughs
Leader:
Days: All 4 days
Ages: 12+
Learn sketch comedy writing fundamentals through a step-by-step process; create original scenes.
Sacred Circle Dances
Leader:
Days: Days 1-2
Ages: 12+
Circle Dancing is a folk art encouraging relaxation through rhythmic movement.
Games!
Leader:
Days: Days 1-2
Ages: 12+
A mix of active and quiet games emphasizing inclusion philosophy.
Crafts: Deck the Halls
Leader:
Days: Days 1-2
Ages: 12+
Create festive decorations and crafts.
Limited size; advance registration required.
Empathy Games
Leader:
Days: Days 3-4
Ages: 12+
Interactive workshops exploring interpersonal connection through play.
Joy of Movement: Moving to Heal
Leader:
Days: Days 3-4
Ages: All ages
Playful, healing music and dance emphasizing body modifications.
Afternoon (3:45–5:45 PM)
Relax with Board & Word Games
Leader:
Days: Days 1-2
Ages: 12+
Games including Bananagrams, Scrabble, Boggle, and others.
Small Scenes
Leader:
Days: Days 1-2
Ages: 12+
Create and perform short theatrical scenes.
Limited size; advance registration required.
Hat Game
Leader:
Days: Days 1-2
Ages: 12+
A hilarious party game of quick thinking and creativity.
Limited size; advance registration required.
Improv Games
Leader:
Days: Days 3-4
Ages: 12+
Improvisational theater games welcoming all experience levels. No prior theater experience needed.
Explore Your Encore
Leader:
Days: Days 3-4
Ages: 50+
Explore post-career life transitions with presentations, discussions, and planning tools.
Rock Opera Build
Leader:
Days: Days 3-4
Ages: 12+
Collaboratively create and perform an original rock opera.
Limited size; advance registration required.
Children's Program
Leader:
Days: All 4 days
Ages: 2-11
Engaging activities for our youngest participants.
Costs
Tuition
- Tuition is waived for ages 0-17
- First-time attendees receive free tuition
Registration Deadlines
- December 3, 2025: Early-bird registration deadline (avoid $50 adult/$25 child late fee)
- December 20, 2025: Final registration deadline
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing for activities and relaxation
- Layers for varying indoor/outdoor temperatures
- Outdoor gear for winter activities (sledding, hiking)
- Any special dietary items if needed
- Musical instruments if you’d like to join in!
Local Attractions
During free time, explore the beautiful Finger Lakes region:
- Corning Museum of Glass: World-renowned collection and live glassmaking demonstrations
- Winter Activities: Sledding hills, hiking trails, and beautiful winter scenery on 600 acres
- Downtown Corning: Shops, restaurants, and the historic Gaffer District
Contact Us
For questions about registration, accommodations, or the event, contact us at registration@ecrs.org or call The Y at Watson Woods at 607-962-0541.
Policies
Communicable Disease Policy
Participants should mask in crowded indoor spaces during the week prior to the event and monitor their health. Attendees who are ill are requested not to attend to protect the health of our community.
Refund Policy
Before December 1: Room & board is refunded; tuition is non-refundable. After December 1: No refunds, except for communicable illness (50% refund of total registration).
Ready to Join Us?
Register for Winter Adventure 2025 today!
Questions? Email us at registration@ecrs.org or call 607-962-0541