Youth Learning Experiences
Historic Yellow Springs offers hands-on, place-based learning experiences for scouts, homeschoolers, and youth groups. Through art-making, local history, and outdoor exploration, participants engage in meaningful, experiential learning that connects creativity, curiosity, and community.
Our guided programs are designed around clear learning goals and can be adapted to support scouting badge requirements, homeschool curricula, co-op enrichment, or group learning objectives. From ceramics and printmaking to environmental studies and historic exploration, each experience encourages problem-solving, collaboration, and creative expression in a unique historic setting.
Programs are suitable for a wide range of ages and learning styles, making Historic Yellow Springs an ideal destination for troops, homeschool families, learning pods, and youth organizations seeking engaging, hands-on education beyond the classroom.
Tours and Demonstrations
Explore Historic Yellow Springs’ campus, learn more about our history, and what makes this space so special. An expert guide will tour your group through our campus spaces highlighting key stories and introducing your group to key characters. With over 300+ years of history there is so much to learn!
Accessibility Campus Guided Private Group Tour– $175 / up to 25 individuals
The Tour lasts approximately 1 hour.Full Campus Guided Private Group Tour– $245 / up to 35 individuals
The Tour lasts approximately 1.25 hours.Guided Tour & Art Making Demonstration – $275 / up to 50 individuals
Capacity: ~25 per tour. The Tour and Demonstration last approximately 1.5 hours.
Creative Program Experiences
All studio workshops are guided by experienced instructors and include materials, tools, and studio use. Pricing is based on a 2-hr workshop unless otherwise noted
Ceramics Hand Building – $60 per participant / 4-9 individuals $55 per participant / 10-24 individuals
Learn basic hand building techniques like pinching and sculpting, rolling coils, or building with slabs to create a personal and functional ceramic object, such as a bowl, a cup, a box, etc. Project and technique options can be discussed upon booking. When class is done, choose a glaze option and your instructor will complete your project for you. No experience is necessary. You will be contacted by Historic Yellow Springs for pick up; projects are usually available in 3-4 weeks. *Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty!Ceramics – Wheel Throwing – $75 per participant / 4 – 12 individuals
Try your hand at the potter’s wheel. Learn some of the basic skills necessary to throw cylinders, cups, bowls, and more in this exciting hands-on workshop. You will be guided through the process of throwing and shaping wet clay into a functional piece of pottery. When class is done, choose a glaze option and your instructor will complete your project for you. No experience is necessary. You will be contacted by Historic Yellow Springs for pick up; projects are usually available in 3-4 weeks. *Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
Ceramics Raku – $50 per participant / 4-9 individuals
Immerse yourself in the modern version of Japanese Raku pottery. Discover the unique techniques of decorating, glazing, and rapid firing that define this distinctive art form. With step-by-step instruction to guide you through the smoke and fire process, you’ll create and finish your own stunning Raku piece. Students will choose from a selection of premade forms to paint and fire.Linoleum Printmaking — $35.00 per participant / up to 25 individuals
Using the specific technique of linoleum relief plate printing, students select from a series of provided designs and create three printed greeting cards. No experience is necessary. Projects are usually ready the same day. *Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty!Lego Printmaking — $35.00 per participant / up to 25 individuals
Use actual Lego blocks to click, snap, and build a unique geometry inspired design, then roll ink over the shapes to create a one-of-a-kind design. No experience is necessary. Projects are usually ready the same day. *Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty!
Outdoor & Nature-Based Curriculum Connections
Take learning outside and explore the historic landscape of Yellow Springs. Outdoor programs support badges, adventures, and merit badges related to nature, history, observation, and environmental awareness.
Key Outdoor Locations & Badge Opportunities
Ruins
- Girl Scouts: Daisy Eco Learner, Brownie Good Neighbor, Junior Citizen
- Scouts BSA: Citizenship in the Community, Outdoor Ethics electives
- Activities: Group gathering, nature journaling, sketching, discussion of local history
Native Plant & Pollinator Areas
- Girl Scouts: Daisy/ Brownie Eco Learner, Junior Eco Camper, Cadette Eco Advocate
- Scouts BSA: Environmental Science, Soil & Water Conservation, Nature Merit Badge
- Activities: Plant identification, pollinator observation, environmental stewardship projects
Creek & Watershed Zone (seasonal)
- Girl Scouts: Brownie Animal Habitats, Junior Outdoor Adventurer, Cadette Trailblazer
- Scouts BSA: Environmental Science, Bird Study, or Aquatics Merit Badges
- Activities: Stream-side sketching and journaling, ecosystem observation, watershed discussions
Historic Buildings & Pathways
- Girl Scouts: Brownie Good Neighbor, Junior Heritage Keeper, Cadette Think Like a Citizen
- Scouts BSA: Citizenship in the Nation, American Heritage, Local History electives
- Activities: Guided history walks, architecture observation, place-based learning
Outdoor Art Spaces
- Girl Scouts: Daisy Eco Art, Brownie Arts & Crafts, Junior Inventor, Cadette Product Designer
- Scouts BSA: Art Merit Badge, Creative Arts electives
- Activities: Outdoor drawing, land-inspired mixed media projects
Guidelines
• Group visits to Historic Yellow Springs must be reserved at least two weeks in advance, unless otherwise authorized by Historic Yellow Springs Programs Department.
• Please provide information regarding any special needs or individual concerns prior to your visit. Historic Yellow Springs’ campus has limited handicapped accessibility.
• To ensure safety in classrooms, many workshops have dress codes — be sure to check workshop descriptions carefully.
Parking
Free parking is provided in Historic Yellow Springs’ parking lot at 1709 Art School Rd, Chester Springs, PA 19425
Contact
Please contact us, or reach out to Jaclyn Clark at jclark@yellowspring.org with any questions or specific requests.
