OARS: Empowering people in arts & outdoor recreation.
Supporting outdoor education and community.
Our Purpose
To offer educational programming in both outdoor arts and recreational activities to all audiences. Provide a safe learning environment for area youth and adults through single and series classes in drawing, painting and sculpture, and guiding educational hikes, scouting, and camping programming.
Our Mission
As a multidisciplinary nonprofit, an outdoor arts and recreation facility, that is recognized as an anchor in the western Southern Tier of New York, it is the mission of the Outdoor Arts & Recreation Society to be a host in a vibrant destination and assist in expanding, inspiring, and delivering a lifetime of arts and outdoor recreation education and experiences.
This mission is only realized when we provide audiences of all ages with opportunities to play and create through engagement, connect with our natural environment and each other, explore new art forms and outdoor activities, dream through expression, exploration, and have experiences that inspire, transform, and foster a life-long love of our world.
COMING SOON!
Continuing Education for Teachers
Veteran Peer-to-Peer Wellness Program
OARS works with the Veteran Community in a peer-to-peer setting on health and wellness. OARS offers veterans a safe place to connect and learn from others who understand what they’re going through. Connection is a vital component of finding fulfillment and transitioning back to civilian life.
Retired CPO Edward Meehan, holds a degree in SUDS mental health counseling, is a volunteer mentor with the new Cattaraugus County Veteran’s Court, and is an active member of the Cuba VFW and American Legion.
A teacher is someone who helps guide another to learn. Whether you are a youth group leader, a formal educator, or a home schooling parent. OARS provides both inperson and onsite learning in addition to online courses in arts and science. OARS is seeking CTLE accreditation with the New York State DEpartment of Education for in-house and on-site professional development.
Experiences for Individuals, Familes, & Communities
Education happens within the context of a larger community. Our approach extends beyond meeting required state and federal education goals, we hope to also directly engage the community and families to forge a love of learning for life.
Whether your family visits for a day hike, an overnight camping excursion, or an individual who simply stops in for a single workshop, we offer free and low cost options as well as more robust packages for groups.
Dr. Kim Meehan is a former informal and formal educator and NSF Fellow, she has taught for over a decade in levels pre-K through graduate levels. Her expertise lies in geology, paleontology, and paleoecology.
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."
— John Muir, Mountaineer and the Founder of National Parks
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
kim.meehan@outlook.com
Phone
(917)733-0032