Let's explore!
2026 Events!
LET’S FIND YOU: A SUMMER WELLNESS EXPERIENTIAL ON THE CANAL PROGRAM
Yoga, Breathwork & Meditation on the Canal
The Next Generation And You is proud to partner with the On the Canals Program during the summer of 2026 to provide free opportunities for community members of all ages to connect with nature, explore the canal, and prioritize their well-being.
Join us for our Yoga, Breathwork & Meditation, the third experience in our Let's Find You: A Wellness Experiential on the Canal series.
An outdoor wellness session rooted in gentle physical recreation, nature immersion, and mental health practices. Participants practice yoga, breathwork, and meditation while engaging with the natural sounds and rhythms of the river, promoting nervous system regulation and stress reduction.
📍 Location: Austin Steward Plaza, Rochester, NY
📅 Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026 (weather permitting)
⏰ Time: 9:00am-10:30am
💵 Cost: Free to all
✨ Focus: Canal history, ecology learning, community, mental health, outdoor fun, connection, and wellness
July
Matinee Trail Walk Along the Canal (Journaling & Guided Dialogue)
The Next Generation And You is proud to partner with the On the Canals Program during the summer of 2026 to provide free opportunities for community members of all ages to connect with nature, explore the canal, and prioritize their well-being.
Join us for our Matinee Trail Walk Along the Canal, the first experience in our Let's Find You: A Wellness Experiential on the Canal series.
A guided outdoor walking experience along the canal that integrates recreational movement, place-based environmental education, and guided journaling and dialogue. Participants learn about the canal’s ecological and historical significance while engaging in reflective practices that support mindfulness, emotional awareness, and connection to place.
📍 Location: 280 Exchange BLVD, Rochester, NY, 14608
📅 Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026 (weather permitting)
⏰ Time: 10am-12pm
💵 Cost: Free to all
✨ Focus: Canal history, ecology learning, community, mental health, outdoor fun, connection, and wellness
Boat cruise with a Canal History & Candle-Making
The Next Generation And You is proud to partner with the On the Canals Program during the summer of 2026 to provide free opportunities for community members of all ages to connect with nature, explore the canal, and prioritize their well-being.
Join us for our Boat cruise with a Canal History & Candle-Making, the second experience in our Let's Find You: A Wellness Experiential on the Canal series.
Paired with a candle-making activity this session combines water-based recreation, environmental storytelling, and reflection. Participants engage in a workshop with mental health experts while learning canal history and participating in a hands-on creative activity. The experience fosters emotional processing, cultural connection, and environmental education.
📍 Location: 280 Exchange BLVD, Rochester, NY, 14608
📅 Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026 (weather permitting)
⏰ Time: 1:30pm-3:00pm
💵 Cost: Free to all
✨ Focus: Canal history, ecology learning, community, mental health, outdoor fun, connection, and wellness
August
Educators' Respite Retreat
Escape to nature at our Educators' Respite Retreat to recharge, reconnect with nature, and rejuvenate your teaching spirit!
📍 Location: Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake
📅 Dates: Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2, 2026
👥 Audience: Educators & school staff
💵 Cost: $50 per person
✨ Focus: Rest, rejuvenation, and professional careSee Educators' Respite Retreat page for more details!
Summer of exploration & reconnection
🌌 Stargazing, Bonfire & Storytelling Night
Step into the magic of a summer evening under the stars. Gather around the bonfire at Durand Eastman Park for a night of stargazing, stories, and community connection. Together we’ll explore the night sky’s beauty and share cultural stories that remind us of the wonder, wisdom, and traditions tied to the stars. This family-friendly evening blends nature, culture, and community in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Location: Durand Eastman Park (partner venue)
📅 Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 pm
👨👩👧👦 Audience: Families & adults
💵 Cost: Free to all
✨ Focus: Night sky wonder + cultural storytelling
LET’S FIND YOU: A SUMMER WELLNESS EXPERIENTIAL ON THE CANAL PROGRAM
Fishing with the experts
The Next Generation And You is proud to partner with the On the Canal's Program during the summer of 2026 to provide free opportunities for community members of all ages to connect with nature, explore the canal, and prioritize their well-being.
Join us for our Fishing with the experts, the sixth and last experience in our Let's Find You: A Wellness Experiential on the Canal series.
Participants learn recreational fishing skills while engaging in environmental education about aquatic ecosystems and mental wellness practices such as patience, presence, and reflection. This dual-guided session supports both skill-building and emotional well-being.
📍 Location: Genesee Valley Park, Rochester, NY
📅 Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026 (weather permitting)
⏰ Time: 9:00am-11:00am
💵 Cost: Free to all
✨ Focus: Canal history, ecology learning, community, mental health, outdoor fun, connection, and wellness
Painting the River
The Next Generation And You is proud to partner with the On the Canals Program during the summer of 2026 to provide free opportunities for community members of all ages to connect with nature, explore the canal, and prioritize their well-being.
Join us for our Painting the River, the fourth experience in our Let's Find You: A Wellness Experiential on the Canalseries.
Participants engage in a guided outdoor painting experience of the Genesee River along the Genesee River, combining creative expression, mindfulness, and environmental appreciation. The session encourages participants to slow down, observe the natural surroundings, and translate their observations, emotions, and reflections onto canvas. Facilitators will incorporate brief discussions on the history, ecology, and significance of the Genesee River while encouraging participants to connect with the landscape through art. The experience will also feature conversation and activities with a somatic healer. The program will emphasize creativity, relaxation, self-expression, education, and connection to place. Adaptive approaches and materials will be incorporated to support accessibility and participation for people of all abilities.
📍 Location: Austin Steward Plaza
📅 Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026 (weather permitting)
⏰ Time: 9am-10:30am
💵 Cost: Free to all
✨ Focus: Canal history, ecology learning, community, mental health, outdoor fun, connection, and wellness
Birdwatching on a Boat & River History
The Next Generation And You is proud to partner with the On the Canals Program during the summer of 2026 to provide free opportunities for community members of all ages to connect with nature, explore the canal, and prioritize their well-being.
Join us for our Birdwatching on a Boat & River History, the fifth experience in our Let's Find You: A Wellness Experiential on the Canal series.
A guided recreational boating experience focused on environmental education and interpretation of bird species, habitats, and ecological systems. Mindfulness and observation practices are integrated to support mental clarity, presence, and connection to nature.
📍 Location: 280 Exchange BLVD, Rochester, NY, 14608
📅 Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026 (weather permitting)
⏰ Time: 10:00am-11:30am
💵 Cost: Free to all
✨ Focus: Canal history, ecology learning, community, mental health, outdoor fun, connection, and wellness
August
🌲🥾 Last Day Hike 🌲🥾
Close out the year with intention and connection on our Last Day Hike at Washington Grove. This community-centered event invites you to step into nature, reflect on the past year, and honor your personal growth
📍 Location: Washington Grove, Rochester, NY
📅 Date: Thursday, December 31, 2026
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM-5:30 PM
💵 Cost: Free to all
✨ Focus: Reflection, closure, and ritual for the year
