Young Explorers – Take a Grown Up to Camp

Explore nature with the little one in your life this summer! Hike a trail, make a craft, listen to a story, learn about the creatures of the Shawangunk Ridge through imaginative play, and more. These half-day camps for children ages 4 to 6 and their grown-ups are centered around engaging with children in nature. Grown-ups may register one or more children and must be present and engaged during the camp program.  

Families may register for up to two themes.  

Note: The activities for each theme are repeated each session.   

*Register child(ren) only; list adult joining child(ren) in questions 

 

Animals Big & Small

Session I – July 1st

Session II – July 3rd

 

Meet Tripod, our friendly three-legged turtle ambassador, and explore live pond creatures to discover their unique adaptations and habitats. Afterward, we’ll take a short hike to the Children’s Forest for hands-on play and sensory exploration to connect with nature in a fun and creative way. 

Registration opens January 28th

Registration closes June 20th  

 

 

 

Insectigations

Session I – August 19th

Session II – August 21st

 

Bring your grown up on an adventure looking for some of the smallest creatures that call Mohonk Preserve home. We will sweep for insects in the field, look for creepy crawlies under logs, make a seed ball to start a pollinator garden of your very own, and more!  

Registration opens June 21st 

Registration closes August 8th   

Camp Peregrine 

As Peregrine Falcons are known to travel widely, so will campers – wandering the forests, fields, and streams of Mohonk Preserve. Each week Camp Peregrine explores a different theme with activities that will include hiking, art, games, and nature exploration of our pond, stream, fields and forests. 

Mohonk Grows is for campers who love learning about plants, fungi, and lichen and exploring all the many habitats in which they thrive. Creatures of Mohonk is for those who love animals and searching for them in the water, land, and air! Rambles, Scrambles & More is our Advanced session for those campers who love to hike and take on challenging, strenuous and long day hikes clambering over, under and up steep rock scrambles.  

Families may register each camper for one session only to allow as many families as possible to take part in our unique camp experience.  

 

Mohonk Grows

July 7th to July 11th

 

Spend the week hiking, exploring, and learning about the diversity of all things that grow on the Ridge. From brightly colored flowers of the fields to the tall and mighty oaks of the forest – and don’t forget about those mosses on the rocks! We will explore it all. Throw in a visit to the stream and pond and we have the recipe for a perfect week of summer camp!  

Registration closes June 16th  

 

 

Creatures of Mohonk

July 21st to July 25th

 

Spend a week of hiking and exploring the Ridge in search of the creatures that call Mohonk Preserve home! We will sweep for butterflies and dragonflies in the fields, scoop for invertebrates in the stream, search for signs of squirrels and deer in the forest, listen for frog calls in the pond, and look for birds in every habitat.  

Registration closes June 30th   

 

 

Advanced: Rambles, Scrambles & More FULL

August 11th to August 15th 

 

Have an experienced hiker who loves the challenge of rock scrambling and enjoys hiking to some of our “secret” spots – this camp week is for you! Join us for a week of exploring the Preserve’s trails and favorite rock scrambles like Bonticou Crag and Rock Rift, while learning about the natural world around them. Scrambles are weather permitting. 

Campers must be comfortable hiking strenuous long distances, climbing on open and exposed rock faces, be comfortable in tight spaces, and must be able to keep up with a fast paced group of hikers. 

Registration closes July 21st   

 

Mountainside Adventures  

With over 8,000 acres, Mohonk Preserve lands offer unparalleled arenas for campers to explore! Campers will focus on developing their problem-solving skills through exciting team challenges and spend their days creating their own adventures along the trails. Campers can choose a week that focuses on learning how to be good stewards of the land or choose the Advanced week of challenging hiking adventures!  

Families may register each camper for one session only to allow as many families as possible to take part in our unique camp experience. 

 

Mohonk Stewards

Session I: July 14th to July 18th 

 

Spend the week out on the land hiking the trails and exploring the many habitats of the Shawangunk Ridge. Campers will hike some of the Preserve’s iconic trails as well as some of the quieter lesser known spots. They will learn and practice Leave No Trace Principles throughout the week and take part in a community service stewardship project. By the end of the week, campers will gain confidence in their hiking and outdoor skills while making new friends!  

Registration closes June 23rd for Session I 

 

Advanced: Scrambling Trailblazers

August 4th to August 8th  

 

This week is for the campers who love to take their hiking to the next level! Campers will spend the camp days hiking the more challenging trails and rock scrambles on the Ridge. Bonticou Crag, Rock Rift, Lost City, Giant’s Workshop, and the Lemon Squeeze will be just some of the trails campers will take on. Scrambles will be weather permitting.  

Campers must be comfortable hiking strenuous long distances, climbing on open and exposed rock faces, be comfortable in tight spaces, and must be able to keep up with a fast paced group of hikers. 

Registration closes July 14th

A Typical Day At Camp

What should I expect a typical day in summer camp to be like for my child?

Mohonk Preserve operates 1-week sessions of outdoor day camps that are part of our award-winning Environmental Education Program. Our experienced, professional Lead and Environmental Educators work together with small groups of campers while they play, hike, wade, explore, build, scramble and create.

Camp mornings begin at Mohonk Preserve or Mohonk Mountain House access points. Educators and campers join in a morning circle to reflect about the previous day, and to discuss the current day’s adventure, snack and lunch spot, hiking terrain, activities, and expected stops. Campers are responsible for bringing their own lunch, snack, and water in a lightweight, durable daypack.

Each day is unique. Our travels take us through fields and forests, in and around ponds and streams, past cliff-side boulders, and up on ridges. Campers may build debris shelters, study stream creatures, create unique land art, cool off in rushing brooks, and rock scramble.

Campers come prepared with rain-gear each day, as we do hike in rainy weather. However, engaging indoor activities are always available if the educators switch locations and utilize one of our sheltered teaching spaces. Safety is our first priority. Pick up and drop off locations are subject to change due to inclement weather such as thunderstorms. Parents are notified in advance via email, about any changes in the schedule by 6pm the night before.

Camp Peregrine is for children aged 7-10. Campers explore different themes each week with creative hands-on learning and fun in the outdoors. Hiking, exploring nature, and making new friends is what these sessions are all about.

Camp Peregrine Advanced is for children aged 7-10. Some of our campers are ready for longer and more challenging hikes on the land! This camp week is for them! Campers will tackle Bonticou Crag, the Lemon Squeeze and more. Campers must be comfortable hiking strenuous long distances, climbing on open and exposed rock faces, be comfortable in tight spaces, and must be able to keep up with a fast paced group of hikers.

Mountainside Adventures is for children aged 10-13. Our older campers will take on longer hikes, group challenges, and initiatives along with exploring the many habitats on the Preserve. Campers enrolled in one of the Mohonk Stewards sessions will learn and practice Leave No Trace principles, learn how to use a map and compass, build shelters, participate in a stewardship day and more. Campers taking part in the Advanced Scrambling Trailblazers week will take on challenging hikes such as Bonticou Crag, Rock Rift, and the Lemon Squeeze! Campers participating in this Advanced week must be comfortable hiking strenuous long distances, climbing on open and exposed rock faces, be comfortable in tight spaces, and must be able to keep up with a fast paced group of hikers.

Scholarships

The Scholarship Application Window Is Now Closed

 

Mohonk Preserve is committed to serving families regardless of their economic status. 

Please review the camp descriptions and select the session(s) your camper is interested in attending.

Completed scholarship applications and all required forms must be received by Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 to be considered. Scholarship recipients will be informed by January 20th and must accept by January 27th, 2025.

Click here for the 2025 Scholarship Application

The WHAT DO I BRING TO CAMP? List

Printable list

In order to prepare your child for the various activities we have planned, please be sure to send your camper with the following items:

 

Every Day

• Durable Day Pack that fits
• Shorts and/or lightweight, breathable pants
• Rain jacket with hood (no ponchos please), EVERY DAY, even if it seems like nice weather 
• Healthy lunch 
• Snacks for the trail (please limit sugary choices and go with granola bars, fruit, veggies, trail mix)
• Water – minimum 1 liter. 
• Sturdy sneakers with good tread or low cut hiking boots (no flat bottom sneakers please!)
• Breathable, quick dry hiking socks rather than cotton
• Hat for sun protection

 

For Days Marked W for Water Fun 

• Swimsuit (worn underneath camp clothes or in pack)
• Stream shoes – A MUST (Keen/Teva type sandals, old sneakers or water socks. No flip-flops or Crocs please)
• Towel (smallish/quick dry)

 

Optional

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen/bug spray 
• Long sleeve or lightweight fleece for chillier forecasts; remember it can be cool and windy up on the ridge – even in summer.

Mohonk Preserve Summer Camps

Camper Code of Conduct 2025

Camper Code of Conduct (printable)

 

As a camper at Mohonk Preserve I will:

• • Recognize this as an inclusive camp and treat my fellow campers with dignity and respect. 
  • Be polite to my fellow campers. I understand that unwelcome teasing and unkind behavior such as pushing, kicking, hitting, or fighting are not allowed at camp.
  • Be respectful to staff and always follow their directions.
  • Communicate calmly and with kind words, meaning I will not yell or use foul language.
  • Respect the land I am hiking on by staying on the trails and respecting the plants and wildlife I see and find.
  • Treat all program equipment and supplies with care.
  • Respect the property of others. 
  • Follow all general rules for visitors at the Mohonk Preserve.
  • Take responsibility for my actions and understand that not following the code of conduct may result in disciplinary action. 

 

Mohonk Preserve’s Corrective Action Steps:

Step 1: Warning

1. The first time a camper strays from the code of conduct, the educator will remove them from the activity, discuss the behavior in question and inform the camper that they are being given a formal warning.

Step 2: Sit out of an activity

1. When the camper breaks the code of conduct for a second time, they will again discuss their behavior with an educator as well as sit out (for at least 15 minutes) of an activity. Which activity the camper is removed from is at the discretion of the educator. 

Step 3: Sit out of any activity, revisit the camper code of conduct and discuss with camp educator ways to improve behavior.

1. On the 3rd step, the camper will again sit out of any activity (the activity and length of time out are at the discretion of the educator). The camper will also read over the camper code of conduct and write suggestions on how they can improve their behavior. Educators will alert the parents that the camper is in step 3.

Step 4: Phone call home to parents

1. The 4th time a camper fails to adhere to the code of conduct, the parents will be notified. When the parents are notified as a part of the 4th step, they will be informed and need to acknowledge the consequences of reaching the 5th step and understand that their child may be removed from the program without refund. 

Step 5: Removed from the camp program

1. Parents will be notified that their child is no longer able to continue in the camp program. Depending on the severity of the behavior we reserve the right to require immediate pick-up.

 

Personal Electronics at Mohonk Preserve Summer Camps

The Mohonk Preserve no longer allows campers to have cell phones or other tech devices at camp. In order to provide campers with an immersive experience in nature, we ask that all phones, tablets, and devices are left at home for the day. These devices are a distraction from camp activities and prevent campers from being fully present while at camp. Camp Educators will take photos each day and share them online with parents throughout the week. Our hope is that campers focus on creating lifelong memories by being able to participate fully without the distractions that personal electronics bring.