Get ready for Summer Camp 2025!
Registration will open January 28th, 2025 at 10am
Scholarships are currently open and are due January 15th, 2025!! See the scholarship tab for a link to the application.
Mohonk Preserve summer camp programs provide opportunities for children ages 4-13 to spend their summer outside enjoying the natural wonders the Shawangunk Ridge has to offer. Under the careful supervision of our dedicated and professional educators, campers will laugh, play and learn together; explore interests and abilities; and expand their understanding of themselves, each other and the natural world to which they belong.
Registering
You must have an online account through our online registration portal before you can register for any programs. Click here for a tutorial on how to set up an account.
- Some programs fill quickly. Don’t delay in registering your child!
- Families can register for one camp session per child.
- Registration will open Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 10am.
- We seek a closely balanced gender ratio for all summer programs.
- Scholarship application deadline is January 15, 2025.
- Preserve members receive a discount on summer camp tuition! You must be a member prior to registering your child to be eligible for the discount. There are many other benefits of becoming a Preserve member. Click here to become a member.
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 of their children and must be present and engaged during the camp program with their child(ren).
Families may register each camper for two session themes. Note: Activities for the themes repeat each theme session.
AGES: 4 to 6 years old + one adult (limit 12 campers/session)
DETAILS: Half day AM sessions, 9am-12pm
TUITION: $94/adult-child pair; $66/add’l child Mem; $112/adult-child pair; $78/add’l child NMem*
*Register child(ren) only and list participating adult in registration questions.
See the Young Explorers tab for session descriptions.
July 1st & July 3rd – Animals Big & Small
August 19th & August 21st – Insectigations
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 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. Advanced: Rambles, Scrambles & More is for those campers who love to hike and take on challenging, strenuous 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.
AGES: 7 to 10 years old (limit 17 campers/session)
DETAILS: Choose one of three sessions, Monday through Thursday, 9am-3pm, Friday 9am-12pm
TUITION: $425 members; $506 non-members
Families may register each camper for one session only to allow as many families as possible to take part in our unique camp experience.
See the Camp Peregrine tab for session descriptions.
July 7th to July 11th – Mohonk Grows
July 21st to July 25th – Creatures of Mohonk
August 11th to August 15th – Advanced: Rambles, Scrambles & More
*Note: Campers attending Rambles, Scrambles & More 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.
Please note: The drop-off and pick-up points vary each day for Camp Peregrine. Depending upon theme and planned activities, we rove on Mohonk Preserve or Mohonk Mountain House land. Parent packets, with map and daily locations, are provided in advance. 9am drop-off and 3pm pick-up Monday through Thursday is expected within a 15-minute window. Fridays are a half day with pick up at 12pm.
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 a 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.
AGES: 10 to 13 years old (limit 17 campers/session)
DETAILS: Choose one of three sessions. Monday through Thursday, 9am-3pm, Friday 9am-12pm
TUITION: $425 members; $506 non-members
Families may register each camper for one session only to allow as many families as possible to take part in our unique camp experience.
See the Mountainside Adventures tab for session descriptions.
July 14th to July 18th – Mohonk Stewards Session I
July 28th to August 1st – Mohonk Stewards Session II
August 4th to August 8th – Advanced: Scrambling Trailblazers
*Note: Campers attending Scrambling Trailblazers 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.
Please note: The drop-off and pick-up points vary each day for Mountainside Adventures. Depending upon theme and planned activities, we rove on Mohonk Preserve or Mohonk Mountain House land. Parent packets, with map and daily locations, are provided in advance. 9am drop-off and 3pm pick-up Monday through Thursday is expected within a 15-minute window. Fridays are a half day with pick up at 12pm.
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 of their children and must be present and engaged during the camp program with their child(ren).
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
July 1st & Jul 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 closes June 10th
Insectigations
August 19th & 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 closes July 29th
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
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
Session II: July 28th to August 1st
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 and July 7th for Session II
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
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.
Why can't I register my camper(s) for more than one session?
Our camps are popular and fill up quickly. We would like to serve as many campers as possible to give more campers the opportunity to experience the Shawangunk Ridge through our camps. Therefore, we are limiting the number of sessions that campers can attend to leave those spots open to new families who would like to participate in our camps.
Why don’t you offer more sessions to serve more children?
Our camps are popular, in part, because of the small group size. Our Camp Peregrine and Mountainside Adventure sessions are capped at 17 campers each in 2027. Our Young Explorers – Take a Grown Up to Camp session are capped at 12 campers and their adults to help our educators better facilitate the activities and engage with the families.
Our professional Educators lead our camp sessions and bring to the camp a wealth of environmental and outdoor education experience. All camps require provisions for indoor accommodations in the event of thunderstorms, high winds, or other severe summer weather. The Preserve has limited indoor space at our Visitor Center and all rooms are in full use throughout the summer months.
Why can’t siblings and friends be guaranteed registration in the same camp session?
Our online registration operates on a first come, first serve basis, and some sessions fill quickly. Also, our camps seek a closely balanced gender ratio. It is impossible for us to guarantee spots for siblings and friend pairs, but we encourage you to plan ahead and register early. Once a camp session is full, we encourage you to use the waitlist.
Do you have scholarships available?
Yes! Mohonk Preserve is committed to serving children, regardless of their ability to pay. Scholarship applications are available online and must be received by the deadline. Scholarship recipients will be notified prior to registration. Incomplete and late applications are not eligible.
The deadline for scholarship applications is January 15th, 2025.
Visit the Scholarship Information tab.
Where does the camp meet each day?
Camp Peregrine and Mountainside Adventures rove on Mohonk Preserve and Mohonk Mountain House land. In order to optimize the camper experience and explore the treasures of the ridge, drop-off and pick-up points vary each day depending on theme and activity. Parents are given a detailed schedule in advance and provided with a map (including an online, customized Google map).
Young Explorers – Take a Grown Up to Camp will explore one location during their morning session. This program is not a drop off camp as parents/guardians will attend the session with their camper.
What are the hours of your camps?
Our Camp Peregrine and Mountainside Adventures programs run from 9am-3pm Monday through Thursday and 9am to 12pm on Fridays. Because of the unique nature of this program, we are not able to offer before or after care. Drop off and pick up must be within a 15-minute grace period.
Young Explorers – Take a Grown Up to Camp sessions are from 9am to 12pm. Families can choose either a Tuesday morning session or a Thursday morning session per theme.
What happens if I register my child and our plans change? Can I get a refund?
Refund Policy
Partial Refund Deadline (tuition minus $75 processing fee): by April 30th, 2025
50% Refund Deadline (50% tuition minus $75 processing fee): by May 31st, 2025
No refunds after June 1st, 2025
Tuition and the enrollment fee are required at the time of registration. Please plan accordingly before registering.
Banner photo by Gerald Liddelow