Junior Naturalist Experience at Mohonk Mountain House

Eco-friendly, Educational Adventure for Children, to launch on June 16

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. October 14, 2008

NEW PALTZ, NY, February 27, 2007. In a world where children are transfixed by video games and computers, Mohonk Mountain House is helping kids discover that the most mesmerizing adventures can be found in their natural surroundings, not on a screen. The 266-room Victorian castle resort, located 90 miles north of New York City, will launch the Junior Naturalist Experience at Mohonk Mountain House on June 16, 2007. Designed by staff naturalists, and incorporated into the celebrated Mohonk Kids' Club, this daily program will introduce children to the wonders of the world outdoors through eco-friendly activities that provide a hands-on approach to nature.

"The Junior Naturalist Experience at Mohonk Mountain House will help children to see nature with new eyes," said spokesperson Nina Smiley, a member of the family that has owned and operated the resort for 138 years. "This is one of the ways that Mohonk Mountain House, with its long history of environmental stewardship, is seeking to nurture children's delight in nature and to create future generations of environmentally-aware adults."

The program, designed for children ages 4 to 12, will be offered daily and will include a variety of nature-based activities. Regularly scheduled Junior Naturalist Experiences include climate lessons at the resort's boat dock overlooking beautiful Lake Mohonk, where the group will examine weather instruments and learn how to take scientific readings. Children may also learn how to create their own rain gauge and receive a special climate chart so they can continue their naturalist activities upon returning home. Other program events include expeditions to observe the many different types of flora and fauna that make up the spectacular natural environment surrounding Mohonk Mountain House. Soaring birds, ancient trees, countless insect species, colorful fish and the unique Shawangunk Mountain quartz conglomerate rock are just some of the intriguing discoveries that await children. Through the Junior Naturalist Experience, kids will become aware of simple ways to be environmentally-conscious in their everyday lives.

Children who take part in the activities will earn a certificate at the end of the Kids' Club session, signifying they are an official Junior Naturalist at Mohonk Mountain House. Each child will also receive a Mohonk Mountain House Eco-Kit that includes a hand-held magnifying glass and a list of simple eco-activities to take home, as a way to encourage the continuation of their earth-friendly activities.

Complimentary to overnight guests of Mohonk Mountain House, the Junior Naturalist Experience activities will change seasonally and are part of the innovative Kids' Club, a special program that "lets kids be kids." The Kids' Club is available weekends/holidays year-round and daily in the summer. It is designed for children ages 2 through 12, and offers a safe environment for children to learn and play while their parents relax. Fun-filled activities for each age group include frog hunting, rock scrambling, sports clinics and more. During July and August, teens ages 13 through 17 are invited to take part in the Teen Program, which features supervised activities such as day-long hikes, golf and tennis.

Mohonk Mountain House offers specially-discounted overnight packages for children ages 12 and under during select theme programs. The resort will offer "children stay free" specials during the Children's Spring Celebration, April 1-12, 2007 and Mohonk's Holiday Gala, December 14-20, 2007. During the Summer of Discovery, July 8-26, 2007, kids stay half-price from Sunday to Thursday. Some restrictions may apply to these special offers.

For more information on Mohonk Mountain House, visit the Mohonk Mountain House website at www.mohonk.com.

About Mohonk Mountain House

Mohonk Mountain House is a National Historic Landmark and Historic Hotel of America located in the Hudson Valley region of New York State, just 90 miles north of New York City. The new 30,000-square-foot Spa wing at Mohonk Mountain House features 16 treatment rooms, a solarium, and outdoor heated mineral pool, along with an indoor heated swimming pool with an underwater sound system, comprehensive fitness center, and yoga/motion studio. Mohonk's award-winning Skating Pavilion is host to special activities including skating lessons and corporate teambuilding programs. For invigorating outdoor fun, guests can enjoy 85 miles of trails for seasonal hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The grounds feature exquisite gardens, a challenging nine-hole golf course, red clay tennis courts, and stables with horseback riding and horse-drawn carriage rides. The half-mile-long, glacial-formed Lake Mohonk is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming. Over 40 theme programs are presented annually, including culinary classes, gardening workshops, music festivals, nature programs, and more. Overnight rates at Mohonk Mountain House include charming accommodations, breakfast, lunch, dinner, Afternoon Tea and Cookies, and most resort activities. For additional information, please call 800-772-6646 or visit www.mohonk.com.