The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is kicking off the summer of 2017 with a new Ritz Kids initiative to teach young guests about energy and sustainability. The Ritz’s Energy Challenge and Sustainability Challenge are built around a Radio Flyer Model S Tesla for Kids—a battery-powered ride on car that comes equipped with high-end features to recreate the Tesla experience. The activities are designed to entertain, educate, and inspire young guests to learn about automobiles, batteries, and energy management systems. The program will be offered as full or half day sessions for children between 5- and 12-years-old, and is one of several Ritz Kids activities available to guests.
“We pride ourselves on providing engaging and immersive experiences with our Ritz Kids program, making memories that children will always treasure,” says General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, Joseph Mattioli. “Not only will these new activities be fun and memorable, but they will also teach children the importance of energy management and sustainability.”
Located mid-mountain at Northstar California Resort, the supervised challenges take place both indoors and outdoors throughout the property. The Energy Challenge kicks off with an introduction to a plasma ball, where kids will touch the ball and feel electricity first hand, followed by a viewing of the Radio Flyer Model S Tesla for Kids and a discussion on the car’s unique battery. Led by specific cues, children will then go on a search for stations around the property, including the Living Room, Manzanita, Highlands Gondola, and more. At each station, children will answer a question on topics such energy, electricity, sun, and gasoline. Next, children will explore locations around the property to learn about real-life energy examples, and play an interactive game about non-renewable vs. renewable energy. The Energy Challenge will conclude with prizes, and a chance to drive the Radio Flyer Tesla Model S for Kids.
The Sustainability Challenge begins with a discussion on sustainability, including visuals like a potted plant and mature compost to demonstrate the importance of recycling and a clean environment. Children will then venture on a quest to find the most sustainable things around the property guided by riddles from the resident “Mountain Ranger.” Based on the riddles answered, children will be challenged to create and draw a sustainable building or community that incorporates sustainable water, energy, recycling, and food measures. Afterwards, another opportunity to drive the Radio Flyer Tesla Model S for Kids will be provided.
The Ritz-Carlton has an exclusive partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society and curates activities in the natural world catered to young minds. Designed upon four key pillars including water, land, environmental responsibility, and culture, the Ritz Kids program at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe offers a variety of creative activities including adventure hikes, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, lawn games, and culinary creations.
Photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
