Rock Climbing Summer Camp for Teens
Our 5-day program will lay down a solid foundation of climbing skills with an emphasis on safety and best practices. Campers will learn to advance their climbing technique and expand their understanding of gear, climbing ethics, advocacy, and teamwork in an outdoor setting at the world renowned New River Gorge.
ABOUT OUR SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM:
Our rock climbing summer camp is suitable for co-ed teens aged 12-18 who are stoked indoor gym climbers who want to become confident, competent, and independent outdoor climbers. *(Mature 11-year-old kids who turn 12 in the same calendar year are welcome to apply for Session 1).
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Our typical camper is a teenager with indoor climbing experience, many of our campers compete on their local climbing team at the divisional, regional, and national levels with USA Climbing. They are psyched about climbing and want to immerse themselves in a week (or two) of outdoor climbing at the world-renowned New River Gorge.
Our campers learn the following:
-Outdoor top rope and lead climbing at a different crag every day
-Anchor setup and cleaning
-Introduction to trad gear placement
-Crack climbing technique
-Projecting/redpointing tactics
-Rappelling best practices
Campers spend the week camping out under the stars at the American Alpine Club Campground with access to hot showers, flush toilets, and running water. They will pitch their tents at our base camp and be shuttled to a new climbing area each day. Evenings are spent sharing climbing stories around a campfire, yoga/silks, card games, and chilling out.
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CLIMBING INSTRUCTOR ACADEMY:
Experienced climbers ages 16-18 are encouraged to attend the Climbing Instructor Academy (CIA). Campers will attend a 5-day session that will feature tons of climbing but also teach them valuable technical skills that will prepare them to be Climbing Instructor Assistants and complete some pre-requisites for the AMGA SPI Course when they turn 18.
This is an excellent opportunity to spend a few weeks at the New River Gorge and get experience working as a climbing instructor outdoors alongside AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructors. It's a great resume builder for colleges and shows leadership skills within an outdoor recreation setting.
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OUR STAFF:
The Teen Rock Camp Counselors/Instructors specialize in teen programs and are American Mountain Guide Association Certified Single Pitch Instructors. They are excellent teachers, mentors, and role models, who lead by example with integrity and respect.
OUR PROGRAM:
Our summer camp program is celebrating its 15th year and we've continually improved the camper experience year after year. The key to our success is not only our experienced staff who are AMGA SPI Certified Instructors & Guides but our low ratio and small group size.
We maintain a 4:1 camper-to-guide ratio, with a maximum of 8 campers per session. This ensures a quality experience and supervision throughout. Each camper will receive individualized instruction to improve their climbing ability and expand their knowledge of outdoor climbing appropriate for their experience levels and goals.
SCHEDULE 2024:
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SUNDAY: Campers arrive at noon, get settled into camp, go through orientation, set goals, and discuss expectations for the week. Half-day climbing to get familiar with the rock of the New River Gorge, and review fundamental skills such as knots and belaying.
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MONDAY/TUESDAY: Climbing around the New River Gorge or Summersville Lake.
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WEDNESDAY: Active rest day. It starts with a trip to Summersville Lake and explore Fayetteville.
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THURSDAY: More climbing, revisit favorite climbs, and open projects.
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FRIDAY: Noon, parent pickup.
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**MULTIPLE SESSIONS DISCOUNT AVAILABLE. PLEASE INQUIRE IF YOU'D LIKE TO ATTEND MORE THAN ONE SESSION.
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HOW TO APPLY:
1. Choose your preferred start date on the calendar widget.
2. Click the BOOK NOW link in the calendar. You will then be prompted to enter your contact info, answer a few personal questions, and pay a 50% deposit. The remaining deposit is due 60 days before camp starts. This will automatically draft on the card you originally used.
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TUITION INCLUDES:
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Instruction and Coaching led by Certified AMGA Single Pitch Instructors
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24-hour supervision by adult staff
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Shuttle service throughout the week
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5 nights of camping (Sunday-Thursday)
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5 days of climbing (Sunday-Thursday)
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Hot breakfast, catered lunch, and dinner
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4:1 Camper/Instructor ratio, group size limited to 8 campers per session
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Summersville Lake Swim & Climb
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Use of all technical climbing equipment (helmet, climbing shoes, harness, hardware, ropes)
CAMP SESSIONS:
(Ages 12 - 14 yrs)
July 21 - July 26, 2024
WAITLIST
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​(Ages 14- 16 yrs)
July 28 - August 2, 2024
WAITLIST
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CLIMBING INSTRUCTOR ACADEMY
(Ages 15-18 yrs)
August 4 - 9, 2024
WAITLIST
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Teen Rock Camp Booking & Cancellation Policy:Â A 50% deposit is due at the time of booking to reserve a spot. The remaining balance is due 60 days in advance of the start date and will be automatically billed to the card on file. For cancellations less than 60 days in advance, your tuition payment is non-refundable and non-transferable. Cancellations more than 60 days in advance of your trip, will be subject to a $100 cancellation fee which will be deducted from the base price payment amount. All service fees are non-refundable. Campers who leave prior to the end of the camp program, including those who are dismissed from an active program session will not be refunded any portion of the tuition payment.