RockPro IV – Trad & Multi-Pitch Climbing

Program Overview

This camp features a smaller student-to-guide ratio for maximum individual attention and the opportunity to climb more complex multi-pitch routes. RockPro IV is one of the only climbing camps in the U.S. that takes teens on real multi-pitch climbs and teaches the fundamentals of traditional lead climbing. If you are ready, there will be opportunities to lead routes after demonstrating proficiency on “mock” leads.

Our goals are to introduce traditional lead climbing skills and get on climbs with greater commitment than those of RockPro II or III. Focus is placed on improving efficiency in climbing techniques while building friendships, independence, and strength in the great outdoors of Maine.

The camp begins in Acadia National Park, where the high-quality pink granite is loaded with continuous cracks and corners - ideal for learning traditional gear placement and anchor construction. Campers then travel to New Hampshire to climb the historic granite routes of Whitehorse and Cathedral Ledges, made famous by the stonemasters of New England.

Each day involves a full day of climbing - often multi-pitch - as well as gear placement, anchor building, and technical instruction. Lessons include placing active and passive protection, building anchor systems, placing gear on lead, and setting up more complex climbs. Participants should have RockPro II or equivalent skills; RockPro III is highly suggested.

It wouldn’t be a climbing camp without plenty of time on the rock honing movement skills and learning new techniques to increase efficiency - either on lead or with the added security of a top-rope, depending on what you and your guides feel you’re ready for.

RockPro IV Learning Objectives

• To have fun learning and improving advanced rock climbing physical skills

• To understand and develop critical sport climbing skills such as proper bolt clipping

• To learn to assess risk and practice safe habits in outdoor environments

• To demonstrate safe anchor construction with artificial gear

• To demonstrate sound placement of passive and active protection while on lead, and demonstrate safe spacing of gear

• To set goals and complete tasks requiring communication, teamwork, and responsibility

• To foster personal confidence, responsibility, and healthy risk-assessment skills

• To meet and get to know other active teenagers

• To participate in the development of a new route or routes (available only to camps visiting Clifton Crags)

• To understand and practice the principles of Leave No Trace

Sample Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary. The final plan will depend on the specific camp locations and the needs of the campers. Each week is designed to be different enough to make attending multiple sessions exciting.

Day 1:
Meet and get to know each other. Short climbing or bouldering session before traveling to the primary climbing area. Review and validate climbing fundamentals, then climb with a focus on movement techniques. Set up camp and enjoy time around the fire.

Day 2:
Continue solidifying technical and movement skills through a variety of climbs.

Day 3:
Learn construction of multi-point anchor systems and fully understand artificial anchor systems and how to secure them. Multi-pitch climb in the afternoon.

Day 4:
Practice gear placement and clipping gear while climbing on top rope. Transition to lowering or rappelling. Multi-pitch climb in the afternoon.

Days 5 & 6:
Individual and small-group development focusing on climbing, technical skills, or both. Choose climbs, set up, receive feedback, repeat.

Day 7:
Return to base and travel home - or rest up for the next week of camp.

Meeting / Pick-Up Information

Location:
Alpenglow Adventure Sports / Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School
753 Stillwater Ave, Bangor, ME

Times:

• Meeting (Sunday): 11:00 a.m.

• Pick-Up (Saturday): 11:00 a.m.