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Campers may focus on technical skills, movement skills, or a mix of each. Technically oriented campers will learn state-of-the-art anchor skills using natural anchors and climbing protection to create strong top-rope anchors. The setup of simple, universally functional top managed belays and bottom belays will also be covered. Campers wanting to improve climbing techniques will have the opportunity to climb on lots of different terrain including faces, cracks, chimneys, and corners providing well-rounded movement skills.
Our initial goal is to build a successful climbing team for the week by learning and sharing our skills by first focusing on tying proper knots, becoming proficient belayers, and practicing precise communication skills. As these skills are mastered, the mind is freer to climb. You can now try easy, hard and nearly impossible climbs with the security of a sound rope system and belay. The next step is to trust yourself even more as you step off the edge to rappel down a sheer cliff. Both belaying and rappelling have many associated techniques and nuances - our first goal is to master the most common techniques and add technical variations as a camper’s skill and desire allow.
As these skills are mastered, the strength of the climbing team advances: campers continue to get to know each other more - where are your from, what do you like to do, what makes you tick - all cool questions that help nurture friendships, independence, and strength in the great outdoors of Maine! There will be lots of climbing to be done during the week. With each skill mastery, new skills can be introduced. In fact, we could spend all summer developing skills. We will visit several different cliffs throughout the week providing multiple opportunities to climb and problem-solve under the watchful eye of skilled instructors.
ROCKPRO II LEARNING OBJECTIVES
To have fun learning and improving rock climbing physical skills
To understand and develop important safety rope skills as knots and belaying or further develop existing skills
To learn to assess risk and practice safe habits related to outdoor activities
To demonstrate basic rappelling skill or to further develop existing rappelling skills
To set goals and complete tasks that require good communication, teamwork and taking responsibility for actions
To foster personal confidence, responsibility, and develop healthy risk assessment skills
To meet and get to know other active teenagers
To understand and practice principles of Leave No Trace
SAMPLE ITINERARY:
This camp is offered multiple times throughout the summer. We strive to make each camp session different enough from the others so that it’s possible to do multiple camps with minimal repetition. Within each camp we will do a variety of activities throughout the week. The final itinerary will be built around specific locations and what is appropriate for the campers. There are so many things to share and learn, we can’t possibly list them all here. Below is a sample itinerary:
Day 1: Meeting & get-to-know-you activities. Fundamentals of climbing - knots, harness, belaying, communication and developing a safety mindset. Get on the rock and climb focusing on specific movement techniques. Set up camp. Enjoy getting to know each other around the fire.
Day 2: Continue developing movement skills by trying a variety of climbs, further refine rope skills, and introduce rappelling.
Day 3: Lots of climbing.
Day 4: Introduce the principles of anchoring and the use of trees and rocks for anchors. Campers will set up, critique, and climb on routes of choice, with critique and final tweaks provided by guides.
Day 5: Introduce the use of artificial gear (stoppers, cams, hexes), campers set up climbs, critique, and climb on routes of choice.
Day 6: Continuing individual and small group focusing on climbing, technical skills, or a combination of each. Choose climbs, set-up, receive feedback. Repeat.
Day 7: Return to base and travel home or rest up and get ready for the next camp.
MEETING / PICK UP LOCATIONS FOR MAINE BASED ROCKPRO II CAMPS
Meets at Alpenglow Adventure Sports / Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School at 753 Stillwater Ave, Bangor, ME. Meeting time on the first day (Sunday) is 11:00 a.m. Drop may also be done in Bar Harbor at 1:30 pm. Pick up will be in Bangor at 11:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. in Bar Harbor on the final day (Saturday).
