Rock Climbing Camps - Shaffer's High Sierra Summer Camps

"Our 11 year old had a fabulous experience at camp. She made friends and shared new experiences like the ropes course and whitewater rafting that she continues to be excited about. We look forward to next year!" - Vicki Rinne (parent), Davis, CA

Rock Climbing

Overview.

Rock Climbing is just one of many activities you'll enjoy at Shaffer's High Sierra Summer Camp. Our climbing program is structured to provide you with a fun introduction to the sport and is for kids 8 to 17 years old.

Skills Development.

You'll go through a climbing clinic supervised by a climbing specialist certified by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) or the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) as a Single Pitch Instructor. You'll learn safety protocols, basic top rope rock climbing techniques, knot tying, belaying, and rappelling. Safety is paramount, and all participants not only go through our clinic but wear a helmet and harness.

Philosophy.

The Camp observes the "Challenge-by-Choice" philosophy. You can choose the difficulty of your climb, from introductory, to the more challenging, all the way up to our most challenging climb. It's entirely up to you. You will get all the encouragement and guidance you need without being forced or compelled to do anything with which you are not comfortable. We're just happy to have you join us!

The Climbs.

Our climbs are in California 's splendid Tahoe National Forest. All are "single pitch," which means we use a single length of 50 or 60 meter (150 feet) rope to scale a rock face of 75 feet or less. Participants are belayed with a rope from above attached to the climber's harness, and the climber then navigates up the rock using just his or her hands and feet. Participants do not set bolts, cams, nuts, or other specialty equipment. You'll be climbing on real rock, not a man-made tower, with a terrific variety of routes and difficulty. We have climbs ranging from bouldering, to vertical rock faces, to the inverted. Some of the areas where we climb:

Deadman's Peak.

Within walking distance from Camp, on the flank of Deadman's Peak, is a huge granite face with dozens of potential routes. This is also where we do some bouldering.

Donner Lake.

Made famous by the ill-fated Donner Party which tried unsuccessfully to cross the Sierra Nevada mountains by wagon train in the 1800s, this large lake provides a beautiful view for our rock climbers. It is well known in rock climbing circles for the great variety of fun climbs. The Camp runs a full day trip to Donner Lake only during our sessions of two weeks or longer.

Sierra Buttes.

Another of our favorite climbs is in the Sierra Buttes area, where you can not only climb some great routes with the scenic Buttes providing a beautiful backdrop, but you can go for a swim in a lake afterward.

Quote of the Day:

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." – Frederick Douglas

Reserve Your Space RISK-FREE Today!

Because we're small with just 70 campers allowed to enroll at any one time, we do fill. So make your reservation risk-free today! If your plans change before May 15th, you can get a full refund. And if you enroll after May 15th, you may still cancel and receive a refund if you notify the Camp within 7 days of your enrollment, or the start of camp for your child, whichever comes first. And you are always covered by our Fun Guarantee!

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Operated under a Special-Use Permit on land under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. We provide services, accommodations, and privileges regardless of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, or regardless of any perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics, or regardless of any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. Persons are employed on an equal basis to operate, maintain, or construct facilities for public use.