Rock Climbing Camps - Shaffer's High Sierra Summer Camps

"Shaffer's is the one and only camp I go to. It has lots of different activities everyone can enjoy! I love just spending a whole week away from it all, and there's no other way to experience this than [at] Shaffer's High Sierra Camp." - Kyle L. (camper), San Rafael, 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 Top Rope Site Manager. 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:

"We worry about what a child will be tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today." – Stacia Tauscher

Registration

(*All monies paid before May 15th are fully refundable up to May 15th, but not after. See our Refund Policy.)

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"Are Your Ready for Camp?"
"First Time at Camp? Talking With Your Child"
"A Camp for Every Child...The Perfect Fit"
"Fun and Safety"
"The Great News About Homesickness"

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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, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, or national origin. Persons are employed on an equal basis to operate, maintain, or construct facilities for public use. (Rev. 5/1/2006)