This 1-week rock climbing camp is for girls & boys ages 10 -17. No previous climbing experience is needed. Camp is held at Rattlesnake Point in Milton, Ontario, located on the spectacular Niagara Escarpment 45 minutes west of Toronto. From the tops of the cliffs one can see downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario and look out over a large expanse of this lovely rural farming landscape. The rock here is “user friendly” and allows for people of wide ranging abilities to climb here successfully.

This is a high adventure camp. We’ll begin the camp with the ground and safety school for the first part of the day. The days will be spent rock climbing and rappelling on incredible limestone cliffs. Campers will climb on a wide range of routes and learn a variety of skills and techniques, including belay techniques, knot-tying and different ways of moving over rock. By the end of the week, they will have expanded their physical abilities, problem-solving skills and mental endurance. All climbers will be challenged by these climbs and much effort goes into matching up climbers with the particular climbing routes that best suit their abilities, needs and temperament.

This is a safe camp. Safety is always our top priority. As an adventure school we have always strived to set the standard for safe rock climbing programs in North America. Campers will learn how to be safe climbers and responsible climbing partners. They will learn about safety systems and how to use established climbing communication in a professional manner. Climbers will be taught the Vertical Ventures Triple-Check Safety System.. All campers/climbers where helmets during all the high adventures activities. All belayers (rope holders) have back up belayers as well as our instructors keeping a watchful eye close by.

This is also a low-impact, ecological camp. Campers will be taught the value of wild places and the importance of respecting and protecting fragile ecosystems, especially as climbers. Our camp is nestled among some of the oldest trees in eastern North America, the Eastern White Cedar. This place is home to one of North America’s last great old growth forests. Campers will learn about the history of this forest and why it’s important to preserve these trees. In the past, our kids have participated in various ecological service projects in the park.

This is a working camp. Days are packed with adventure, but also the tasks of keeping the camp running smoothly. Kids will take care of themselves and each other under the watchful eyes of our staff. They will set up and break down camp, help cook, clean, and organize climbing equipment. Campers are well-supervised at all times by Vertical Ventures guides.

Above all, this is a camp where kids will learn, grow and thrive. We ask campers to challenge themselves physically and mentally. The skills needed to be a successful rock climber parallel those needed to be a good friend, successful student, loving family member and "an overall healthy person". Communication skills, setting goals, relying on others, taking responsibility for ones actions, humor, the ability to succeed and to fail all have great value in “the real world”. And so we encourage these traits at camp.

In addition to rock climbing, we’ll enjoy waterfalls, scenic hikes, lifeguard-supervised swimming and a visit to a reconstructed Iroquois fort and village. Parents are welcome too! Price includes all high adventure activities, local transportation, food at the campsite, group camping gear, rock climbing equipment, instructors/counselors and park fees. Camp is Sunday through Saturday. Enrollment is limited. Cost: $850.us

Camp date(s):

• Session A: 6/27/04 – 7/1/04
• Session B: 7/11/04 – 7/17/04
• Session C: 8/8/04 – 8/14/04

Length in Days: 1 week
Location: Rattlesnake Point, Milton, Ontario, Canada
Tuition: $850.us
Instructor(s): Michael Hood & Vertical Ventures counselors / guides
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Frequently Asked Questions

This 11 day long adventure camp takes you through the storied lands and waters of Northern Ontario. We’ll explore along the waterways, islands and trails of one of Ontario’s provincial park gems on Georgian Bay. We start our adventure by canoe where we paddle our way through the island chains of Georgian Bay to our campsite deep in the wilderness. We’ll make our camp on one of the many islands in this water wilderness park. From here we’ll load up our canoes and paddle to an area with rugged granite cliffs. We’ll rock climb and rappel along the length of this rugged escarpment and enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ontario.

At days end we’ll canoe back to camp and cook our meals over an open fire while enjoying incredible Georgian Bay sunsets. This landscape is filled with tales of the local Native Americans and the voyageurs and how they carved out a life in this amazing wilderness. The rock here is made up of ancient Canadian Shield and excellent for rock climbing. This camp is for girls & boys ages 13 -16.

All campers must be proficient swimmers and previous canoe experience is desirable. No previous climbing experience is needed. We’ll spend our days rock climbing, rappelling, canoeing and exploring this rugged wilderness. Please contact us for more details on this exciting new camp from Vertical Ventures.

GEORGIAN BAY HIGH ADVENTURE CAMP
Camp date(s): 8/18 – 8/28/04
Length in Days: 11 days
Hours: Wednesday through the following Sunday
Location: The Massasauga Provincial Park
Tuition: $1,550.us
Instructor(s): Michael Hood & Vertical Ventures counselors / guides
Materials Fee: none
Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Frequently Asked Questions

FOR YOUTH AGES 14 AND UP This 7 day camp is located in southeast New Hampshire. We’ll rock climb, rappel, boulder and explore this beautiful area. No climbing experience necessary. The granite bluffs of New Hampshire offer a wide variety of climbing challenges and techniques at all levels and differs greatly from our climbing camp in Milton, Ontario. We sleep in tents and cook over a fire. Parents welcome too!

Price includes:

• transportation to and from camp
• all camp food, group camping gear
• climbing equipment
• instructors

Camp is Monday to Sunday. Other activities may include hiking and climbing in Pennsylvania and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

Dates & Cost: See calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 5 day rock climbing camp is for women & men of all ages. No previous climbing experience is needed. Camp is held at Rattlesnake Point in Milton, Ontario, located on the Niagara Escarpment just 45 minutes west of Toronto. We will spend our days rock climbing and rappelling on the spectacular limestone cliffs and our nights relaxing around the camp fire. We’ll camp near the cliffs, sleeping under the stars and cooking over a fire. Come alone or bring your spouse or partner, everyone’s welcome!

Price includes:

• transportation to and from East Lansing, Michigan
• all food at campsite
• group camping gear including tents
• rock climbing equipment
• instructors
• all park fees
• all the cocoa you can drink.

Dates & Cost: See calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 2 day adventure camp is designed for scouts ages 12 and up, boys and girls! No experience is needed. Camp is held at Rattlesnake Point in Milton, Ontario, Canada. This mini-camp covers all badge requirements, including: knot tying, climbing commands, ropecraft, rappelling, and climbing on the spectacular Niagara Escarpment. This camp combines daily intensive hands on training with evening demonstrations and workshops. Groups provide their own transportation and provision their own camp. Full camping and cooking services available for an additional fee.

We provide:

• all rock climbing/rappelling equipment
• experienced instructors
• all climbing fees
• and, we supervise all adventure activities

Offered weekdays and select weekends, June - August. For groups of 12 to 30. Groups should plan on arriving the night before your scheduled camp.

Dates & Cost: See calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions