Kids Rock Climbing Camp in Tahoe

Kid’s Rock Climbing Camp

$1500Per Person

Introductory 5 days, 8 hours a day Lake Tahoe, CA

Our 5-Day Kids Rock Climbing Camp is a great way to get your kids outside for a week of activity and climbing development, whether they are new to the sport or have years of experience. Throughout the week, your child will climb on the Tahoe Via in Olympic Valley and on Donner Summit, as well as participate in several activities including map and compass scavenger hunts, knot tying, educational hikes in Shirley Canyon, and more. The camp will run Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm. For ages 7-14, and all ability levels. Drop-in days are available Monday and Tuesday for $300/day. Please call the office to book drop-in days.

Jul 24, 2023 – Jul 28, 2023

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Course Overview

Kids are natural-born climbers. Though many may have never tried the sport, often kids are immediately drawn to it.

Climbing presents both physical and mental challenges to kids, a combination that makes it as difficult as it is fun. Learning to climb is not simply about getting stronger—it will also test kids’ balance, technique, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage fear.
New climbers will learn the fundamentals of rope management, belaying and climbing technique, while experienced climbers will explore more difficult routes, advanced rope systems, and leading techniques. All guides are AMGA-certified and medically trained as Wilderness First Responders at a minimum.

* If your child is under 3’11 and/or lighter than 88lbs, please give our office a call at 877-873-5376 or email us at info@alpenglowexpeditions.com after you book.

We will allow single day drop-ins on Mondays and Tuesdays. There is an option to select a single day when you click the “Book Now” button above. The single day rate is $300.

NON-CLIMBING ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE
-Educational hikes in Shirley Canyon to learn about Geology, flora and fauna
-Rappelling school
-Scavenger hunts utilizing a map and compass
-Flower presses or painting in nature
-Knot tying and rope skills
-Weaving a rug out of old climbing ropes
-History hikes on Donner Summit
-Dips in the creek to cool off

WHAT TO BRING
-Kids will want to bring everything on the following list for their week of camp:
-Climbing harness, helmet, and climbing shoes (Available free of charge, just let us know when you book!)
-Outdoor clothing that is appropriate for the weather (check the forecast!) Here is a video of what to wear on the Tahoe Via, which will be very similar to a day of rock climbing.
-Close toed shoes that lace up or velcro, appropriate for hiking and climbing on the Via Ferrata
-Lunch, snacks and water for the day (at least one liter)
-Sun Protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a lightweight long-sleeve clothing if desired
-Swimwear and towel for dips in the creek
-A backpack to carry it all!

THE ALPENGLOW DIFFERENCE

With countless expeditions to high-altitude peaks around the world over the last 15 years, we bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our beloved “home mountain”. Our teaching and guiding philosophy has been honed from the flanks of the Himalayan giants to the technical peaks of Peru, and we are beyond excited to be able to bring our program to this fantastic mountain. In addition to our international expedition roots, we are accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), being one of the very few guide services in the region to hold such a high standard. Each of our guides is trained by the AMGA in the terrain in which they operate, and the program is supervised by internationally licensed IFMGA mountain guides. This high standard, along with our many years of experience, translates to a fantastic mountain adventure!

Alpenglow Expeditions operates under special use permit with the Tahoe, Eldorado, Inyo, Humboldt-Toiyable and Shasta-Trinity National Forests. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Preparation

Technical Experience

We welcome kids of all skill levels. We will split groups and choose activities based on age and experience/ability to ensure appropriate challenge and fun for everyone!

Day 1: Tahoe Via Ferrata in Olympic Valley

Morning: kids will spend the morning climbing on our Tahoe Via Ferrata

Lunch: the group will take a nice break in a shady spot to enjoy lunch and rehydrate

Afternoon: kids will participate in a variety of activities that may include nature hikes, knot-tying, scavenger hunts, or arts & crafts.
Days 2, 3, & 5: Donner Summit Climbing and Activities

-Morning: kids will spend the morning climbing at Donner Summit and working on technical rope skills
-Lunch: the group will take a nice break in a shady spot to enjoy lunch and rehydrate
-Afternoon: Depending on the group dynamic, our guides will choose to make the second half of the day climbing-based or the group can explore some other activities that Donner Summit has to offer.
If the group is eager to climb, our guides may choose to test the kids on more difficult routes, teach more in-depth technical skills, or start to fine-tune climbing movement.
If the group wants to explore non-climbing activities- there’s plenty of fun to be had on Donner Summit. Kids can hike part of the PCT and learn about the history of the area, make wildflower presses, and more.
Day 4: Shirley Canyon Hike

Thursday (Day 4) is typically a good day for a bit of a rest. A hike in Shirley Canyon in Olympic Valley provides a good break from climbing, with lots of educational activities along the way. Plant identification, map & compass activities and knot tying.

Our Guides

Meet Your Guides.

FAQ’s

The answers to all of our most commonly asked questions.

: We welcome kids ages 7 to 14 to our climbing camp.
If your child is under 3’11 and/or lighter than 88lbs, please give our office a call at 877-873-5376 or email us at info@alpenglowexpeditions.com after you book.
: Single day drop-ins will be allowed on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can select this option when you click “Book Now” above.
The day rate for drop-ins will be $300.
: One of the most common misconceptions about rock climbing is that your arms have to look like Popeye’s to even consider doing it. This is absolutely not the case!
Rock-climbing is truly a full-body sport. We like to remind folks that if you can hike, you can climb. As new climbers develop their skills, they will discover that technique and balance are actually more important than their arm strength. And hey, the more you climb- the stronger you’ll get.
: Absolutely! Check out our Half Day Family Rock Climbing Trips and join your kids for a day of fun on the rocks!
: Spend time outside and expend some of that extra energy!
Have fun and meet new kids
Practice a lifestyle sport that they can continue to do through adulthood
Develop new skills that demand responsibility and safety
Learn about the geology, flora, and fauna of North Tahoe
Develop skills such as tying knots, using a map and compass, and more!
: Kids need to pack a lunch and bring plenty of water and snacks for the day.
: We have rental helmets, harness and rock shoes available for no additional charge. Just let us know what size shoes and harness to bring in advance.
– Sun Protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, lightweight long-sleeve clothing if desired
– Lightweight wicking short-sleeve top and lightweight climbing shorts/pants
– Close-toed shoes for hiking and Via Ferrata
– Windbreaker or raincoat- it can get breezy up on the mountain!
– Plenty of water (at least one liter)
– Lunch, and snacks to nibble on in between climbs
– Swim gear and towel for a splash in the creek
– Bug spray if desired
: At Alpenglow, we have only the highest standards of safety and guide qualifications. All of our rock climbing trips are led by AMGA certified SPI’s (single pitch instructors), certified rock instructors or certified rock guides. Our guides have extensive experience and knowledge with technical climbing equipment and risk management to ensure a safe day in the mountains! Furthermore, every Alpenglow program is supervised by an internationally licensed mountain guide (IFMGA/UIAGM). Alpenglow Expeditions is the only guide service in the region with such high standards, your family’s safety is our our top priority.
: If it rains, we take the adventure indoors and provide fun and engaging activities for the group, including arts and crafts, knot tying, etc.

Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need.

Download Equipment Link

Select a category

Hat
Bring your favorite baseball hat for shelter from the sun. No white under the brim – the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding.

Recommended: Alpenglow Hat
Sunglasses
Must have dark lenses. Minimal light should come in below, above, or around the sides of the lenses.“Wrap” style is best. Ventilation is important and a retainer strap is very useful (Chums or Croakies).

Recommended: Vaurnet Ice Rounds
Approach Shoes
Recommended: La Sportiva TX4
Climbing Shoes
Recommended: La Sportiva TC Pro
Lightweight Top
Ultra-light base layer that effectively wicks moisture away from your body and is breathable. Quick-dry is important as well. One light-colored shirt is recommended for extremely sunny days.

Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve

Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Sun Hoodie
Lightweight, long-sleeve sun hoody that is great for protecting from the sun.

Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody

Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
Hiking Pant
Lightweight, durable, quick-drying hiking pant that will be your day-to-day pant during the expedition

Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Technician Alpine Pant

Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Technician Alpine Pant
Small Backpack
Recommended: Black Diamond Speed 30 Pack
Two 1L Nalgene Bottles
Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.

Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth
Climbing Harness
Rock climbing harness that has gear loops, adjustable leg loops and waist belts. We recommend a harness that does not require the belt loop to be “double backed”.

Recommended: Black Diamond Zone Harness
Technical Kit
While the technical equipment needed for a specific objective and season varies, this basic kit is a great baseline. Your guide will bring gear for you to use during your course, but participants are encouraged to bring some or all of this if you own it or are interested in purchasing it.

1 Cordalette (6mm x 5m/16.4′)
4 locking carabiners
2 non-locking carabiners
1 double-length Dyneema sling
Small prusik loop (6mm x 112cm/44″)
Auto-blocking belay device (eg. ATC guide)
Micro Traxion or similar
Helmet
An easily adjustable lightweight helmet that fits with hat and Balaclava. Make sure this is a climbing-specific helmet. *Climbing helmets are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow Expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Recommended: Black Diamond Vision Helmet – MIPS

Testimonials

Alpenglow was an amazing company to work with
Alpenglow was an amazing company to work with from booking to the actual rock climbing lesson. We purchased the half-day lesson on Donner Summit, and were blown away with the knowledge of our guide, Pete. Climbing can be an intimidating sport for people to try, but Pete’s positive and playful personality made the day very enjoyable. I highly recommend this company for anyone looking for a fun and challenging adventure to do solo, with friends or with your family!

Natalie S.