Skip to Content

Climb and Grow:
Why Alpenglow Expedition’s Rock Climbing Camp is the Ultimate Adventure for Kids

a climber in a blue jacket with a yellow pack stands in front of an alpine lake looking up at a white granite wall

 

guided multi-pitch rock climbing at Lovers Leap in Lake Tahoe with professional mountain guides
Looking Ahead to Summer

While we’re psyched for all this new snow, many of the sun-loving High Sierra rock climbers around Alpenglow are already dreaming of long summer days on pristine granite. Many of these folks are “lifers,” or have been climbing for so long that it’s now a fundamental part of their existence. Some started in college, while others were scrambling up rocks before they could even walk. Climbing is a provider of life lessons, an honest form of tough love, and proof that you can do hard things. It’s also a natural instinct for kids.

Starting Them Young!

“Get down from there!” was a phrase deeply engrained in my mother’s lexicon for the first two decades of my sister’s and my lives. She and I scrambled up anything that looked like it had handholds, from trees and rocks to dangling off our second-story deck… sorry, mom! It’s hardly any surprise that she dropped me off at a two-week  rock climbing camp a week after that incident, which changed my life. I showed up alone and timid, not knowing anyone, and left with friends and mentors that I still keep in touch with today. One of my favorite memories from that camp was learning to rappel. I felt like a super spy!

It’s undeniable that spending time in nature as I grew up played a major role in shaping me into the person I am today. Being able to climb outside at a young age gave me an intense appreciation for nature on both the macro and micro scale. From the sweeping panoramas of surrounding cliffs and trees all the way down to the feldspar crystals I trusted my body weight to (climbing also led me to study geology in school, to nobody’s surprise), the act of climbing heightened all of my senses and truly brought me into my body.

Climbing’s Profound Impacts

My experience, while powerful, isn’t unique. Climbing is revered for its ability to create laser focus, whether you’re bouldering at your local gym or big walling in some of the most remote places on the planet. In such a technologically driven society, climbing has stood the test of time and is now more popular than ever. A day of climbing feels like an hour, and it’s a guaranteed way to avoid screens! Climbing is also a way to form powerful relationships, as it is inherently an act of trust. Many of my closest friendships have come from climbing, and I can’t wait to use it as a means to keep meeting incredible people.

Come Climb with Us!

Anyways, I’ll get down off of my soapbox. What I’m ultimately trying to say is that you and your kids should come climbing with us. Our 5-day kids’ rock camp is a fantastic way to spend those long summer days. Our summer 2025 dates are live! Kids will spend time on our Tahoe Via Ferrata and get to climb at Donner Summit, a world-class crag with something for everyone. If you can’t commit to the full 5 days, we also have a “drop-in” option, where your kiddos can come for just one or two days of the program. Or, maybe you’re getting FOMO from your kids and want to join in too! We offer private family climbing days and many climbing clinics that focus on different aspects of the sport. Some highlights include anchor building, self-rescue, andintro to outdoor climbing clinics. Or, if you want to start slowly and ramp up, there’s always our Via Ferrata, which is fun for the whole family!

Why Start with a Guide?

We believe that education is essential for creating a skilled and safe outdoor community. That’s why we’ve designed our rock climbing courses to ensure you leave with the confidence and ability to climb independently. Our courses provide all the skills you need to then explore the vertical world on your own. Plus, our guides are world class. All of our guides are certified through the American Mountain Guides Association. We are one of the few guiding businesses that is fully accredited by them. Some of our guides have gone even further to receive their full pin with the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA), which is essentially the equivalent of getting your PhD in guiding. We love to brag about our guides, and we hope you come climb with us to see what truly makes the Alpenglow Expeditions experience so special.

Now What?

As always, don’t hesitate to email us at info@alpenglowexpeditions.com or call us at 877-873-5376 with any questions. Let’s climb together this summer!

Women’s Intro To Outdoor Rock Climbing

Introductory Next Available
Every Saturday June – October. Contact us for private dates!
Full Day / 8 Hours Meet who you will be rock climbing in Lake Tahoe with.
Rock climbing guide teaching a rock climbing course at Donner Summit in Lake Tahoe.

Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing

Introductory Next Available
Every Saturday June – October. Contact us for private dates!
Full Day / 8 Hours Lake Tahoe, CA

Rock Anchoring & Gear Placement

Introductory Next Available
May 31
1 full day (8 hours) Donner Summit
Tying a figure 8 knot to climbing harness during an intro to rock climbing course in lake tahoe.

Learn to Lead Climb In Tahoe

Introductory Next Available
June 6
Full Day, 8 Hours Lake Tahoe, CA
Mountain guide belays from ledge during a Private Half Day of Rock Climbing with Alpenglow Expeditions

Intro to Multi-Pitch Climbing

Intermediate Next Available
Inquire for Private Dates!
Full Day / 8 Hours Lake Tahoe, CA
Alpenglow Expeditions guide training on the Tahoe Via Ferrata

Self Rescue For Rock Climbers

Intermediate Next Available
June 7
1 full day (8 hours) North Lake Tahoe, CA
A group of kids hanging on the Tahoe Via Ferrata during a Kids Rock Climbing Camp in Lake Tahoe.

Kids Rock Climbing Camp

Introductory Next Available
June 16-June 20
5 days, 8 hours a day Lake Tahoe, CA