All Things Rock

entering grades 7 – 10

Are you ready to dig deep into all things rock-related? The geology of Pendleton County is diverse, unique, and full of adventure, from the impressive fins of Tuscarora Sandstone rising from the valleys to the limestone bands that form hundreds of miles of local caves. Did you know, Pendleton County is home to both the highest and lowest points in the state?! During this camp, we’ll descend into and climb across these striking ecosystems and rock features while learning about the history of the land and the people who first explored these spaces.

Campers will spend the week developing climbing skills as the group travels to a series of sites across Pendleton County, WV. We’ll begin at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center, setting expectations and getting acquainted with our gear, then break up the week with a quick caving trip for variety and exploration.

Beyond climbing, this camp is designed to strengthen campers’ adventure and wilderness survival skills, foster group relationships, and build awareness of team dynamics. Through mindfulness and reflection exercises, each camper will have the chance to identify their strengths, challenges, and preferences.

In this supportive environment, they’ll gain confidence in the value and importance of their unique contributions, both on the rocks and within the group.

New this year – 2 Rock Camp Sessions! 
June 14th – June 18th, 2026 – Session 1: Caving + Climbing Camp w/ Kyle Mills
June 29th – July 2nd, 2026 – Session 2: Climbing Camp w/ Arthur Brooks

Program Snapshot:
Lodging: Tent camping at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center, bathroom and other amenities are a short walk away.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner will either be served out of the main kitchen or over a fire at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center, while primitive camping, meals are packed to be conveniently prepared and eaten in the field as needed.
Group Size: 10 kids, 2 rock climbing instructors
Age-Appropriate Activities:  Hiking, camping, caving, rock climbing, stream exploration, survival skills, campfire games, outdoor cookery, sensory awareness activities, stargazing.
Program Length: 4-5 days

Meet Your Guides:

Kyle Mills

Leading the way through some of West Virginia’s most wild and wonderful landscapes is Kyle Mills. Kyle is an ACA-certified canoe instructor, PCGI-certified climbing guide, NOLS-trained Wilderness First Responder, and NCRC cave rescue technician. With nearly 25 years of experience in outdoor education and a deep knowledge of the natural history of the Allegheny Mountains, Kyle brings unmatched expertise and guidance to every adventure.

Arthur Brooks

Arthur has been honing his craft as a rock and alpine guide in various venues across the United States and beyond for nearly a decade, but for the last several years he has called Pendleton County’s very own Seneca Rocks his home crag. He has spent hundreds of days guiding both youth and adult trips, from back country canoe expeditions in the Canadian wilderness, to high Alpine summits in the North Cascades. As a certified PCGI Climbing Guide, there are few people who know the climbing areas of Pendleton county better.