All Things Rock

entering grades 7 – 9 (must be 13 by start of camp)

Are you looking 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 lining the valleys, to the Greenbrier Limestone bands creating over 3,000 known local caves. On this camp we will dive into these vastly different ecosystems and rock features as we learn about the history of the place, and the people who were first to explore these spaces.

We’ll start at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center, setting expectations and getting acquainted with our gear for the week. The next day we will climb the famed Via Ferrata at nearby NROCKS. The via ferrata, or iron way, is a steep climbing route containing permanent rungs lined by a cable system allowing novice climbers the kind of exposure typically only attained by the more advanced. After climbing the Via, we’ll head underground into two distinct caves. Camping each evening from different primitive sites, we’ll have time and space to focus on connecting with our group while we eat dinner and relax around a campfire. The following days will be spent top rope climbing at two other local crags.  Here, a range of climbs will be set up to ensure an appropriate skill level is met for all.  We’ll learn to belay, climb, and rappel in a supportive environment while making time to discuss comfort zones and personal goal setting. In this way, we can use this experience as a tool for successfully facing personal challenges and fears. Along the way, we’ll partner with the USFS on a trail maintenance service project earning community service hours for our time working on the trails. 

This camp will work to more deeply develop campers’ basic adventure and wilderness survival skills as well as fostering relationships with each other, and awareness of group dynamics. Our mindfulness and reflection exercises will help each camper identify their strengths, weaknesses, and preferences and the supportive environment will help them develop confidence in the value and importance of their unique offerings.