advance climbing

Back at Rock and River Camp you learned how to climb. In this Camp, you’ll learn how to BE a rock climber.

Our most experienced and skilled Climbing Staff will help you feel more like a peer than a Camper. That means setting-up climbs and working together to send harder climbs and boulder problems. Advance Climbing Camp typically starts out with an intense technique-building clinic at PeakRVA and then goes back and forth between climbing outside and working on bouldering and lead climbing at PeakRVA. On Thursdays, we also take a day trip out to the The Forest bouldering area in Charlottesville and hike into some sweet boulders. The Advance Climbing Campers and Staff always form a tight group, develop strong friendships and freely share encouragement for one another. One of our goals is to help you rage on the rock and prepare yourself to one day apply for a job at Passages.

Advance Rock and River Campers have the opportunity to select an entire week of rock climbing or an entire week of kayaking. These day camp sessions are specifically designed for all campers who have mastered our traditional Rock & River Sessions and have earned a Level III patch in either kayaking or climbing or both. Climbers will build top-rope anchors, learn to lead and crack climb and boulder.

The Advance Camp Counselors are our most highly skilled and experienced kayaking and climbing staff. The goal of our Counselors is to challenge and support campers to achieve Levels IV and V by building hard-core skills and leadership. We maintain a 4:1 camper to counselor ratio to ensure the success of each of our Campers.

Details:

  • Ages: 12-16 (all genders)

  • Must have passed Rock and River Level III

  • Cost: $795 (*636 for 4-day Weeks)

What do our campers have to say about advanced climbing?

2025 camp sessions:

  • June 9th - 13th

  • June 23rd - 27th

  • June 30 - July 3 (No Camp July 4th)

  • July 14th - 18th

more details about advance climbing

We are psyched for another great season and looking forward to working hard and playing hard with this summer's campers. Come to camp with your game face on and be prepared for some hard-core coaching and fun.

  • Please arrive between 8:00am & 8:30am for camp daily. Camper check-out begins at 4:45pm, but you may pick up as late as 5:30pm.

  • The drop-off and pick up for your camp is at Historic Tredegar & The American Civil War Museum - formerly Tredegar Iron Works - next to the Belle Isle parking lot. (500 Tredegar Street, Richmond, VA 23219)

    Friday Check-out is 3:30pm at PeakRVA

  • • Wear a bathing suit and comfortable shorts and a tshirt (or rash guard).

    • Shoes: Wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet & dirty. We strongly recommend durable sandals (no flip flops) and non-cotton socks if you have them.

    • Bring a hydration pack or water bottle.

    • Please note the weather in case you need a hoodie/rain jacket. We are a Rain or Shine camp, so dress accordingly!

    • We supply drinks and snacks daily. On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, please pack a non-perishable lunch and we will keep it in the shade and dry for you. We will have our traditional cook-out on Wednesday and Pizza party on Friday.

    • We supply all equipment including harnesses, helmets, ropes, shoes, and any additional climbing gear needed. (Feel free to bring your own.)

    • Come with a layer of sunscreen. We will reapply as needed throughout the day.

    • Please label all of your belongings.

    • Please do not bring electronics or valuables. They are guaranteed to get wet, lost, or misplaced.

  • If your child cannot attend camp on a given morning, please e-mail passages@peakexperiences.com. We ask that you try to avoid situations where your child arrives late to camp or must leave early, so that all our staff can remain with the entire group. In case of emergency or any other concerns or if you need to contact the camp director, please contact our Registrar at 804-897-8283 ext.310.

  • On Friday afternoon from 2:30-3:30, we invite all family and friends to witness the tremendous achievements your child will surely accrue throughout the course of the week. This will be at Peak RVA. You will receive detailed information on the Thursday of your camp session.

  • Unpaid balances are due two weeks before the start of your camp session. For your convenience, we will debit your credit card with the balance due. Thank you for your prompt attention to this.

  • Your comments and suggestions serve as our compass towards improving our program each year. Please complete our online evaluation form that will be mailed to you at the end of your session.