Kids Rock Climbing Summer Camp in the Gunks

Things to know

• Covid measures in the Gunks

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Gunks, please refer to the US government’s guidelines for international travelers and the official New York COVID-19 guidelines.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local rock climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • Three or five days of climbing and instruction
    • An optional day of hiking or swimming
    • Day pass for camp participants
    • Climbing gear

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation
    • Accommodation for parents
    • Personal equipment
    • Food and snacks
    • Parents’ day passes for the Junior Climbing Camp
• How fit do I need to be?

  If your child can climb a ladder, they’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, the guide will choose routes appropriate for the group’s age, strength, and fitness level.

• What if I’ve never climbed before?

  The Gunks have plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether your child has never climbed before or they are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit their skill level and objectives. With a caring guide by their side, they’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun! For intermediate climbers, The Gunks have loads of routes to spend the day on. The guide will customize each day to meet the needs of the group.

• What about required equipment?

  All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if your child has their own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

  • • Helmet
    • Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
    • Ropes
    • Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
    • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)

  Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

  • • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
    • Water bottle
    • Hiking sneakers or boots
    • Light jacket
    • Spare clothes for layering and 3-5 days of climbing
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Food and snacks
    • Swimsuit and towels (optional)
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional

  Your child should dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes they can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t let them wear jeans.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For these camps, the usual guest-to-guide ratio is 4:1. 
    • The camps are limited to a maximum of 8 participants. At least 3 participants are required for the camp to run.
    • Costs are per person and they don’t decrease as the group grows.

  Climbing in the Gunks can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • The Youth Climbing Camp is meant for children aged 9.5-17, while the Junior Climbing Camp is meant for children aged 6-9.
    • Participants in the Junior Climbing Camp must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  Since this tour is meant for climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to the Gunks, most people fly into one of the international airports in New York: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service for a 1,5-3 hour drive to New Paltz in the Shawagunks.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop in New Paltz or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on the conditions and ability of the group. The climbing camp runs from 9 am to 3 pm.

• Cancellation policy

  Cancel within 48 hours of booking your trip for free, no questions asked. If you need to change your plans up to 31 days ahead of your scheduled adventure, we offer a full refund on most trips. Within 31 days we offer free date changes or the option to convert your booking to credit to use on any 57hours adventure at a later date.