Middle School

OUTDOOR CLIMBING CAMP
(Ages 12-14)

July 7 -11 2025

AUGUST 11-15 2025

Middle Schoolers (Ages 12-14) Limited to 12 climbers per session

Explore Helena crags with friends! Five days of climbing, confidence-building, and adventure for ages 12-14. Learn knots, belaying, and safety. Gear provided, no experience needed! Find a friend and Sign up today!

Time: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Adventure awaits with our Middle School Outdoor Camps! These all-day, Monday–Friday camps are perfect for climbers ages 12–14 ready to explore Helena’s stunning outdoor crags. Campers meet at Stonetree each morning before heading out in our van to incredible climbing destinations like Sheep Mountain, Avalanche Gulch, Hellgate Gulch, and more—brand new for 2025!

With a focus on safety and skill-building, participants will learn knot tying, belaying, and backing up a belayer while building strength, confidence, and camaraderie with their fellow climbers. This unique camp is unlike any other in Montana, offering an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, growth, and connection.

No prior experience, skills, or gear are required to join! This all-day camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., so campers will need to pack a lunch. In addition to climbing techniques, participants will learn Leave No Trace principles, risk management, and decision-making skills. With a 1:4 instructor-to-camper ratio and instructors holding industry-standard certifications, you can rest assured your camper is in good hands.

Cost

  • Registration before 5/1/25 $500

  • Registration after 5/1/25 $550

What’s included? 5 days of all-day camp, all climbing equipment needed, transportation to/from the crag, qualified and experience instruction, and lifelong memories with your friends while outdoor rock climbing at some of Helena’s best area crags. Does there need to be anything else? Tell a friend, and Sign up today!

need a few more details?

Wondering what this camp is all about? We will try to answer a few questions we think you might have…

  • What’s the daily schedule?
    Drop-off is at 8:30 AM at Stonetree Climbing Center, and pick-up is at 4:00 PM at the same location. Each day includes transportation to local climbing sites, climbing instruction, and engaging activities tailored to build confidence and camaraderie.

  • What should my child bring?
    Campers should bring active clothing suitable for the weather, sturdy hiking shoes, a packed lunch, plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and any personal items like hats or medications. Also a small backpack to carry it all! Note on lunches: this are high activity days! Pack a lot of lunch. :)

  • Is prior climbing experience required?
    No experience is required—this camp is beginner-friendly! If your child already has climbing experience, we’ll build on their skills with more advanced techniques.

  • What safety measures are in place?
    Safety is our top priority. Our instructors are AMGA-certified guides with wilderness medicine training. We maintain a 1:4 instructor-to-climber ratio and always have communication tools to contact emergency services if needed.

  • What is included in the camp fee?

    The camp fee includes all climbing gear, transportation to and from climbing sites, extra water, and light snacks. Light snacks means a healthy granola bar, trail mix, or fruit/veggies. One of these will be provided daily as a supplement to campers own lunch. Don’t forget your lunch!

  • What happens in case of bad weather?
    We’ll prioritize outdoor climbing whenever possible, but in the event of bad weather, activities will be held indoors at Stonetree Climbing Center.

  • How are campers transported to climbing sites?
    Campers are transported to climbing sites in a 15-passenger van driven by a certified driver. We follow all safety regulations to ensure a smooth journey.

  • Can my child attend if they have dietary restrictions, allergies, or other needs?
    Yes! Let us know about any dietary restrictions, allergies, or specific needs, and we’ll work with you to accommodate them. Please include this information during registration.

  • What climbing skills will my child learn?
    Campers will learn:

    • Equipment basics

    • Top rope climbing, including tying in and lowering

    • Trail and crag etiquette

    • Environmental stewardship

    • Teamwork and group dynamics"

  • Who are the instructors?
    Our instructors are experienced climbers with in-depth knowledge of local crags. Each trip includes AMGA-certified Single Pitch Instructors and Wilderness First Aid-certified staff. Many of our guides also teach in our indoor camps and are skilled in working with kids

  • What’s the group size?
    12 total campers with up to 3 guides

  • How do you handle risk management and decision-making in the outdoors?
    Safety is our top priority. We teach campers to assess and manage risks in the outdoors through awareness, mitigation, and monitoring. Instructors are trained to respond quickly and effectively in any situation.

  • What happens if there’s an emergency?

    In the event of an emergency, parents will be notified immediately, and we’ll coordinate to ensure the best possible outcome for your child. For non-urgent matters, you can contact the gym, and we’ll relay messages through cell or satellite communication.

  • Are refunds or cancellations allowed?
    Yes, but please review our cancellation policy for full details. Feel free to contact us with questions. .

  • Is there a pre-camp orientation or meet-and-greet?
    We do not have this built into our itinerary, but are open to the idea in the future. If you have more questions, would like to meet the staff, or other campers, we’d be glad to arrange something in the weeks leading up to your camp. Give us a shout, and we’ll see what we can do!

We hope this can help parents and participants feel informed and confident in signing up for this incredible Stonetree Summer Camp! Don’t forget to fill out your waiver below, or give us a should If you have more questions: youthprograms@stonetreeclimbing.com

Stonetree's Cancellation Policy

1) All birthday party bookings deposits are non-refundable.

2) Cancellations that take place 2 weeks before your scheduled booking will receive a refund in full.

3) Cancellations that occur with less than 2 weeks notice and up to 24 hours notice before your booking will receive a 50% refund.

4) Cancellations that occur less than 24hrs from the start of the booking or event will not receive a refund.

5) If Stonetree Climbing Center is able to fill the vacated spot or booking, a refund will be issued in full. 

6) This cancellation policy is firm and may only be waived for special circumstances. Thank you for understanding and please reach out if you have any questions.