ALL Ages-11-to-13 Ages-13-to-15 Ages-15-to-18 Ages-6-10 Ages-9-to-11 Capstone Climbing-and-Caving Day-Camp Introductory Mountain-Biking Multi-Element Ocean Rites-of-Passage SPACE-AVAILABLE Whitewater Wilderness-Skills
Climbing Rocks
Sun Jun 25 - Sat Jul 1, 2023
(7 days)
Ages 11 - 13

We are all climbers in our hearts, whether we scamper across boulders, monkey up trees, or gaze at the tops of cliffs in wide-eyed wonder. This week of adventure will be dedicated to playing above ground. Our first days at the Kroka basecamp will set us to the rhythm of the farm as we care for the animals and pick strawberries. We will rock climb by day and join together in laughter and songs by the campfire at night. At the end of the week, we will journey into the wilderness and set camp at the foot of a tall climbing wall. With boundless opportunities to explore and discover, we will splash in swimming holes, and quest for the most amazing cracks, holds, and chimneys to climb. We will return to basecamp to share our stories and celebrate the joy of climbing rocks!

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Intro to Rock - Level II
Sun Jul 2 - Sat Jul 8, 2023
(7 days)
Ages 13 - 15

Calling all rock climbers, tree climbers, parkour athletes, and bouldering enthusiasts for a dynamic week of rock climbing in nature. Journeying into the hills and hollows of Western Massachusetts we will establish a wilderness outpost close to three famous crags with climbs that will challenge beginner and experienced climbers alike. Each morning we set off to explore a different line of cliffs to practice toprope, sport, and trad climbing. Afternoons find us searching for caves and ruins in the forest, bouldering, cooking over the open fire, and practicing knot tying. Add to the repertoire the slack line, cliff-jumping and refreshing swims in the river and you‘ve got yourself a perfect summer week!

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In Search of Lost Caverns
Sun Jul 9 - Sat Jul 22, 2023
(14 days)
Ages 13 - 15

Warning: Caving requires a love of tight, dark, wet, muddy spaces as well as a thirst for adventure and discovery of secret places. Students should be physically fit to carry an overnight backpack up and back down the mountain with a smile! 

There is no adventure sport more secretive and alluring than caving. Hidden deep in the infamous Berkshire Hills are miles of underground passages with hidden entrances off the beaten track. Many of these caves were just discovered within the past 10 years! We begin the week at Kroka Village exploring abandoned mines and practicing vertical rope skills. From here we head west and establish a wilderness camp at the base of Mount Greylock. With map and compass and our traveling gear we will set out each day to explore the region's known caves and search for those that have not yet been found. We will swim in pristine waterfalls, descend into abandoned quarries, and visit natural marble bridges. We will cook delicious meals over the fire, share stories, and learn a wilderness craft. The journey ends with a 3-day expedition to a mountain peak, an exciting day of multi-pitch climbing, and a day-trip through one of the longest and most notorious caves in the Northeast.


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Red River Gorge Climbing Expedition
Sun Jul 9 - Sat Jul 29, 2023
(21 days)
Ages 15 - 18

This Capstone Expedition is open to students who have completed Climber’s Journey Up North or another intermediate climbing expedition, and by invitation. Students will be expected to complete advance preparation including food dehydration, route planning, and participate in group fundraising activities. 
Join Kroka’s infamous climbing team David “Davicho” Silva and Marga Cardoso in a trip to the Red River Gorge: the Climber’s Mecca of the Eastern USA. We begin our journey at Kroka’s basecamp where we will refresh our climbing skills on local granite. We will work on the farm and prepare food to take with us on our journey. Up early we will drive down to Eastern Kentucky, stopping along the way to explore the hills and hollows of the Appalachian Mountains. Here we will establish a wilderness basecamp where we set out each day to climb progressively more challenging routes featuring overhung jugs, hollows, pockets, slopers, horns, and crimps! Home to more than 3,000 established routes across more than 100 sandstone cliffs, the Red River Gorge is as alluring as it is expansive. In addition to boasting some of the best sport climbing anywhere, the region is filled with deep, clear swimming holes, ancient caves, and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. When not on the wall we will study the folk history of the region, learn about the impact of coal mining on the landscape, work on wilderness crafts, and spend time giving back through community service.

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Caves, Cliffs and Waterfalls
Sun Jul 23 - Sat Jul 29, 2023
(7 days)
Ages 11 - 13

Don't miss this unique adventure that combines rock climbing and underground exploration! Our expedition begins with a hike to an impressive rock face hidden deep in the woods. After a day and a half of climbing we will continue on our hike, ending at a spectacular waterfall. Refreshed by plunging into crystal clear pools it is time for caving! We will search the woods for caverns that take us deep into the glittering underground world. As we gain experience, we will scurry through tunnels, wade through underground streams, and witness beautiful rock formations that showcase millions of years of geologic history. To wash off the cave mud, we will spend our afternoons swimming in a mountain river and at our wilderness camp learning to live in harmony with nature.  Each day concludes with campfire stories and songs.

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Journey to the Center of the Earth
Sun Jul 30 - Sat Aug 12, 2023
(14 days)
Ages 15 - 18

Open to students who have completed “In Search of Lost Caverns” and interested students with prior caving experience. As part of advance preparation, students will be expected to fundraise toward group equipment purchase. 

Join Kroka’s resident caver and explorer Ezra Fradkin on a journey into the unknown world of caves. The secrets of the underland are revealed on this bold new adventure for students ready to take their caving experience to new depths. We begin our journey at Kroka where we will learn vertical rope techniques used in caving and prepare the food and gear for our expedition. Heading west across the Hudson River, we will face our first test as we squeeze, chimney, crawl, and descend through some of New York’s most infamous caverns. Then turning southward we will follow the limestone belt of the Appalachian Mountains down to Greenbriar County, West Virginia. Here caves are measured not in feet but in miles, and the history and lore of cave exploration goes back to before the revolutionary war. Camping in the wooded Appalachian uplands by night and exploring by day, we will visit pits, crawlways, blowholes, fissures, and decorated cathedrals. Deep underground we rely on our spirit, teamwork, and wit to discover the secrets that lie in the Center of the Earth. Along the way we experience the rich folk music tradition of the region, help out at a honeybee sanctuary, visit abandoned Appalachian coal fields, and give back through meaningful community service.


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Climber's Journey Up North
Sun Aug 6 - Sat Aug 19, 2023
(14 days)
Ages 13 - 15

For students who have completed Climbing Rocks and those with independent climbing experience. Students should be physically fit to carry an overnight backpack up and back down the mountain with a smile!
 
Living in the woods, swimming, crafting, and climbing remote cliffs will fill our lives and strengthen our spirits. The first part of the week will be spent reviewing the basic skills of belay techniques, knot tying, and anchor placement. Then it’s off to the peaks of the Adirondack Mountains where we will continue to advance our technical skills. In addition to top roping and bouldering, students will practice following a leader on multi-pitch sport and traditional climbs up to 5.8. At the culmination of the training we will climb a magnificent slab with breathtaking views all around. Our climbing expedition will end at the foot of the renowned Hudson River Gorge where we will paddle Kroka’s Russian catarafts down class III and IV rapids. Climbing is not just a sport: it is a way of life in which we connect with nature and our inner selves. Bring your spirit and determination and challenge yourself to take the next step. You are sure to experience the rewarding feelings of accomplishment, pride, and connection.

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