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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.