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 famous 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.

Attention all spirited and adventurous girls! This is a week of rock climbing and fun in the outdoors. Created for girls who love to climb, we will form lasting friendships as we live, laugh, and climb together. We will journey to the eastern flank of the Adirondack Mountains where a secret rock climbing wall beckons, and nearby a perfect place to camp! We will create a wilderness home, and spend the days learning to climb, belay, and rappel. We will climb a mountain peak to see the view below, and in the evenings, we will gather together around the campfire to reflect on our experiences, play games and share stories.

The White Mountains are famous for their dramatic rocky summits and steep valleys, and boast the highest peaks in the northeast. This ancient granite mountain range is a rock climber’s paradise! Led by Kroka’s international climbing team, this intermediate-level expedition will advance your technical skills while top-roping, bouldering, and following a leader on multi-pitch sport and trad climbs up to 5.8. The first part of the week will be spent reviewing the basic skills of belay techniques, knot tying, and anchor placement.  Living in the woods, swimming, crafting, and climbing remote cliffs will fill our lives and strengthen our spirits. At the culmination of the training we will climb a magnificent slab with breathtaking views all around. 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.