YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir

Climbing Camp

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Camp Information

This camp is a really cool, one of a kind experience at Horsethief Reservoir! We have developed several real-rock climbing routes on the back side of our property that this program will get daily access to under the low-ratio tutelage Idaho Mountain Guides instructors. What makes this camp different is that at least half of each day will be spent climbing! Climbing camp consists of 8 male and 8 female campers, along with 1 male and 1 female staff member who sleep in the platform tents with campers each night. 

  • Grades: 6th-10th
  • Members: $789
  • Non-Members: $899
  • Weeks for 2025: Week 3, Week 8

Climbing campers will also climb our famous Idaho-shaped rock wall and participate in other traditional camp activities throughout the week. 

If campers already have their own set of climbing shoes, we recommend packing those. If not, camp will provide the use of climbing shoes during the real-rock programs. Only YMCA harnesses are allowed to be used. 

Week 3 – June 22-27

Week 8 – July 27-Aug 1

Have a question?

We are happy to help! Daniel Alpers is our year-round Camp Director and he is always happy to take your questions.

Email Daniel
(208)344-5502 x856

More information on our Idaho Mountain Guides instructors can be found online at https://idahomountainguides.com/

Pricing

Non-Member Price: $899.00
Member Price: $789.00

About this program?

See below...

About this camp?

Climbing Camp is for campers entering Grades 6-10. Climbing Camp adds extra focus on the sport of man-made top-rope climbing, bouldering, as well as outdoor, real-rock climbing. Climbers sleep in platform tents that sleep up to 8 campers and 1 adult staff member of the same gender. Modern bathrooms and showers at the Barn are just a short walk away to provide the same comfort of the other camp programs without compromising a adventurous experience. Climbers participate in some of the classic camp favorites like waterfront activities while spending at least half of their days doing ropes and climbing activities. Your camper does not need to have participated in an Adventure program before in order to participate in our Climbing Camp, however previous climbing experience is highly encouraged.

What does my child need for camp?

Please refer to the Parent Camper Guide on our website for the Packing List, but know that we provide the essentials to ensure that your camper can join in the fun without needing to buy expensive outdoor gear. Campers will do more outdoor activities than Youth campers, so be sure that they bring clothing for both chilly mornings and hot afternoons, as well as footwear made for walking. Please note that temperature variance at Y Camp can be wide. Sometimes our nights can be chilly. You know your camper better than anyone else; please be sure to check the weather before you check in to camp and add additional clothing/footwear as you see fit (search Cascade, ID for best weather results). We highly recommend sending campers with a warm-rated sleeping bag.

What do campers do differently for meals?

All campers at Y Camp participate in a cookout over a fire at some point during their week, but all meals except for that one are prepared and served to them in our commercial kitchen.

What safety measures are taken for campers?

Because Climbing campers do special things, staff that work with these campers get additional training and maintain a high supervision ratio, 1:8. All activities taking place on our real-rock climbing routes are under the supervision and tutelage of a certified Idaho Mountain Guide staff member, in addition to YMCA staff. All this is to say that our campers’ safety is our top priority. Staff members go through an intensive week-long training before campers arrive on site to ensure all staff are trained in safety and effective facilitation.