Climbing for a Cure

Rock climbing is a great way to test your physical and mental limits in a relatively low-risk way. Climbers learn how to push past fear, build resilience and perseverance, improve motor skills and balance, and build strength in a compassionate, low-pressure environment. Climbers also have the opportunity to learn skills like knot tying and belaying. This activity is appropriate for ages 3+.

Climbing for a Cure is a partnership program with the PFIC Advocacy and Resource Network. PFIC stands for Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis, which is a rare genetic (inherited) disorder that causes progressive liver disease that typically leads to liver failure. The hallmark feature of this disorder is severe debilitating itching. Climbing for a Cure helps raise money and awareness for this rare disease that currently has no cure. One of Red Oaks’ very first members, who has grown up in our community, suffers from the disease and already underwent a liver transplant at age 5. We are thankful to partner with them to help raise funds for PFIC, but also to partner in a mission to offer meaningful connection to nature in a new way as compared to our other programs.

Emily Ventura, Executive Director of PFIC and a member, is an accomplished rock climber and has a passion to share the joy and thrill of rock climbing with kids. Support of this program helps to create even more programming of this kind, as well as supporting medical research and comfort to families and people facing this formidable disease. You can learn more about PFIC here.

Offerings

Half-day beginner: Includes gear and climbing for ages 4+ and basic knot-tying instruction. There is an opportunity to learn more as you add sessions.

Half-day advanced: Includes gear and top-rope climbing on harder routes. Also includes knot-tying instruction and some belay instruction. 

Full-day Advanced: Includes gear and climbing on harder routes along with belay instruction and practice. Students will practice footwork and technique with specific drills. Participants have the opportunity to learn to lead climb, depending on age and experience. To lead climb, participants must sign up for multiple sessions.

Space is limited and you must register in advance for this class. Red Oaks is for everyone! We encourage people from all backgrounds to join us. Scholarships and financial assistance is available in order to remove any barriers to participation. Please inquire for more information to info@redoaksforestschool.org.

upcoming Dates and Times

Apr 4, 6, 21

May 11

June 19

July 17

Half-day: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Full-day: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location

Various crags in the Red River Gorge

Sign up

Registration for summer programming is open to members April 10, 2023 and non-members on April 12, 2023.

If a session is full, email registration@redoaksforestschool.org to be added to a waiting list.

Members get priority registration among other benefits. If you aren’t a member yet, sign up today! Join us here.