Whether you're an experienced climber looking to meet new climbing partners and join a community of like-minded veterans or a complete beginner unsure of where to get started, there's a place for you within our rock climbing programs.
Rock climbing can be a difficult sport to break into. In our experience, veterans generally excel in adventure sports and extreme outdoor environments. Our mission is to make climbing more accessible for every veteran who comes out with us.
Our alpine rock climbing program is based out of the Pacific Northwest. We partner with the Mountaineering Program to spend time at the crag teaching you the foundational skills you need to get out on a multi-pitch climb or a mixed alpine objectives.
The PNW program climbs at the following locations:
Please complete the contact form below for further information on our PNW program.
Our East Coast program offers mentorship and instruction from a military veteran and an American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) single-pitch certified instructor. They use real-life experience to teach participants the basic skills of climbing, safety-oriented decision-making, and planning and offer guidance on how to progress further in their own climbing career free of charge.
The goal of the mentorship program is to become the first organization to offer scholarship funds to send select veterans each year to attend AMGA certification and other professional development programs. Not only will this provide a career avenue for veterans, but it will broaden the veteran presence in the climbing community.
This mentorship program climbs at the following locations:
Please reach out to whitman.r@veteransadvenutregroup.org for further information on the East Coast Mentorship program.
The rock climbing programs have served over 40 veterans.
While rock climbing experience is not required, it would be helpful to have a basic knowledge of tying a figure 8 knot, wearing a harness, and a general understanding of how a belay device works. We will work to help develop and fine-tune those skills. In the contact form, please let us know your climbing experience and ability and we will make sure you get added to the right climb!
While it is preferred you have your own gear, we will be able to provide all the required gear based on availability. We recommend you notify us of any gear needs before joining so we can ensure we have gear that will fit you.
Each veteran applicant goes through multiple screenings by Veterans Adventure Group to ensure they are a good fit for the program. Prepping and sending veterans through the AMGA certification program requires a lot of time and a financial investment, we want to ensure those who go through the program are investing in their future and considering this pathway as their next career choice. Our mentor will provide further details and explanation on how the mentorship program works and any requirements. He can be reached at whitman.r@veteransadventuregroup.org.
We strive to maintain 1 lead per 3 participants.
This depends largely on the location and the type of climbing being conducted. Please check with us to see if this is an option as some of these climbing areas are also great hiking destinations. That being said, we are happy to work with you at your pace so you can feel comfortable climbing with us.