Rock Camps

What to Bring:

The weather in the mountains changes from one extreme to another, so you will need to be prepared. Mornings and evenings will be cold (as low as 30 degrees). During the day it is often warm and very sunny, and it may rain in the afternoon. Below is a suggested list of things to bring to camp. Do not go out and spend a lot of money if you do not have all of the items already, but the items in bold are a must. If you have any questions, please give us a call.

Personal Items:

• Sleeping Bag
• Pillow
• Pajamas
• Towel/washcloth
• Toiletries
• Chapstick
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Flashlight/Headlamp
• Camera/film
• Day Pack

Clothing:

• Hiking boots/trail shoes
• Extra shoes
• Socks & underwear
• T-shirts & shorts
• Jeans (2 or 3 pair)
• Light jacket (preferably fleece)
• Warm Jacket
• Waterproof Rain gear
• Warm hat & gloves
• Warm socks (wool if possible)
• Non-cotton Long-underwear top and bottom

Miscellaneous:

• Money for Camp Store
• Medications (especially allergy/asthma, See Below)
• Climbing Gear (see below)
• Bible/notepad/pen or pencil

Please do not bring: (You’ll be fine without them for the week!)

• CD Players
• Books/Magazines other than your Bible
• Video Games
• Bad Attitudes

Climbing Gear:

Redcloud will provide all required climbing equipment, so please do not feel obligated to buy it. The list below is advice for those who would like to purchase their own equipment. If you would like to purchase climbing equipment, please go to a reputable mountaineering store, and get some advice on sizing, etc. In Grand Junction, Summit Canyon Mountaineering is a good choice. In Colorado Springs, Mountain Chalet is good. REI is usually also a good choice at many of their locations.

• Climbing Shoes – Tight-fitting shoes with a sticky-rubber sole. Look for an introductory model such as the Five Ten Spire, Scarpa Eclipse or the La Sportiva Cliff. You will usually want a shoe about 1 size smaller than your street-shoe size. Redcloud has climbing shoes, but only one pair of each size, so campers may have to share.
• Harness – The harness is a very important part of the Belay (safety system) – it attaches the climber to the rope and ultimately the anchor! Look at the Black Diamond Momentum AL, the Bluewater Saber, or the Singing Rock Zenith. Try to get a harness with adjustable leg-loops as this will accommodate future growth or the use of multiple layers.
• Belay Device & Locking Carabiner – We will teach campers how to properly belay and rappel using a tube style device. Our favorites are the Black Diamond ATC, Hugh Banner Sheriff, or Advanced Base Camp ARC. A standard locking carabiner is required in combination.
• Helmet – We will use helmets any time campers are on the rock or there is any danger of rock-fall. The Edelrid Ultralight and Ultralight Junior are among our favorites. They are simple, durable, very adjustable, and among the lower priced climbing helmets. Helmets are not generally required for gym climbing, but they are a smart choice for outdoor climbing and mountaineering.
• Chalk Bag (Optional) – Many climbers use gymnastic chalk to dry their hands and allow them to grip holds. In dry climates such as Colorado, chalk is not needed as much. Humid climates and gym climbing often require it.

Many stores give a discount if you buy several items together, or offer package deals, so remember to ask about this. Black Diamond’s Momentum Package is a good deal. These items are considered personal gear and will also be useful for gym climbing, or if the camper wants to climb with another experienced climber in the future.

Medication Information

Any medications (including over-the-counter) must be listed on the camper health form so that we have permission to dispense when needed. Prescribed medication MUST BE in the original container from a licensed pharmacy, labeled with the name, address, and phone number of the pharmacy, name of camper, name and strength of the medication, directions for use, date filled, prescription number, and the name of practitioner prescribing the medication. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original container, with the camper’s name clearly written on the container. If child has more than one medication, please place them together in a labeled Ziplock bag.