CAMDEN CLIMBING FESTIVAL
CLINICS
The Camden Climbing Festival is excited to announce clinics for novices and experienced climbers! First time climbers will receive excellent instruction from our all-star Maine climbing instructor team, who call Camden rock climbing home. Experienced climbers looking to expand their current skills into leading sport, traditional, rescue, and mindset — will have one of the top climbing instructors in the business at their fingertips. All climbing equipment will be provided for beginners so all you have to do is show up with a backpack filled with the essentials: water, snacks, and comfortable clothing and sneakers for moderate hikes with fellow climbers to one of several Camden cliffs. We encourage seasoned climbers to climb on their own as well as participate in and provide support during the clinics. CCF is all about mentorship and your experience is valued!
THE CLINICS
INTRODUCTION TO ROCK CLIMBING
Barrett’s Cove Cliff - Saturday morning with the CCF Team
Experience top rope rock climbing at Barrett’s Cove Cliff with sweeping views of Lake Megunticook. That’s right, the view is amazing and so is the rock. Barrett’s Cove is a 250’ cliff composed of metamorphic schist, which is a very grippy, high friction rock. You will learn the basics of how to be prepared for a day of rock climbing, the equipment climbers use, how we safely set up climbs, movement on rock, climber communication / lingo, anchor construction, and general risk management. Several instructors will be available to support the process so everyone participating gets the attention they deserve. This clinic is ideal for new climbers, but experienced climbers are welcome to support the growth of novice climbers, plus you will get to climb loads of fun routes.
SINGLE-PITCH SELF RESCUE
Barrett’s Cove Cliff - Saturday morning with the CCF Team
Things do not always go as planned. Having the knowledge and skills to get you and your partner out of an unexpected situation can be the difference between a good story to share around the campfire, or a trip to the emergency room. In this clinic, instructor Brandon Gibbons teaches single pitch self rescue techniques including, knots and friction hitches, taking over belays, ascending the rope to rescue a scared or injured climber, as well as descend with fellow climber. Brandon will go beyond the general risk management discussion in our Introduction to Rock Climbing Clinic and discuss how to assess and manage risks for climbers setting up outdoor climbs, with a precedent on how to get in front of potential problems before they arise. This clinic is designed for intermediate to advanced climbers with previous outdoor climbing experience. While self rescue is an essential skill that every climber should have, those that frequently climb with less experienced or younger climbers will find this clinic especially helpful.
TOP-MANAGED BELAY / RAPPEL SYSTEMS
Barrett’s Cove Cliff and the Verticals
Saturday afternoon with the CCF Team
Learning how to set up climbs takes a lot of time and practice under the supervision of a professional climbing instructor or a trusted and competent climbing buddy. Unless this individual knows how to lead climb, how are climbs set up and properly managed? This clinic shows you how. It is recommended for experienced climbers and/or CCF participants who have successfully completed the morning clinic Introduction to Rock Climbing.
After hiking to the top of Barrett’s Cove Cliff and the Verticals, climbers will suit up, assess various anchor types and learn how to managed top accessed climbs by setting up belayed rappels. The CCF team will be present to demonstrate and coach participants on how to construct and use these incredible systems. This is the system used in places like Otter Cliffs in Acadia National Park.
WILDERNESS MEDICINE 101
Picnic Shelter - Sunday morning after breakfast with Dr. Shan.
CCF is really excited to have our very own in-house-climbing-doctor-surgeon extraordinaire offering a condensed version of Wilderness First Responder. Shan cover General principles- medical history and physical examination. Basic medical care- fluids, nutrition and medications. Life threatening problems- safety, ABC’s, food aspiration, shock. Water disinfection, Rescue and Evacuation, Trauma, burn, animal attack injuries, first aid response, head and neck, chest and extremities. Non-trauma disorder, environmental injuries- altitude, heat and cold.
You will walk away with all kinds of practical information including what tools and supplies we climbers want in our pack for a day of climbing.
WOMEN’S CLIMBING
Outback - Sunday with Krystal and Sarah
Calling all lady crushers for a day of fun, exciting and challenging sport climbing for all at the Outback! This crag is about a 20 minute hike from the Maidens Cliff trailhead. There is something for everyone! Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or an advanced climber, we will send it all! There are some stellar sport routes ranging from 5.7 to 5.10 and beyond. Advanced climbers are encouraged to check out more challenging climbs and to also support and help coach the less experienced. This will be a supportive and stress-free zone for all you woman warriors to learn something new, push past your comfort zone, refine your skills and build community. Krystal and Sarah have three rules: 1) Step out of your comfort zone and try your best, 2) Support others without judgement, and 3) Have FUN!!
LEARN TO LEAD TRADITIONAL CLIMBS
Driest Location TBA - Sunday with Ryan Howes & the CCF Team
Maybe you already lead sport climbs or maybe your experience extends to bottom managed and top managed systems. Regardless, this clinic will teach you the techniques to lead your first ever traditional (trad) route during the clinic. With Ryan’s precision instruction and CCF Team support, you will learn about the equipment, racking basics, anchor placements, rock quality, extension, etc, etc. You do not want to miss this opportunity. Beyond the technical elements of leading, Ryan will share the finer details of mindset and advanced leader techniques from 25 years of lead climbing experience.
2024 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Friday, May 17th, 2024
9:00 AM: Park opens, set up camp anytime of the day
12:00 - 5:00 PM: Volunteer trail work with the Camden Hills State Park Trails Supervisor, Erik Brooks
6:00 - 7:30 PM: Dinnah at the Picnic Shelter… We are having Tacos!
7:00 - 9:00 PM ish: Kickoff Social with CCF Staff, climbing film and guest speakers at the Picnic Shelter (BYOBeverage)
10:00 PM - 7:00 AM: Quiet hours
Saturday, May 18th, 2024
6:00 - 7:00 AM: Breakfast at the Picnic Shelter
7:00 - 8:00 AM: Orientation for clinics, meet your instructors at the Picnic Shelter
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM: Clinics for all (meeting at Barrett’s Cove Beach on Lake Megunticook)
4:30 - 6:00 PM: Swimming and refreshments at Barrett’s Cove Beach on Lake Megunticook
6:00 - 7:30 PM: Dinnah at the Picnic Shelter hosted by local culinary guru India Mc the Green Bean Cookhouse
7:00 - 10:00 PM: Guest Speaker followed by Dance Party at the Picnic Shelter (BYOBeverage)
10:00 PM - 7:00 AM: Quiet hours
Sunday, May 19th, 2024
*deconstruct campsite prior to departing for the days climbing adventure
6:00 - 7:30 AM: Breakfast pop up in group campsites
7:30 - 8:00 AM: A message from CCF Founder, Ryan Howes and Staff
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM: More Amazing Clinics
4:30 PM: Swimming and refreshments at Barrett’s Cove Beach on Lake Megunticook
THE VENUE - CAMDEN HILLS STATE PARK
First step upon arrival is to check in with Camden Hills State Park Staff at the Entrance Booth for vehicle and camping tags. Make sure to announce you are attending the Camden Climbing Festival, Bub! Then, continue taking the first right to CCF Group Camping sites 3, 4 and 5. These sites are first come first serve and holds up to 10 guests per site.
Bring whatever creature comforts you need for the weekend and help us cut back on waste by bringing personal cutlery, plate, bowl and a cup for coffee and evening beverages!
Depending on what time you arrive on Friday, join CCF crew for volunteer trail work, dinnah, and CCF Kickoff Social at the Picnic Shelter. Look on the map above for an icon that shows a small picnic table inside a shelter. You cannot miss it, Bub!
