YOUTH CLIMBING PROGRAMS

MMS Camping/Climbing Intersession

Welcome Mountain Middle School Families!

Cirque Guides is a professional mountain guiding company based in Ouray & Durango, Colorado. We typically serve advanced climbers, skiers, and mountain professionals, but are excited to offer a few youth programs this year.

All 3 Cirque owners have their own young children, and our Office Manager comes from a background of teaching preschool – middle school.

The two instructors facilitating the technical components of this trip are AMGA Certified instructors with a lot of experience working with children in climbing/remote environments. You can rest assured your children are in good hands here and that we value the developmental aspects of camping/climbing just as much as the activities themselves.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions, otherwise Kathleen & Todd at MMS will be the best resource for logistics with MMS.

Also, feel free to take a look at other programs we offer for families below including local rock climbing & guided via ferrata trips!

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Is This Program Right For My Child?
This is a 4-day camping/climbing program in the desert. If your child is comfortable in outdoor environments trying new things, then yes! Expect potentially hot days, chilly nights, wind, and long days full of activity! We will have scheduled down time in the middle of the days, but for the most part we will be adventuring together. Please talk to Kathleen if you have concerns.

Instruction/Supervision
All sessions are led by professional climbing instructors from Cirque Guides with extensive experience working with youth in outdoor settings. Our instructors prioritize safety, encouragement, and age-appropriate skill development.

Trip Itinerary & Length

May 4th – climb in Durango & leave town by 3PM, camp at Kens Lake campground in Moab.

May 5th – climb & hike in Moab, camp at Kens Lake campground in Moab.

May 6th – climb & hike in Moab, camp at Kens Lake campground in Moab.

May 7th – climb & hike in Moab, camp outside of Canyonlands NP (Indian Creek).

May 8th – morning hike in Canyonlands NP, return to Durango by 3PM.

Group Size
We have been informed by MMS that 16 kids signed up for this program. There will be 4 lead instructors, and multiple parent volunteers.

Meeting Location
We will meet at local Durango trailhead on the morning of the 4th. Exact meeting location will be communicated upon registration.

Equipment List

Cirque Guides will provide technical climbing equipment, including:

  • Climbing harness

  • Helmet

  • Ropes and safety systems

Please bring your own climbing shoes. Participants should be prepared everyday for outdoor movement with weather-appropriate clothing/layers, closed-toe shoes, personal water bottle, & snacks. Cirque Instructors will have extra layers, sunscreen, first aid kits, cellphones/sat communication devices.

Cirque Guides will not be providing any of the camping equipment. Please reach out to Kathleen with questions on camping equipment.

Included in program cost (from Cirque)

  • 4 days of camping, climbing, and hiking in Durango & Moab, UT (May 4th – 8th)
  • Professional instruction by an AMGA SPI Instructor & Rock Guide
  • Harness, helmet, ropes & technical systems

 

Not included in your trip cost (from Cirque)

  • Climbing shoes
  • Meals/Personal snacks
  • Personal clothing
  • Camping equipment
  • Transportation
  • Incurred costs by leaving a program early
  • Incurred costs as a result of force majeure

Please reach out to Kathleen with questions regarding camping & transportation.

NEXT STEPS

Thoughtfully chosen trips & courses to continue your progression.