Does my camper need to know how to bike, swim, or climb?
For our Multi-Sport programs like Explorer and Adventure Day Camps, Multi-Sport Expeditions, and Overnight Camps, kiddos don't need to know how to bike, swim, or climb before coming to camp! Our confidence-building programs are open to campers of all skill and ability levels. The goal is to help campers build confidence and skills that they can take with them, from those who are brand new, all the way to the very experienced adventurers.
Single-sport Day and Expedition Camps on the other hand, like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, and rock climbing, your camper should be able to meet the Pre-Requisites listed on the camp page, be comfortable in the environment, and be excited to learn more.
Single Sport Day Camp Pre-Requisites
| Program | Skills Pre-Req |
| Full-Day Mountain Biking and Valmont Bike Park | In order to register for this program, campers MUST be able to bike confidently without training wheels on a dirt surface. If a camper does not meet this minimum skill requirement, we reserve the right to move a camper to a different program (if space is available) or remove the camper from the group and offer a credit. |
| Full-Day Rock Climbing | Although there are no prerequisite skills or experience needed, rock climbing campers should have a desire to climb and learn more about the sport and be ready to climb all day. |
| Full-Day Paddling (Kayaking/SUP) | SUP Day Camp campers should have some previous experience paddling in standing or moving water. In order to register for this program, campers MUST feel fully comfortable on open water and be comfortable being fully submerged in water for short periods of time. If a camper does not meet this minimum skill requirement, we reserve the right to move a camper to a different program (if space is available) or remove the camper from the group and offer a credit. |
Single Sport Expedition Camp Pre-Requisites
| Program | Skills Pre-Req |
| Expedition Mountain Biking | Participants must have some experience biking on single-track dirt trails and uneven rocky terrain. Campers will likely be divided up by experience level during rides. We strongly encourage campers to bring their own fully tuned, well-fitted mountain bikes to increase their comfort level. If they don’t have a bike or bring one that isn’t trail-ready, they can rent from our fleet for a $50 fee. |
| Expedition Rock Climbing | While beginning rock climbers are welcome, participants must have some experience with climbing basics and should be excited to spend 4-6 hours rock climbing each day. Campers will likely be divided up by experience level during climbs. |
| Expedition Paddlesports | While beginning paddlers are welcome, participants should have some previous experience paddling in standing or moving water, be comfortable being fully submerged in water for short periods of time, and feel excited to spend five full, physically demanding days, on watercraft. |
Check out these resources to see how we teach Biking and Paddling!
How We Teach Biking: We teach a very effective progression that helps campers get comfortable on two wheels. While we cannot 100% guarantee your camper will be riding by the end of camp, the progression we teach has a very high success rate. In some cases, kids learn in as little as half a day!
How We Teach Paddling: Learning paddle sports can be a great way for campers to gain confidence around the water without needing to swim. Anytime campers or instructors are within 20 feet of the water they are wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device). Also, our instructors are trained in small craft safety, so they know how to make sure campers have a fun time and are as safe as possible!
We teach campers to take a challenge-by-choice approach to all of the adventure sports we offer. Whether they are very experienced or brand new to a sport, instructors provide just the right amount of challenge so they build new skills and confidence. Even when kids take small steps out of their comfort zone, it can equate to significant personal growth. In addition, we focus on positive risk-taking through our environmental assessments. This helps campers understand the risks associated with any activity and how to mitigate those risks. Check out Our Approach to Safety.