Summer Mountain Adventure Training (SumM.A.T.) Camps
Summer Mountain Adventure Training Camp offers summer adventures, challenges, and fun for campers ages 6 to 16. Combining Vermont's largest indoor climbing center, ropes course challenges, dedicated and experienced leaders, and beautiful outdoor destinations, SumMAT Camp makes a lasting impact.
SumMAT Camp consists of a week-long day camp and overnight adventure expeditions. We provide group gear and equipment, transportation, and an awesome staff. You provide appropriate clothes and gear, lunch (if you're a day-camper), and a GREAT attitude! Leaders are Wilderness First Responder Certified, Energetic, Caring, Fun, and Safety Conscious!
Spend the summer learning new skills, making new friends, and challenging yourself!
DAY CAMPS: ages 6-13
Camp hours are 9am - 4pm; extended hours available.
Click here for the 2010 SumMAT Day Camp Schedule
In a SumMAT Day Camp, each day presents a new adventure. Our base camp is Petra Cliffs, and from there we go every which way for a variety of awesome adventures. Our group sizes are age-specific and small, but our adventures are huge! Each day features an exciting activity AND fun side-trips too. Join SumMAT Camp for exciting adventures, healthy activities, and summer fun!
Groups are a maximum of 10 campers with two leaders, plus one specialist for rock climbing, kayaking and sailing. All groups participate in the same activities, with the exception of Group 1; they go Sailing in collaboration with the Community Sailing Center, as smaller kids have a harder time with our kayaks and paddles. Locations of activities may vary based on group ability and returning campers. Here is what the campers do everyday:
- Indoor rock climbing, ropes course, teambuilding games
- Outdoor rock climbing
- Outdoor ropes course at the Bolton Adventure Center
- Caving
- Group 1 (youngest): Sailing; Groups 2-4: Kayaking
Day Camps are geared toward both the beginner and the camper with some experience. Our leaders try to present new challenges whenever possible to keep activities fresh and exciting, whether that means visiting a new location, having a camper try harder rock climbing routes, trying to surf a wave while kayaking, or trying an activity with a new twist.
What Parents Are Saying:
"My son gains confidence and strength each day at SumMAT. Kayaking, hiking, climbing, caving - all the activities provide him with opportunities to grow his skills, endurance and courage - and the instructors are supportive of his desire to challenge himself." - Carrie M.
What Campers Are Saying:
"The adventures were awesome, and I liked getting to try new things." - Will S, Age 8.
CLIMBING & SAILING CAMP: ages 10-14
In partnership with the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center, this week-long camp offers adventure and challenges on the water and off. Campers will experience Petra Cliffs' climbing center, ropes course challenges, and fun activities related to climbing in addition to learning and improving on the fundamental skills of sailing small boats on Lake Champlain.
For more information or to register, please visit the Community Sailing Center.
Fee: $ 315
July 12 - 16, 9am - 4pm
August 9 -13, 9am - 4pm
EXPEDITIONS: ages 10-16
Travel to the East's most spectacular mountain areas. Our programs are designed to be challenging and fun, and they teach a strong respect for the natural environment. Our overnight expeditions start at Petra Cliffs with a pack explosion and teambuilding activities - the perfect way to get to know each other, build teamwork, and inspire confidence. Then it's out into the field - for the experience of a lifetime!
In addition to learning skills associated with each activity, campers are put into daily rotations of cooking, cleaning, gathering firewood, and maintaining a clean environment. Our Expedition staff are, at a minimum, Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certified, highly experienced, and passionate about sharing their love and knowledge for outdoor wilderness adventure.
Click here or scroll down for the 2010 SumMAT Expedition Schedule
What Parents Are Saying:
Our son benefited from stretching his boundaries with regard to what he could do physically, and that was a real confidence builder for him. He got to try some new activities that we hadn't done yet as a family, and he got to experience some wonderful role modeling by the camp leaders (both women and men - a plus!)
- Sharon H.
2010 SumMAT Day Camp Dates
A 50% deposit is required at the time of registration. Online registration is the best way to register; phone and walk-in registrations require a $5 registration surcharge.
CAMP HOURS: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Extended hours available from 8-9am and 4-5pm
$5 per session, $20 every am OR pm; $30 for all sessions
Week |
Day Camp |
Cost |
| Week 1 | June 21 - 25 | $ 325 |
| Week 2 | June 28 - July 2 | $ 325 |
| Week 3 | July 5 - 9 | $ 325 |
| Week 4 | July12 - 16 | $ 325 |
| Week 5 | July 19 - 23 | $ 325 |
| Week 6 | July 26 - 30 | $ 325 |
| Week 7 | August 2 - 6 | $ 325 |
| Week 8 | Aug 9 - 13 | $ 325 |
| Week 9 | Aug 16 - 20 | $ 325 |
| Week 10 | Aug 23 - 27 | $ 325 |
What Parents Are Saying:
"SumMat camp provides a great sense of accomplishment and pride for the kids, in addition to being just plain fun." - Jenifer L.
Waiting List
If the week you are interested is full, please call Petra Cliffs, (802) 657-3872 to be placed on a waiting list. We often turn to the waiting list to fill spots due to cancellations.
Discounts
Petra Cliffs SumMAT Camp offers Multiple Children and Multiple Week discounts ($20 off) for multiple children from the same family during the same week or the same child attending multiple weeks of camp. Be sure to select this discount when you register on-line!
Refunds
You may cancel your enrollment anytime up to 21 days prior to the program start date and receive a full refund. Cancellation within 21 days of the program start date will result in a forfeit of the 50% deposit; credit towards other programs may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Paperwork
*Please note that registration must be completed online or via phone, or in person-- sending in paperwork is NOT a substitution for registration.
Paperwork will be delivered automatically to the e-mail address you provided during registration. You may also click on the paperwork link that applies to your child below. Bear in mind that the Health form must be completed by a physician. Note that not all campers will participate in all programs indicated in paperwork. Filling out everything, however, allows for maximum flexibility (and maximum fun!). Please download the forms in the pdf format, print them out, and return them to Petra Cliffs PRIOR to the camper's first day!
2009 Expedition Paperwork (2010 coming soon)
Interested in becoming a SumMAT Camp Leader?
2010 SumMAT Expeditions-
| Dates |
Description |
Info |
| June 29 - July 2 or August 17-20
Ages 10-12 |
Vermont Jr. Expedition
Four Day Expedition
Are you ready to sleep out in the woods, cook over a camp stove, climb at new and exciting places, and cave deep underground in New England's second largest cave? The Vermont Jr. Expedition is for you! This introduction-mini expedition will have you camping out for three nights with Petra Cliffs' expert expedition staff while you swing from the Bolton Adventure Center ropes course, climb at the Falls of Lana and Lower West Bolton, and explore the depths of Morris Cave.
Cost: $ 570 |
Itinerary |
| July 11 - 21
Ages 12-16 |
Adirondack Adventure Expedition
Ten Day Expedition
Begin by getting to know each other on the Bolton Adventure Center ropes course, and then get psyched for a traveling adventure of climbing, caving, hiking and whitewater rafting! This trip will include two days of backpacking to Mt. Marcy and through Avalanche Pass with a night of backcountry camping.
Cost: $ 1200 |
Itinerary |
| July 27 - 30
Ages 11 -14 |
Girls ROCK! Four Day Expedition Join into the fun of being in the wilderness with our amazing female leaders. This expedition is about reminding each other that girls ROCK! Swing from the Bolton Adventure Center ropes course, hike & climb at the Falls of Lana, and explore the depths of Morris Cave-- the new friends, confidence and self-esteem will be unavoidable! |
Itinerary |
| August 8 - 14
Ages 12-16 |
New Hampshire ROCKS!
Seven Day Expedition
A tour of New Hampshire's classic climbing areas will begin in Rumney and travel into the Mt. Washington Valley to Square Ledge, Echo Crag and Cathedral & Whitehorse Ledges. Start out on the Bolton Adventure Center ropes course, and then immerse yourself in learning climbing skills, camping, cooking, and taking in the view from the top!
Cost: $ 825 |
Itinerary |
