Weekly Parkinson’s Climbing Group
Join us at Petra Cliffs Climbing Center in partnership with Green Mountain Adaptive and UVM Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science for a weekly UpEnding Parkinson's Climbing Group.
When: Sessions run from Friday, March 6th to Friday, June 12th, from 10am-12pm
Where: Petra Cliffs Climbing Center
What you need: The desire to move your body and climb! Gear and instruction will be included for participants and volunteers, but if you have personal gear you are more comfortable in thats fine too!
Volunteers will receive a free group training on gym safety, bouldering, auto-belays, and top rope belaying. This session will happen on Friday, February 27th, from 10am-12pm.
One-On-One Adaptive Climbing Lessons
Interested In a 1:1 Private lesson for your climber? Curious about what adaptive climbing support looks like? Send us an email with your needs and desires for climbing and we’ll do our best to accommodate your requests and find you a great instructor to work with!
Petra Cliffs Adaptive Climbing Philosophy
We believe climbing has the power to build confidence, resilience, community, and joy. Those opportunities should be available to everyone.
Our adaptive climbing program is founded on the belief that every person deserves the chance to experience challenge, accomplishment, and adventure in an environment that is welcoming, supportive, and safe. We recognize that every climber arrives with unique strengths, goals, abilities, and experiences. Rather than expecting climbers to adapt to our programs, we strive to adapt our instruction, equipment, and environment to meet each individual where they are.
Adaptive climbing is not about lowering expectations—it's about removing unnecessary barriers. We work collaboratively with climbers, families, caregivers, therapists, and support staff to understand each participant's needs while encouraging independence, personal growth, and self-determination whenever possible.
Our instructors focus first on the person, not the disability. We celebrate each climber's achievements on their own terms, whether reaching the top of a wall, learning a new skill, overcoming a fear, or simply finding joy in movement.
We are committed to continual learning and improvement. As adaptive equipment, instructional practices, and accessibility standards evolve, we will continue to expand our knowledge and invest in resources that allow more people to participate in climbing and the outdoors.
Above all, we believe that climbing is a place where differences are respected, strengths are celebrated, and everyone deserves to feel challenged, included, and empowered.
Our commitment:
Everyone belongs.
Every climber deserves dignity, respect, and choice.
Safety is the foundation that makes challenge possible.
Progress is measured by personal growth, not comparison.
Adventure should be accessible to all.