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SumMAT Camp Activities

Risk Management and Challenge by Choice

Our programs are designed to encourage folks to stretch themselves just that much farther while minimizing risk through careful planning, training (for staff and campers), leadership, responsibility, and good judgment. At times, It can be difficult to work through scenarios in which perceived risk is high. By following “Challenge by Choice” philosophy, we provide participants multiple ways to challenge themselves. By creating opportunities for participants to work through tough feelings, learn new skills, and find the challenge that feels right for them, our staff members help everyone build confidence and feel the many benefits of experiential education!

1. Indoor Climbing, Ropes Course and Games

We are fortunate to have such an amazing home base at Petra Cliffs, where we always spend at least one camp day, but we can return back to base if the weather turns foul.  Our indoor day includes climbing, bouldering (climbing low to the ground without a rope), climbing games, the high ropes course, teambuilding games, and if good weather, a walk around the corner to Oakledge Park. 

2. Outdoor Rock Climbing

Our outdoor climbing days take place in Bolton at “Lower West Bolton," “The Nap," (both located along Bolton Notch Road) or the "Bolton Dome" off of Route 2.  Some of the best and most appropriate climbing in Vermont for our age groups lies here, only 25-30 minutes away. Climbers climb 50-90 feet on top rope (just like the climbing at Petra Cliffs) on Vermont’s quartz-abundant green schist. Climbers wear harnesses and helmets for safety.  During the outdoor climbing, an additional climbing “specialist,” who has specific climbing and rescue training, is added to make the ratio 3 adults to 10 campers. 

3. Kayaking

Our groups participate in flat water and swift water kayaking (no whitewater).  Locations may include the Waterbury Reservoir, Winooski River (Waterbury Dam to Bolton), LaPlatte River, or only on a very calm day, Lake Champlain. All campers wear PFD’s.  On the kayaking day, an additional “specialist” with specific kayak safety and rescue skills works with the group to gain a ratio of 3 leaders to 10 campers.

4. Caving

We go to the Colchester Caves. The caves are on town property, but because the trail in is on posted private property,  we cannot provide walking directions to the caves; Petra Cliffs has been granted permission from the landowner to access the caves.  The caves are marble, and the kids learn about geology and how the caves were formed through erosion. Everyone will get very muddy and wet!  Cavers wear helmets for protection with headlamps attached. 

5. Ropes Course

Petra Cliffs operates the high and low challenge courses at Bolton Valley Resort. The course is in a beautiful wooded area off of the Nordic Ski Trails.  The high course includes a four-part circuit with balancing elements that is 30 feet off of the ground, and the Giant Swing. Ropes course participants always wear a harness and helmet and are attached to a rope at any height on the high course.  The low courses include cable walks and low-to-the-ground balancing, problem-solving, and resource management challenges.  The leaders choose which elements to prepare for the day based on timing, weather, and the ability of the entire group.