Youth Outdoor Leadership Program (YOLP)

Although Petra Cliffs is best known for rock climbing, we have been facilitating all kinds of outdoor adventure opportunities for more than 25 years. The Youth Outdoor Leadership Program (YOLP) draws on the expertise of Petra Cliffs staff and our professional guides, teaching technical climbing skills while providing opportunities for young leaders to practice planning for their own adventurous objectives and trips under the guidance of experienced trip leaders.

Ages: 10 and up

When: Twice per Month — 1 planning meeting & 1 outing

Year-Round

fill out the interest form!

YOLP Program Philosophy

The YOLP Program incorporates self-determination to the program, with leaders offering trip suggestions, developing opportunities for learning skills like orienteering (map & compass navigation) and first aid, and ensuring that adventures are appropriate for the group’s overall experience level. By adapting the program to individual and group goals, participants will:

Develop greater self-efficacy
Take ownership of trips
Understand the application of outdoor gear in different contexts
Allow for peer leadership opportunities

Participants will practice the process of experiential learning in real-time, which is an integral part of Petra Cliffs’ programs.

Planning Meetings

One weekday per month prior to a weekend Outing Day. Typically two hours.

These meetings occur prior to a scheduled outing. They cover a variety of topics, including what to pack for the upcoming program. As the program progresses, these meetings will also become student-led brainstorming sessions for later programs.

Outings

One weekend day per month following a Planning Meeting.

Typically a half-day program. This program begins with participants practicing basic skills like land navigation and leave no trace on smaller hiking and climbing ventures closer to Petra Cliffs, before carefully building skills necessary for longer, more complex goals.

Program Activities

*Additional activities may be included as part of this program.

A person rock climbing on a steep granite cliff, surrounded by trees and greenery, under a partly cloudy sky.
Three hikers climbing a rocky outdoor trail with a metal ladder, surrounded by green trees and large rocks.

Outdoor Rock Climbing

Hiking

A person in a helmet and harness standing on a rock cliff overlooking a lush green forest, a body of water, and distant hills under a partly cloudy sky.
A woman rock climbing on an indoor climbing wall with colorful holds, wearing a harness and athletic clothing. An instructor holds a rope to belay her.

Backpacking

Ice Climbing

Two children wearing helmets and harnesses are on a high ropes course, reaching out and touching hands in a playful gesture, surrounded by green trees.
Person wearing a red helmet with a headlamp, kneeling inside a narrow, wet cave with muddy water on the ground.

Team-Building & Challenge Courses

Caving

A woman smiling while rock climbing on a steep outdoor cliff with a lush green forest and cloudy sky in the background.
A woman sitting cross-legged on sandy terrain in a coastal area with dunes and low vegetation, wearing a backpack, sunglasses, a hat, and smiling at the camera.

Jack Templeton

Guide

Erica Kamerzel

Youth Programs Manager

Indoor Climbing

Rappelling

Person ice climbing on a frozen waterfall surrounded by leafless trees and snow-covered rocks.
A woman with a backpack, shorts, hiking boots, and sunglasses smiling and touching a pine tree on a rocky trail in a forest during a sunny day.

Leaders

YOLP Frequently Asked Questions

  • We strongly recommend you at least have sturdy hiking shoes and a pack large enough to hold layers and snacks for an afternoon hike to start.

    In general, the gear you have already available in your home is enough to get started! There are entire industries dedicated to selling you the “right” gear for outdoor recreation; a major aspect of this program is for participants to understand the proper contexts in which different equipment is used, and make informed choices based on their available resources.

    Petra Cliffs Climbing Center & Mountaineering School is able to provide all technical climbing equipment, including helmets, harnesses, climbing shoes, and other specialized gear like ice climbing boots and tools for outings that require them.

    As your child gains experience in this program, they may decide they’d like to purchase their own gear! Petra Cliffs is happy to help make these purchases more affordable through partnerships with local gear stores and companies.

  • Currently this program costs just $115 per month. As this program grows, and our trips grow with it, larger and longer trips may incur additional costs for gear, additional staffing, or other trip expenses. Any additional costs will be communicated to families in a timely manner.

    Billing is processed on the first of each month.

  • Our programs operate outdoors in all weather.

    Planning meetings include how to pack appropriately for different weather conditions and activities. Participants should arrive to outings prepared to be outside in rain, sun, heat, and shade.

    In the instance of dangerous weather (ex: major flooding, thunderstorms, or wildfire smoke), outing plans may be adjusted, and will be communicated to families with as much advanced notice as possible.

Let us know you're interested!