Brewster Academy Climbing Expedition

The Brewster Academy Climbing Expedition is a 7-day climbing course for Brewster Academy. This course takes place in Red Rock National Conservation Area, just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. Deep canyons, rocky crags, tall spires, and striped sandstone cliffs dominate the landscape, creating a rock climber’s dream.

Your course begins with basic camping skills—base camp set-up and maintenance, Leave No Trace camping techniques, cooking and stove use. You’ll also start with beginning rock climbing skills, such as belaying, tying knots, rope handling, communication, top-roping, and rappelling.

As your skills progress, you may have time to delve into more advanced topics, including climbing ethics, placing protection, anchor building, “mock” lead climbing. Lead climbing may also be possible for those students who arrive with previous climbing experience and display the appropriate skill level. By the end of this course, you will have the skills and experience to enjoy a lifetime of climbing.

Throughout this course you will be introduced to the basic NOLS leadership curriculum and be encouraged to practice different leadership skills and roles, learning how to set yourself and your peers up for success in various ways.Your course will have a strong focus on being an adaptable team member or having the ability to distinguish between the roles of “team member” (active follower) and “team leader” (designated leader).