Reimers Rock Climbing Adventures, By: Arianna & Reagan
Day 1: Travel
On the balmy Sunday morning that was Day 1 of our adventure, we embarked on our journey from Corpus Christi to Pedernales Falls State Park. Before leaving, all of the youth and their family joined and spoke about their hopes for the trip, what they wanted to learn or see, and how they thought the trip would help them grow. We also discussed what breakfast food each of us would be. Upon arrival, youth leaders put themselves out there to teach other campers how to set up their tents. Eager to explore after camp was sufficiently made, the youth took a refreshing swim in a nearby river, finding a rope swing, which added an element of fun to our first day together in the great outdoors. After that fun, facilitators Arianna and Reagan served spaghetti, which the campers ate spaghetti and shared about themselves. Camp lead, Tony, brought everyone together into a circle where ice-breakers were shared and the plan for the upcoming days was reviewed. The youth were sent to bed, where they settled in for the exciting week to come.
Day 2: Reimers Ranch Pt 1 Zoey’s Wall
On Day 2 we started our morning with a quick breakfast and prepared lunch for the day, after which we loaded into our van, Leann, to make our way to Reimers Ranch. We had our first day of climbing at Zoey’s Wall with many of our campers experiencing either climbing for the first time or climbing outdoors for the first time. It was a day full of learning as novices got a grasp of the rating system of rock climbing, they worked out individual obstacles on the wall, and pushed their comfort zones on different routes. Youth leaders began teaching the most eager how to belay, keeping slack off of the rope holding the climber as they scale the wall. The new belayers listened and copied the motion, encouraging and advising each other all the way. Encouragement abounded on the wall; campers who had finished a certain route talked others through sections that tripped them up and cheered as each of their new friends topped the wall. We said see you later to Zoey’s Wall and hiked our way back to Leann, grateful for her air conditioning. While dinner was made, the campers worked to start a fire with a ferro rod, led by a camper with more experience. The sparks made didn’t create fire that night but they certainly created sparks of connection as they struggled together. As bedtime approached back at camp, we shared our experience with what was for many, a new sport, and called out the admirable moments that we saw in each other that day. Before bed, we enjoyed a game of Mafia, with the setting themed around a camp not so different from our own.
Day 3: Reimers Ranch Pt 2 Rhetoric Wall
On Day 3 of our climbing adventure at Reimers Ranch, we accidentally tackled the Rhetoric Wall. We intended to climb Dead Cats Wall, but we ended up a little farther down the wall than the guide book directed. We realized this on the drive back to camp, when we learned that our youth leaders had been working on a 5.12, a pretty difficult climb, especially when you don’t know the challenge in front of you! The same youth leaders completed their own lead climbs, inspiring the other campers with their determination. Our new belayers honed their skill by belaying their fellow campers, a task that requires trust and self-confidence (both of which are easy to find in each of the youth at camp). After another, well earned dip in the river, the group hiked back, saying see-you-later to the wall. On the drive back to camp, the facilitators were serenaded by a Disney sing-along from the youth. When they got back to camp the youth jumped into the evening routine, ending with a debrief circle to reflect on the amazing things that they saw and did over the course of the day.
Day 4: Krause Springs
On Day 4, we escaped for a much-needed break from intense climbing and headed to Krause Springs for a day of relaxation. The youth took charge in the morning, successfully starting a fire while pancakes were cooking. While exploring spring, we discovered a fascinating cave hidden behind a waterfall as well as a great branch that was titled the “Staff of Nature and Wisdom”. After being blessed in the cave, the staff was left for another person to discover and enjoy. Throughout the entire day, we enjoyed the thrill of a rope swing into the refreshing waters. Many of the youth gave advice on how to successfully swing, improving the day of many others, both kids and adults, in the spring. Amidst our adventures, there were a few amusing encounters with what we think was a turtle, nipping at a few of the group’s legs and feet! At a lunch of mac and cheese and hotdogs the group played a game where they worked together to guess a word that another person was thinking. After returning to camp for the day, the group played Uno, a game of someone’s own invention called “Card Roulette”, and Psychic. Smores were made and enjoyed and some campers showed off their jump rope skills. The evening was wrapped up with a circle by the fire and excitement for another chance at the wall the next day.
Day 5: Reimers Ranch Pt 3 Dead Cats Wall
On Day 5, we returned to Reimers Ranch for our third time, this time focusing on the real Dead Cats Wall. The day took a unique turn as all the youth took charge of starting, belaying, and taking down the climbs without much direction from the facilitators, showcasing their growing confidence and skills. Our group faced a challenging climb on Dead Cats Don’t Meow, a 5.10C route with a tricky mantle. Three members bravely attempted it, becoming “fall buddies” after taking the same, controlled, slip at the overhang. At the river there were some exciting discoveries: a spotted gar was seen by a youth, chilling on the bank and another great stick was found, subsequently lost, and mourned. With a dinner of pizza quesadillas the youth independently conducted their own check-in and debrief circle at the end of the day, demonstrating maturity, teamwork, as well as an ability and want to communicate. In a final circle up about the trip as a whole the campers shouted each other out for their growth over the week.
Day 6: Travel
On Day 6, we wrapped up our camping adventure at Pedernales Falls State Park with breakfast tacos by packing up the rest of our camping gear and equipment. We embarked on our journey back home to Corpus Christi, where the families awaited to pick up their campers. Reflecting on our time together, campers relayed the memories made and special moments to their families and introduced their new friends made through their work on the wall and at camp. Stayed tuned for our next Leadership Camp Adventure – Join Us!
