Youth Mountaineering Camps
The Youth Mountain Camps are a joint venture by Claire Comiskey of Rock Ready Outdoors and myself, Ambrose Flynn.
The camps are designed for young outdoor enthusiasts that would like to learn about improving self confidence, self sufficiency and learning more about the Irish mountain landscape.
The camps are split into three distinct levels enabling a progressive approach.
Camp 1 is the Intro Camp where we spend two days and one night in a convenient location in Wicklow. This is the ideal starting point for those wild camping for the fist time.
Camp 2 is the Adventure Camp where we venture into the Wicklow – Comeragh Mountains and set up a remote camp in the wild. This camp runs for 2 days and one night. During this camp those attending will learn about planning, remote wild camping, flora/fauna and navigation.
Camp 3 is the Expedition Camp where we venture into the Kerry Mountains for two days and one night. This camp involves those participating to play an active role in the route planning, camp set up location and the mountain objective.
YMC – Intro Wild Camp
Location: Co. Wicklow
Date: 10th – 11th June (Tuesday – Wednesday)
Date: 30th June – 1st July (Monday – Tuesday)
Drop-off 10am and Collection 5:00pm the following day.
Lower age limit: 12
Instructor ratio: 1:4
Cost: €150
The YMC Intro camp is an ideal way to introduce young people into the world of wild camping. During this camp the young explorers can expect to learn about camp craft, cooking in the wild, identifying flora/fauna and take part in an orienting challenge.
The core concepts for this camp are working as a group, learning new skills, increasing confidence and making new connections.
YMC – Adventure Camp
Location: Wicklow or Comeragh Mountains
Date: 23rd – 24th July (Wednesday – Thursday)
Drop off 10am and collection 6pm
Lower age limit: 14
Instructor ratio: 1:4
Cost: €200
The Youth Climbing Adventure Camp is the next step for the young outdoor enthusiast that would like a more involved experience in the mountains.
This camp will take place in a remote mountain location where the participants will be involved in the planning, route choice, camp location and a bespoke orienting experience. During the camp those attending can expect to explore a wild, remote mountain environment while learning about team work, flora/fauna, geology and self reliance.
YMC – Expedition Camp
Location: Dalkey: Kerry
Date: 18th – 19th August (Monday – Tuesday)
Drop off 10:00am and collection 6:00pm the following day.
Lower age limit: 14
Instructor ratio: 1:4
Cost: €250
The Youth Expedition Camp is a more involved experience for the young people attending. This camp will take place in the Kerry mountain in a remote location enveloped within nature.
This camp will aim to facilitate the selection of a specific mountain peak goal, planning, the logistic involved and the group management. Participants on the camp will be encouraged to be involved in planning and organisation of this camp.
The core values of this camp are building confidence, working with others, planning, identifying risk, managing risk and enjoying the wilderness in a respectful manner (Leave No Trace), etc.
