Women's Rock Climbing Retreat

Women's Rock Climbing Retreat in Benton on 15 October 2025
Women's Rock Climbing Retreat in Benton on 15 October 2025
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 -- Friday, October 17, 2025, 1530 - 1530
Join Sally Drake as you learn the basics on rock climbing (day 1) and continue to sharpen your skills on day 2! Your guides will be climbing guru, Jon Richards of Vertical Voyages and experienced climber and our yoga instructor, Debby Siegel.
REGISTER: https://runsignup.com/TicketEvent/WomenSRockClimbingRetreat

EXPERIENCED OUTDOOR CLIMBER?
You can learn more advanced skills, or if you have your own equipment and don't need help, we have a registration option for you. Come out and play, show us how it's done!

HIKING ONLY?
Not interested in this much adventure? You can hike your heart out on the gorgeous trails near the rock climbing area. See the option in registration for hiking only. If you are hiking only, we recommend that you bring a yoga mat, book, etc so you can relax if you don't want to hike all day. It is also fun to watch the climbers.

Wednesday, October 15th - Arrival at Camp:
Arrive at camp between 4-5:30pm
6pm - Dinner + meet and mingle + Sally will give a rundown of the weekend events and Dan will share about the Thursday night fundraising BBQ
7:00pm - Bonfire. music, and fun conversation

Thursday, October 16th - Climbing Day #1:

7:00am - Coffee, Tea and light breakfast available in the kitchen (note: you are always welcome to make coffee in the office)
8:00am - Bus picks us up in front of the office
9:00am - Arrive at Giant City State Park and meet up with our instructors, Jon and Debby
Start climbing! (see full climbing agenda below)

12:00pm - Lunch break (we will have sack lunches, fruit, and drinks)
12:30pm - Climb again (see full climbing agenda below!)
3:30pm - Hop on the bus to head back to camp
4:30pm - Arrive back at camp, shower, get comfy
5pm - Restorative yoga and sound bath with Debby
6pm - Dinner - BBQ Fundraiser for Camp Indigo Point, CO (see flyer below)
7pm - Bonfire and Music

Friday, October 17th - Climbing Day #2:
Repeat of Thursday from 7am - 3:30pm
4:30pm - Arrive back at camp. Those who are with us for the climbing portion only can pack up and head on out!
OR stay for the Adventure Retreat.........

6pm - Dinner and Icebreaker as we have the 2nd group of adventure gals join us!
7pm - LIVE MUSIC at the bonfire: Indie Folk/Americana with Jeremy Todd

Saturday, October 18th - Bundle 2 Retreats!

SEE AGENDA in Women's Adventure Retreat

What to bring for the climbing/hiking excursions:
Plenty of snacks (we will have some)
Water bottle (we will bring extra on the bus for refills)
Comfortable, close-fitting clothing that allows you to move. Ideally, nothing new or nice, sometimes the rocks can snag clothing. Weather-appropriate. Shorts are acceptable but you may scrape your legs.
Hiking boots or shoes or trail shoes in case you want to explore on breaks (required, close-toed)
Hammock - if you have one, many of the crags have places to hang them - we will bring a few extras
Backpack to carry all of your stuff
Any personal medications (e.g., EpiPen, inhaler, allergy meds)
Sunglasses / sunscreen
Camera/phone

What is included in the climbing instruction sessions:
(Participants may use personal gear if it is approved by the instructor.)
Harness and Helmet
Climbing Shoes
Chalk Bag
Belay Device with Locking Carabiner

Where are we climbing?
Giant City State Park - Devil's Standtable Area
Devil's Standtable Nature Trail Lot

Program Itinerary
Day 1:
Introductions and Gear-Up
Figure-8 Knot and Belay Instruction
Climbing Technique Overview
Warm-Up Climbs
Rappelling Experience

Day 2:
Gear-Up and Warm-Up
Focused Climbing on a Variety of Routes
Optional Rappelling

What to bring for the entire retreat:
Bedding and towels (if you are flying in, contact Sally about this)
Sunscreen
Flashlight or headlamp
Yoga mat
Ear plugs
A variety of clothing/hats/shoes for activities and weather changes
Small blanket for bonfire, etc

Lodging:
Yurts and cabins
- let me know if you want to be with a friend or group.
- upcharge for heated cabin
- private yurts available for upcharge

Category: Sports / Leisure | Adventure Sports
Starting Price Per Person
Free
Other Information
Where
Camp Manitowa
12770 North Benton Road
Benton Illinois 62812
United States
( Multi-Purpose Events Venue )

                 
Event Organizer Contact
Sally Drake
sdrake@mseracing.com
314-477-6906
More Events
Event ID: 254705

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