Camp Ondessonk Climbing Adventure: Teen Rock Climbing Summer Camp in Southern Illinois

Are you looking for a safe, accredited climbing camp and a unique adventure camp for 13 to 15-year-olds? Camp Ondessonk’s Climbing Adventure program answers parents’ question, “Where can my teen learn to rock climb this summer?” Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois, our adventure camp for teens (ages 13–15) combines skill-building with heart-pounding fun. Over the week, campers train in knot tying, belaying, equipment use, and outdoor climbing techniques as part of an intermediate-level youth rock climbing course. Whether it’s your first camp or you’re a returning family, rest assured – Ondessonk is ACA-accredited, with Wilderness-First-Responder-trained staff, making it a safe climbing summer camp for teens.

Program Highlights:

1. Knot tying, belaying, and gear used: Hands-on training in all the rigging basics needed to rock climb outdoors safely.
2. Pakentuck Climbing Site: Begin on Camp Ondessonk’s own Pakentuck cliffs, where beginners hone skills on familiar rock.
3. Southern Illinois Field Trips: Travel to premier rock-climbing destinations (near Shawnee, NF, and Harrisburg, IL) for multi-pitch challenges, including iconic Jackson Falls.
4. Forest Canopy Climb: Enjoy a full day of treetop rope climbing for teens, ascending into the forest canopy under a professional tree-climbing instructor.
5. Backcountry Camping: Cap off each night camping under the stars. This backcountry camping teen camp experience has campers pitching tents, cooking over campfires, and bonding in the great outdoors.

Epic Climbing Destinations in Southern Illinois

Camp Ondessonk is surrounded by some of Illinois’s best climbing adventures for youth. After mastering the basics at Pakentuck, your teen will trek into the Shawnee National Forest and tackle real rock walls. Days are spent on varied routes – from tranquil grooves to challenging faces – at well-known crags near Harrisburg. These climbing adventures in Illinois for youth build confidence: each climb at a new site pushes skills learned back at camp. Returning families will love this progression: our curriculum culminates in thrilling outdoor ascents (the final climb of the week may be at famous Jackson Falls).

Forest Canopy & Backcountry Camping

Climbing adventure isn’t just about rocks. One day is set aside for forest canopy climbing for teens: learning to ascend and maneuver in the treetops with an expert instructor. Harnessed high in the hardwoods, campers learn rope-ascending techniques safely. As dusk falls, the adventure shifts to the wilderness: each camper participates in a real overnight backcountry campout. Our backcountry camping teen camp teaches outdoor living skills – gathering water, cooking simple meals, and navigating the woods – all while fostering teamwork and independence. Teens return tired but triumphant, having spent nights under the stars and days making memories.

Expert Guides & Safety

At Camp Ondessonk, safety and expertise go hand-in-hand. Jon Richard, Senior Guide and founder of Vertical Voyages, trains Ondessonk staff. Jon brings over 25 years of global climbing experience – thousands of routes from New Zealand to Yosemite and the French Alps. His top-tier credentials speak volumes: he is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and Single Pitch Instructor Provider, a Global Organization of Tree Climbers (GOTC) Instructor, and a Wilderness First Responder. In short, Jon knows how to teach teens to climb safely and skillfully. Every member of our climbing staff is similarly certified and youth-trained; all instructors are Wilderness First Responders, and ACA standards are followed daily. Camp Ondessonk is proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association, the gold standard for camp safety and quality. You can feel confident that our gear, practices, and staff training meet the highest standards for a safe climbing summer camp for teens.

Why Choose Camp Ondessonk?

Camp Ondessonk has offered unforgettable outdoor programs for decades. Families keep coming back for our mix of faith-based values, leadership development, and thrilling adventure. The Climbing Adventure is co-ed and perfectly tailored to teens: small groups mean personalized coaching, and each day’s challenge builds real-world skills and confidence. Beyond climbing, campers build friendships around the campfire, learn teamwork, and even become eligible for Ondessonk’s Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha (our teen leadership society). As one of Southern Illinois’ premier teen summer camps, we emphasize fun and responsibility – your teen will leave more vigorous climbers and more resilient leaders.

For teens asking for excitement and parents seeking accredited outdoor education, Ondessonk delivers the complete package. This is more than just a camp session; it’s a unique adventure camp experience for 13 to 15-year-olds that blends thrill with growth.

Register Now. Spots are limited for this summer’s Climbing Adventure sessions. Sign up today and give your teen the chance to learn to rock climb at summer camp – under expert guidance, amidst beautiful Illinois scenery, and in the safest possible way.