Via Ferrata Rock Climbing Trip
Registration Deadline: Monday, July 20th
Purpose & Objectives
This will be a thrilling experience for scouts 13+ and adults. We will be experiencing Via Ferrata style rock climbing led by a guide at Nelson Rocks in West Virginia, where we will also be camping for the weekend.
Check out this video to see what it’s like! 👇
Advancement
We’ll mostly be focused on having fun, but you will also have the chance to earn two nights of camping!
Who Can Participate
To participate you must be at least 13 years old by August 7th and weigh between 88 and 265 pounds. We will be participating in Via Ferrata style rock climbing led by a professional guide. While this style of rock climbing is beginner-friendly, you will be experiencing extreme heights and some moderate to strenuous climbs (similar to climbing a very tall ladder).
In order to keep our group discount, we will need a minimum of 10 participants. Due to the guided nature of this trip, we can take a maximum of 14 participants, so be sure to sign up early if you want to go!
Camping Location
We will be car camping at the on-site campsites that are managed by NROCKS Outdoor Adventures. The area is equipped with a fire pit per site as well as a latrine. Drinking water is provided. The tent camping area is considered “primitive” because there is no running water or shower house. However, the campsite is within a short walking distance of the NROCKS welcome center which has nicer bathrooms and running water.
Planned Activities
The Via Ferrata at NROCKS is a guided rock climbing route offering a mile of fixed-anchor climbing along a permanently installed system of steel rungs and cables (Italian for "by way of iron") that lets climbers scale two towering rock fins. An NROCKS guide will outfit each scout with a harness and walk through how to use the double-carabiner lanyard system, which keeps climbers clipped into the safety cable at all times while they climb.
Over the 3.5–5 hour tour, the group will gain 1,085 feet in elevation, cross a 150-foot-high suspension bridge over 200 feet long, and reach exposed heights of up to 280 feet. It's a serious physical and mental challenge — difficulty depends a lot on fitness level and comfort with heights, and it's not recommended for anyone working through an intense fear of heights.
Camping Trip Schedule
Friday Evening: Arrive and set up camp
Saturday: Via Ferrata Climbing Tour
Saturday Evening: Free time or explore nearby trails
Sunday Morning: Possible hike at Seneca Rocks, then return to Lynchburg
How Much It Costs
Scouts and Adults: $162 per person
Payment: Check made out to “Troop 29” for Mr. Fredericks or Mr. Manley
Payment due date: Monday, July 20
Other costs: Patrol cooking food cost will be calculated after trip
If cost is preventing you from attending this trip, please contact Scoutmaster Manley for assistance.
Transportation
Depart: Friday, August 7 at 4pm from Food Lion
Return: Sunday, August 9 at Noon to Food Lion
Drive Time: 3 hours from Lynchburg
Drivers: If we have 3-4 adults attending the trip, we should have enough seatbelts for scouts. If not, additional drivers may be needed.
Paperwork & Preparation
Important: Parents must sign this waiver or the scout will not be able to participate in the climbing activity.
Packing Information
Camping Style: Car camping
Scout Meals: The SPL and Patrol Leaders can choose between patrol cooking and troop cooking. For Friday night, I’d recommend coming fed or packing a sandwich to eat on the way to camp since we’ll be arriving a little bit after 7pm.
Adult Meals:
Friday dinner: Come fed, or bring a packed dinner
Saturday breakfast: Eggs and sausage
Saturday lunch: Cold cut sandwiches
Saturday dinner: Grilled meat and salad
Sunday morning: Yogurt and fruit
Tents: Bring your own tents.
Trailer: We will bring trailer if requested by the PLC.
Water: According to the NROCKS website, water is provided, but it may not be on site. I would recommend having water containers to fill at the welcome center and drive to camp if needed.
Weather: We will be climbing in exposed conditions in the summertime, so plan to bring sunscreen. Check the weather ahead of time and plan for both warm and cool nights as temperatures can fluctuate.
Safety: It is vital that everyone follow the instructions of our professional guides for our rock climbing experience to be safe. Let’s be smart and have fun out there!
Additional Info
Questions? Contact Scoutmaster Manley.
Registration Deadline: Monday, July 20th