Women's Rock Climbing Retreat
October 15 - 17th, 2025
Camp Manitowa, Benton, IL
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.
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.
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!
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 (for Camp Indigo Point)
7:00pm – Bonfire. music, & 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!
12:00pm – Lunch break (we will have sack lunches, fruit, and drinks)
2:30pm – Wrap up, hit the restrooms
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 & 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:
https://www.mseracing.com/retreat-at-manitowa-1
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, clothes - fitted 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
Program Itinerary
Day 1:
Introductions and Gear-Up
Figure-8 Knot & 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 & 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
Heated blanket or small space heater if staying in yurt
Lodging:
Yurts & cabins
- let me know if you want to be with a friend or group.
- upcharge for heated cabin
PRICING, REGISTRATION, AND UPDATES:
https://www.mseracing.com/climbing-manitowa-2025
- private yurts available for upcharge
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