BIPOC Climb and Camp(ish)

Welcome to our Climb and Camp!

***Please note: This space is for climbers who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color.

*** This is open to all genders. If you do not feel comfortable sharing a room with folks of a different gender, we recommend purchasing a private room ticket. Otherwise, we will do our best to accommodate your needs, but with no guarantee.

***This is open to all abilities. However, to get the most out of the weekend, we recommend (not required) feeling confident at top roping 5.8 in the gym or outside.

Join Genevive Walker and Cat Runner in Muir Valley with Rise Outside for a weekend of outdoor adventure and community building. This event is specifically for climbers who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color and who love to climb, camp, and connect within the community. Whether you have climbed before or are just starting, this is the perfect opportunity to connect in nature with like-minded folks in a fun and engaging setting. We will set up climbs of all grades based on the goals of the group. There will also be time to teach technical and movement skills if you're interested in learning something new. Whether you're excited to climb or eager to learn, this weekend is for you!

Genevive Walker (she/her) is a Single Pitch Instructor and Rock Guide Apprentice who has been guiding for six years. She is an athlete for Mountain Hardwear, Evolv, Sterling, and DMM. She has spent most of her career guiding climbing trips and teaching climbing-based courses primarily for women and BIPOC climbers. Genevive has noticed and reaped the benefits of affinity spaces and wants to continue creating more outdoor spaces for folks to connect. She enjoys all types of climbing, and her goal for this trip is to share her love of the Red River Gorge with all of you.

Cat Runner (he/him) is a transgender photographer, athlete, and community leader. Raised in Kentucky, he primarily focuses on rock climbing, which led to success on HBO's The Climb - the first televised outdoor climbing competition of its kind. In 2022, he founded the Queer Climber's Network, an organization and database focused on helping queer climbers connect with each other, instructors, educational programs, and professionals within the climbing industry. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Red River Gorge Climbers' Coalition, is part of the founding leadership for Trans Climbers Belong, and works with other community organizers to implement programming that makes climbing more inclusive and accessible to affinity identities. He is supported by Rhino Skin Solutions and Maxim Ropes.

Rise Outside is a non-profit based in New Paltz, NY that's dedicated to normalizing diversity in the outdoors. Through guiding work and community support, they provide low-cost to free programming for groups who have traditionally encountered barriers in the outdoors.

Muir Valley is a nonprofit nature preserve and rock climbing park run by climbers, for climbers. Approximately 360 acres in size and over 400 climbs, Muir Valley was founded by Rick and Liz Weber, who gifted the land to the Muir Valley non-profit organization. Through multiple JEDI initiatives, Muir Valley is committed to creating an inclusive space where all visitors feel safe and respected.

Accommodations: We have two cabins next to each other on a property with fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms, fire pits, and hot tubs. Don't forget to bring your bathingsuit!! Road access to the cabins DO NOT require high clearance or 4-wheel drive.

Thanks to Muir Valley's continued JEDI work, we can provide this weekend experience at a low cost to all attendees!

What's included:

• 2 days of guided climbing in Muir Valley
• Private log cabin-style accommodations (w/ a hot tub and fire pits) in Muir Valley
• Dinner on Saturday
• Chance to learn movement and technical skills from rad BIPOC guides
• Supportive and inclusive atmosphere

Requirements:

• Must identify as BIPOC
• Must provide your own personal climbing equipment*
• Must provide your own breakfast, lunch, and snacks
• Respect for nature and fellow participants
• Transportation to and from the Red River Gorge is not included**
• Gratuities to guides are not included***

Don't miss out on your chance to spend the weekend with us in the Red River Gorge! Sign up now and get ready for an unforgettable weekend!

**Please email Z2VuZXZpdmV3YWxrZXIxIHwgZ21haWwgISBjb20= by March 25th if you need to borrow a helmet, harness, or shoes. Rise Outside can provide equipment.

Carpool Spreadsheet is here!!!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QJY50eYj9w1Mhizm06ADHVwwcN5gcQkGbDhW0IomlzY/edit?usp=drive_link

Refund Policy

Due to the small group size, we cannot guarantee a refund unless the organizer cancels the event or tickets sell out and a waitlist forms. Please note that filling canceled spots becomes more challenging as we approach the event date. If you cannot attend, please contact the organizer right away at Z2VuZXZpdmV3YWxrZXIxIHwgZ21haWwgISBjb20= with "BIPOC Climb and Camp Refund" in the subject line to see if your spot can be filled by a waitlist attendee. Refunds are not guaranteed.

Info: Arrive at the Airbnb, get to know each other through introductions, enjoy light refreshments, and set the tone/expectations for the weekend.

Info: Wake up and make breakfast, climb at Muir Valley for the day, and enjoy dinner back at the cabin. Muir Valley - 48 Muir Rd, Rogers, KY 41365

Info: Wake up and make breakfast, climb at Muir Valley, and leave the crag by 3p so folks can hit the road.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Pine Ridge, Contests in Pine Ridge.