Three Day Rock Climbing/Rappelling and Caving Program

Teen (Parent) Information Welcome to Chicago Voyagers’ climbing and caving program! We are looking forward to sharing some fun and helping you learn about trust and perseverance (overcoming obstacles). This sheet contains things which we thought would be helpful for you to know about the program. What is it like?

This is a three day overnight program which includes rock climbing, rappelling (lowering yourself from the top of a cliff), caving and camping. This is the ideal program for you to confront fears, work on trust issues & test perseverance. It takes place on the bluffs of Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, WI and in a near-by cave. Camping will include sleeping in tents, cooking outdoors and other camp craft skills. We will do a fun teambuilding game or two each day to reinforce the lessons of the program.

What if I don’t know how to camp, climb or cave?

No problem. We assume you don’t know how to camp, cave and climb and our trained leaders will teach you everything.

It is safe?

Our leaders are trained for safety. The system is set-up with a lot of back-ups to keep you safe. We will teach you our safety rules and then double check to make sure you are following them. Everyone needs to follow all safety instructions.

Where are we going? What do we do?

Devil’s Lake State Park outside Baraboo, WI. It is about 3 hours from Chicago. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Climb up a cliff Rappel (lower yourself) from a cliff Teambuilding activities Watch raptors circle around the cliffs Hang out with friends/make new friends. Camp Cook outdoors Tell stories around the campfire Explore a cave Squeeze through narrow passages if you have the courage Watch the stars Learn new things Sleep in tents Maybe swim if we have time Wrap up discussion of what was learned & help pack up.

What do we need to bring?

Everyone should bring:                 

The CV release-English/Spanish if not done this year The CV Medical form English/Spanish if not done this year. Two changes of clothes (underwear, t-shirt, socks) – one will get dirty caving. Jacket for rain or cool night (check weather forecast for Baraboo, WI). Ask if someone needs to borrow one. Gym shoes for rappelling/climbing/caving – they will get scuffed and dirty! Please don’t bring shoes with heavily warn down soles as they are not safe on the trails. Extra pair of gym shoes or sandals Shorts for climbing – not baggy! Personal care items/toiletries (toothbrush, paste, etc.) Prescription medications if you take them Sunscreen Sunglasses Bug repellent Swimsuit Small/medium towel Hat to keep sun off Small pillow (optional) A sack lunch for the first day.

Everything else is supplied for you! Can I bring my cell phone?

Our program is about doing something different and giving you a break from your regular life so you can focus on your personal growth. Therefore, we’d prefer you not use your cellphone during our program. Please consider leaving it behind at home or leaving it in the van. If it becomes disruptive, we will take it away.

What is expected of me?

We expect everyone to abide by these rules: 1. Respect each other, the natural world and our equipment (no put downs, no interrupting). 2. Try your best & help where there is work to do. 3. Support and encourage each other. 4. Be honest and speak up if you have an idea or if something is bothering you. 5. Things said in the group stay in the group (except for mandated abuse reporting). It is important that you also follow all safety instructions.

What about weather?

We camp in all weather and can provide rain jackets if needed. Our leader will be watching the weather and will take precautions to keep everyone safe. Our tents are water proof if set-up correctly (so pay attention!).