AAVE's Rock + Roll Summer Camp in Colorado

DAY 1:
You will be met upon arrival at the Denver International Airport by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check to assure that you are prepared for the wide array of activities of the trip, we load up our custom vehicle and head for the mountains! We drive to our campsite outside of Buena Vista, CO, to prepare for our first adventure, rock climbing! During group orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained, and the process of growing together as a group begins.

DAY 2:
We gear up for three days of adrenaline-pumping rock climbing! Our professional instructors from Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center lead us on three days of climbing throughout central Colorado. Instruction includes proper equipment use and essential safety techniques, as well as belaying, rappelling and climbing skills. Today, we waste no time hitting the rock, as we try our hand at this awesome sport in Big Horn Sheep Canyon. Participants will only climb pitches appropriate to their ability. This is a fun, focused activity which builds group spirit, and gives everyone a great sense of accomplishment and confidence.

DAY 3:
As we get the hang of one of Colorado's favorite pastimes, we continue with more top rope climbing in Castle Rock Canyon, just east of Buena Vista. Top roping is a style of climbing in which the rope runs from the belayer at the foot of the route, through a carabiner connected to an anchor at the top of the route, and back down to the climber. The climber cannot fall. This is a great, safe way to learn the sport and continue to perfect our skills. In the morning, we learn more in-depth technical skills like belaying, rappelling, smearing, jamming and stemming. The afternoon is a chance for us to conquer the rock and take in the beautiful views of the Arkansas River from the top, as we look for eagles, deer and bighorn sheep. After a tough day on the rock, we relax and unwind in the healing waters of the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs.

DAY 4:
For our final day of climbing, we break into smaller groups for technical and non-technical ascents appropriate to our ability. Today's climbs are designed as team challenges that allow us to put into practice all that we have learned, and let everyone walk away successful and inspired. We then move camp south toward Salida, CO, our base camp for our next exhilarating activity ... whitewater kayaking!

DAY 5:
The gorgeous mountain town of Salida is our base for five wild days of whitewater kayaking. Our professional kayaking guides give us a safety and skills orientation to introduce us to the sport. First we will cover the essentials (PFD, skirt, boat and paddle). Then we will load the gear and head to a local pool. Here, we will practice and perfect the wet exit. We will also spend time on building our comfort, stroke work, balancing and edging. In the afternoon we may head to the river to discuss river hydrology, river safety and talk about eddy turns and ferries.

DAYS 6-7:
For the next two days, we take to the river to get a feel for the currents and practice and perfect our roll, peel outs and ins, strokes, balance and looking cool on class I and II whitewater! We also test our river navigation skills in "duckies", inflatable kayaks that allow us to tackle some bigger and better rapids. Our goal is to build our skills and comfort level in preparation for our overnight river trip on the mighty Arkansas.

DAYS 8-9:
We launch our kayaks and set out on a true Colorado adventure upon the world-renowned Arkansas River! We practice our paddling skills on a multi-day section of the river. We will spend two days kayaking in the midst of colossal Rocky Mountain peaks, and spend the night under the stars on the banks of the river. Our multi-day trips are self contained (accompanied by equipment/gear boats), allowing us to camp at a very scenic, peaceful, and remote site within the canyon. Our overnight trip requires us to utilize our new river scouting techniques as we shoot the rapids using the skills we have learned all week.

DAY 10:
We finally get a well-deserved break from the action, as we rest, relax and resupply. After picking up essential gear and groceries to last the rest of the trip, we travel northeast to our new camp at the base of Grays Peak. We meet up with our service project leaders and are briefed on the details of tomorrow's project.

DAY 11:
The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) is a partnership among nonprofit organizations, individual volunteers and public agencies to protect and preserve the natural integrity of Colorado's "Fourteeners" (peaks over 14,000 ft.) and the quality of the recreational opportunities they provide. As members of CFI's "Adopt-a-Peak" program, we volunteer for a day of conservation work on Grays Peak, one of Colorado's most popular and accessible high peaks. Work includes maintaining the standard hiking routes, repairing structures that have deteriorated, and restoring new impacts as they develop. Our positive attitudes and commitment to a day of hard work make this a worthwhile environmental "give back" for everyone.

DAY 12:
Colorado has 54 peaks over 14,000 feet and they are visited by thousands of people each year. Summiting a 14,000 foot peak is a safe and organized adventure geared to the focused individual ready for a big challenge. Our hike has special meaning and purpose after putting our sweat and time into preserving the mountain itself. We rise early with our sites set on the 14,270-foot summit of Grays Peak! As we reach the pinnacle, we have the option of turning back to the trailhead, or forging ahead to summit Grays' neighbor only a mile away, 14,267-foot Torreys Peak. Whether conquering one or two of Colorado's giants, this high alpine ascent is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime!

DAY 13:
After relaxing and recovering from our summit attempt, and cleaning our group and personal gear, we set up our final camp of the summer at Cherry Creek State Park in Denver. We have an unforgettable last evening out, including a wonderful dinner to celebrate our new skills, new tans, new friends and the best summer ever!

DAY 14:
We drive to the Denver airport bright and early, say goodbye and begin planning our adventures with AAVE for next summer!

Price Includes:
Two CPR and First Aid certified AAVE leaders; all ground costs, all ground transportation including airport pickup and drop-off; all camping and camping gear (except sleeping bags, sleep mats and mess kits); all activities and gear listed in the above itinerary; all meals; local gratuities to wait-staff.

Price Doesn't Include:
Flights to/from Denver; optional gratuities, extra snacks and souvenirs.

This itinerary is a sample outline of the program highlights. It is not a precise description. Changes made before or during the trip will only be made in the interest of safety or a more successful trip. This diverse itinerary is our framework for a summer of exhilaration and adventure. Get your mind and body set. Activities are planned using years of experience with your highest expectations in mind.

We appreciate the importance of this decision and want you to be as informed as possible! Please phone 303.526.0806 or email us at info@aave.com with questions, to receive 2009 references or to make a reservation.

We look forward to having you join us!