4-Hour Experience
Gunpowder Falls
State Park
Beginners & Climbers Welcome
Why Climbing + Therapy Works
Nature-based movement activates the same neural pathways targeted in CBT and mindfulness—now super-charged by vertical challenge.
-
Reduces cortisol by up to 26 %*
-
Reframes fear into curiosity
-
Builds trust through belay partnership
What You'll Experience
-
Warm Welcome & Gear Fitting – cozy coffee circle, harness demo.
-
Immersive Forest Therapy Walk – sensory reset on the approach trail.
-
Scaling Internal & External Walls – guided climbs with therapist framing.
-
Stress-Management Toolkit – physiological sigh, curiosity cue-cards.
-
Reflection Hike & Gratitude Circle – anchor insights before departure.
Dates & Investment
Starts Sep 14
150 US dollarsLoading availability...
Loading availability...
100 % of retreat proceeds fuel the CNIT Scholarship Fund, opening nature‑informed healing to individuals and communities who could not otherwise afford it.
Can't pay the full fee?
Who It's For
Adults & teens managing anxiety, stress, trauma, or low self-esteem who want an active, nature-based route to healing. No climbing experience required.
Agenda at a Clance
-
1:00 — Welcome, coffee, gear fit
-
1:20 — Mindfulness walk, nature token ice-breaker
-
1:50 — Climbing safety & practice belay
-
2:30 — Guided Climb I + journal circle
-
3:15 — Lunch & Comfort-Zone mapping
-
3:45 — Guided Climb II, fear-coping drills
-
4:30 — Reflection hike & closing gratitude
Safety & Emotional Support
-
Challenge by Choice – you decide how high to climb.
-
1 licensed therapist + 1 certified climbing guide per 4 participants.
-
Emergency & weather protocols posted >
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve never climbed before—can I join?
Absolutely. Routes start at beginner (5.4). We teach knots, belay, and movement from the ground up.
What gear is included?
Helmet, harness, climbing shoes, ropes, and all safety hardware. Bring weather-appropriate layers, lunch, and a full water bottle.
Physical requirements?
If you can comfortably climb a household staircase and stand for 10 minutes, you can participate. We adapt routes for varying fitness levels.
What if I feel anxious on the wall?
A licensed therapist is on-site. We use “challenge-by-choice” and grounding techniques; you can descend or pause at any time.
Is the program rain-or-shine?
Light mist is fine; thunderstorms, heavy rain, or dangerous heat move us to a covered resilience workshop or trigger a weather reschedule (no extra cost).
Do proceeds support scholarships?
Yes—100 % of retreat proceeds seed the CNIT Scholarship Fund for underserved participants.
Still have questions? Contact us → and we’ll reply within one business day.
