To support its ambition of providing pathways for young climbers to learn more about climbing and mountaineering, the UIAA Youth Commission has put in place a number of camps during the European summer months.
Six camps are currently scheduled. They are:
– The annual International Youth Climbing camp in Ariege, France in July
– Mountaineering Ireland’s Alpine Meet in Soelden, Austria in July
– An International Youth Adventure Camp in Cyprus in July
– A EUSALP summer camp in Chalet de la Haute-Joux, Cerniebaud, France in July
– The Romanian Alpine Club’s camp in Chamonix, France in September
– A beginners drytooling camp in Brno, Czech Republic in October (details coming soon)
– Further camps are expected to be added to the calendar
For a full list of dates, registration details and programmes please visit the dedicated UIAA youth event calendar. Earlier this year, the UIAA endorsed the annual ice climbing camp held in the French Alps and run by branches of the national federation FFCAM.
These camps all have common themes; they are organised by UIAA member associations or partners and count members of the UIAA Youth Commission as part of their organisational teams. They are typically open to young climbers from the ages of 16-30 and offer the chance to explore different techniques in climbing, mountaineering, canyoning, hiking, via ferrata and other summer activities. Most importantly they offer youngsters with the chance to connect with climbers from other countries, make last friendships and take home important learnings.
The UIAA Youth and Training Commissions are working on creating a standard syllabus for these camps. This will include offering a personal skills certificate to each participant should they pass the course which will not only offer technical subjects but advice related to mountain safety and sustainability.
For UIAA member associations wishing to promote their youth camps through the UIAA calendar and network please contact Rob Adie, UIAA Office.
