The High Ropes Challenge Course After a three year process, our vision for a Shiloh's Edge owned high ropes challenge course has materialized. Nearly two years ago, the New York State Office of Child and Family Services granted us $100,000 to build the course. We struggled to find a location for this course, bouncing around between college campuses, Trooper training facilities, church lands and privately donated lands. Finally, a very generous man donated 18 acres in Halfmoon to house the course. This course was built by Alpine Towers Inc. out of North Carolina and is state-of-the-art. We are able to run nearly 40 participants at a time through the 200 foot long, 45 foot tall high ropes structure and numerous others on the eight low ropes elements. The course was built in the summer of 2008 and we have run dozens of groups through half-day and day-long adventures thus far and would love to tailor make a session to challenge your team. We are booking both student and corporate groups and have very ambitious dreams about changing the culture of Capital District schools through this challenge course and follow up school assembly programs. If you would like to get your team/group/office/band etc. through this team building challenge course, please contact us at shilohsedge@gmail.com.
Climbing Travel Team General Info Shiloh's Edge has formed a team of climbers that trains and travels to local competitions together. This team is open to all junior high and high schoolers of any climbing ability. It is a great way to make new friends as well as improve your climbing ability. On weekends,the team climbs either indoors at a competition or outdoors at the local crags. Local bouldering competitions run from October - December. The competitions are not required right now but are encouraged as they are a great experience and a good way to push yourself. We have also set up a "Spotters Team" for adults, which is a group of individuals who will help to defer some of the costs of these competitions which are between $25-$40 each. In bouldering, spotters are essential to the success of a climber in reaching his/her maximum potential. The role of the spotter is complete attention and dedication to the safety of the climber. If you are interested in Spotting a Team Member, please contact Adam at adamcatalano@hotmail.com Fall/Winter Bouldering Competition Schedule October 3 - Petra Cliffs, Burlington, VT October 17 - NJ Rock Gym November 7 - Island Rock Gym, Long Island, NY November 14 - Metro Rock, Newburyport, MA December 5 - CT Rock Gym December 12 - MetroRock, Everett, MA Fall Outdoor Climbing Trips Scheduled September 12 - Southern ADK Climbing Festival - Crane Mtn, NY September 26 - Western Mass. Climbing Festival - Wendell, MA Nice Weather Day Trips around NY Monday, September 28 Monday. October 12 Saturday, October 24 Saturday, October 31 Wednesday, November 13 Saturday, November 21 And any other non-frigid winter Saturday or day off of school.
Each year, Shiloh's Edge offers a variety of expeditionary camping trips which range from 4-14 days in length and give students an opportunity to challenge themselves in their favorite outdoor activity or learn a new one altogether. A typical summer schedule will include one two-week trip to a remote destination, two rock climbing based trips of 3-4 days here in the northeast, and one or two hiking adventures of 4-5 days in the great Adirondack park. Some of our two-week trips have taken students to places like Southeast Alaska (sea kayaking), the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming (backpacking), Northern Ontario (canoeing), Northern Maine (canoeing), Pennsylvania's Appalacian Trail (backpacking) and in 2007 to back to the canoeing the Allagash in Maine. Typically, our rock climbing camps will train students to climb in places like Rumney, NH; the coast of Maine; the Adirondacks of New York; and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In 2007 our Sport Camp will be in Rumney and our Multipitch Trad Camp for experienced climbers will use many different Adirondack locations. Our hiking adventures in the northeast focus mainly in the Adirondacks of New York and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Both NY's High Peaks and NH's Presidential Range are incredible places to return to year after year, finding new trails and different mountains to attempt each trip. Frequently Asked Questions Who qualifies for a Shiloh's Edge Summer Expedition? High School students, aged 13-18. I have no outdoor experience, can I still come? Absolutely! These expeditions are for students who have a sense of adventure and a willingness to try new things. Many of our students are first-time backpackers and paddlers. In fact, we love to introduce people to the outdoors and watch their comfort level grow in just the short time while they are on the course. What kind of physical conditioning do I need? We don't expect you to be an Olympic paddler or world-class marathoner but we do ask that you choose a course which is right for your activity level. What equipment do I need? All of the technical equipment necessary for Shiloh's Edge trips will be provided. We will send you a detailed equipment list upon registration. What is included in the cost of the trip? Any airfare or travel expenses, food, equipment, rentals, etc. You will be responsible for travel meals on the first and last day of your course. Who will lead these trips? Shiloh's Edge full time instructors have been educated in both wilderness leadership and wilderness medicine. Our summer interns are always significantly trained and work alongside full-time staff members on these trips.
Individual or Small Group Outings Throughout the year, Shiloh's Edge staff members continue to take students on outdoor climbing trips as the school schedule allows. Saturdays in the spring are an amazing time to be climbing at the Gunks. School holidays are even better. Many of these outings are made up of students who have been climbing all winter indoors and now wish to take their skills to the "real" crags. These smaller group outings are excellent times for the Shiloh's Edge staff to build relationships with new students. |
