Camp Mary Atkinson boasts an Alpine Tower, a 50 foot high adventure ropes challenge-by-choice course that offers an exciting challenge to participants – girls and adults alike!  In addition to the climbing aspect of the tower, participants can swing as high as they choose with help from teammates. Generally, when attending a tower event, a participant will either climb or swing depending on the program content. Girls must be 10 years old or older to participate in any tower activities.

Challenge courses such as our Alpine Tower are designed to increase each participant’s self-confidence and group coordination and have fun. There are low elements (group games on the ground) for all ages, as well as high elements on the tower for older girls. The program is designed with progressive steps that teach the group trust, communication skills, critical thinking skills, muscle warm-up, and stretching activities.  Challenge-by-choice is a concept we use to allow each participant to get the most out of their experience. Each person chooses the level of her own challenge, and the group agrees to support that. 

Junior Girl Scouts (ages 10 and up) and teen Girl Scouts who attend Camp Mary Atkinson during the summer have the opportunity to climb or swing on the Alpine Tower depending on their program schedule.

Troops and individual girls can also register for climbing and swinging events on the Alpine Tower throughout the program year. These events are led by a trained Alpine Tower Facilitator and paid or volunteer staff.

Alpine Tower Events, January-May 2008
Register for an Alpine Tower Event

• January 26 - Climbing: Ages 11-17, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
• February 23 - Climbing: Junior Girl Scouts, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
• March 15 - Climbing: Junior Girl Scouts, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
• April 26 - Climbing: Junior Girl Scouts, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
• May 3 - Climbing: Junior Girl Scouts, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
• May 10 - Climbing: Junior Girl Scouts, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
• May 11 - Swinging: Junior Girl Scouts, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

We are happy and able to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, but please notify us in advance when registering for a tower event. The schedule for tower events can be found in the GO! magazine for teen girls and the Be guide. Adults do not climb or swing during a girl event, but each individually-registered girl or troop is required to have an adult stay at the event. 

Reserving the Tower for Group Use
Groups can reserve use of the Alpine Tower; however, it requires a reservation and adherence to all Safety-Wise activity guidelines regarding challenge courses (pages 99-101) as well as an approved lead facilitator and at least one other trained facilitator for any tower event.  If you are interested in reserving the tower, please contact Jen Carter at 919-782-3021.

Interested in becoming a trained belayer?
A belayer is the person on the ground who is tied into the ground anchor and supports the climber.  Participants 14 and older may be trained to be belayers.  We offer trainings several times a year.  To stay trained, belayers must participate in belaying opportunities throughout the year.  Once you learn it and have it down, all it takes is a few events a year to keep your skills. And, it’s lots of fun! 

Belay Training Dates
Training dates: January 26, February 23, March 15, April 26, May 3, and May 10

Important Documents
A Health History form and Alpine Tower Risk and Authorization form are required by each participant for any tower event.

	Download PDF: Health History Form
	Download PDF: Alpine Tower Risk and Authorization Form
	(Girls must have a signed waiver by a parent/guardian with them at the time of the event or they will not be allowed to participate.)