Climb OUT Campout
Registration is open!
April 5th - 7th, 2024
Joshua Tree
A weekend of camping, climbing, and queer community
What is Climb OUT Campout?
Climb OUT Campout is a climbing retreat for LGBTQIA2S+ folks to find community, build skills, and connect with nature as your authentic self.
Our Story
Climb OUT Campout was created by Brie Chartier (she/her), with the help of Tera Kaia and Golden State Guiding in 2021. The inaugural event was held in Joshua Tree National Park in November of 2021 with over 23 participants and 8 guides! Brie created COCO with the hopes of creating a space for LGBTQIA2S+ folks to experience a sense of belonging in the outdoors, while learning new climbing skills with certified and knowledgeable queer guides.
Together with brands like Scarpa, Patagonia, Deuter, and Black Diamond, the first Climb OUT Campout was a huge success and has inspired the guides to create more of these events in other locations. Since 2021, we’ve hosted three events in Joshua Tree and Smith Rock – plus our flagship festival and education courses – but COCO will always have a special place in our hearts as the first-of-its-kind queer climbing retreat.
About Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park is nestled in the high desert of Southern California on the stolen lands of the Cahuilla, Serrano, Mohave, and Chemehuevi peoples, among other groups. The region is rich in climbing history and remains popular for its unique geology, playful routes, and world-class sunsets.
What's included?
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3 nights of camping (Thursday night - Sunday morning)
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2.5 days of guided climbing and skills clinics
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Evening festivities and Saturday community presentation
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Climbing gear (harness, helmet, climbing shoes, belay device)
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Swag from our wonderful sponsors
What's not included:
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Meals
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Camping gear*
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Transportation**
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National Park pass**
* If access to camping gear and cooking equipment is a barrier to your attendance, we can help arrange borrowing among our network. Contact us if you’d like assistance with this.
** We will help facilitate carpooling to/from Joshua Tree. During the event, we will carpool from the camping location into the park each day as much as possible. Guests will only need one National Park pass per vehicle.
Scholarships
We're excited to make full scholarships available to our participants, thanks to the support of our sponsors. We have three (3) scholarship slots for this event, two (2) which are reserved for Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color, and one (1) which is open application.
Applications are due by Friday, March 8th at 11:59pm PST.
Mentee Program
The all queer COCO guide team is seeking aspiring climbing guides and educators, especially those looking to gain experience teaching others to climb in an affinity setting, to join us. We have one (1) spot for a mentee guide for this event.
Applications are due by Friday, March 8th at 11:59pm PST.
Volunteering
We're looking for a Camp “Care Bear” – basically a camp host! One (1) volunteer will receive a free ticket, and will take on some additional responsibility to help care for camp and support others in staying warm, happy, and welcome while at camp!
Applications are due by Friday, March 8th at 11:59pm PST.
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Where is the campsite located?We’ll be camping on private property a short distance from the National Park boundary and its main entrances. Water is available on site, and cell service is generally strong. Showers will be available on a limited basis. Guests can camp in a tent, vehicle, or any combination thereof. Address will be provided after booking.
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I've never climbed before. Is Climb OUT Campout for me?Yes! You don't need any prior climbing experience to attend Climb OUT Campout. Many of our past attendees began in a similar place: "Being a very green beginner was no barrier for me during this trip. The stoke was high enough to motivate but also safe enough to go at your own speed and comfort. This was the best way I can imagine to be introduced to outdoor rock climbing. No pressure, just good vibes. -Crow”
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I live in the Joshua Tree area. Do I have to camp on site?We now offer a Locals Pass at a discounted rate as a way to give back to the local LGBTQIA2S+ community. This includes everything that the regular Climb OUT Campout Pass does, except for camping. The Locals Pass is intended for those who live and/or work in the surrounding area (Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, Morongo Valley, etc.). If this describes you, apply for a Locals Pass using our short Request Form!
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Are there scholarships?Yes! We have three (3) full scholarships available. Applications will open at the same time as general registration and will remain open for one week.
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What is your cancellation policy?Read about our Cancellation Policy here.
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I want to be a part of this, but I can’t make it for all three days.Everyone is welcome to attend our Saturday evening community presentation! This will take place in a public venue (separate from our campsite) and will be open to other LGBTQIA2S+ folks, friends, and supporters. The venue and program will be announced closer to the event. If you’d like to support OUT in the Wild and our scholarship program from afar, the best way to do so is by making a donation.
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What skills clinics will be offered?Typically, our clinic offerings are informed by our guests’ hopes and personal goals. Some topics we may teach include: Gym2Crag: Building and Cleaning Anchors Outdoor Bouldering Intro to Trad Gear and Anchors Self Rescue In addition, we’ll be offering “micro-clinics” throughout the weekend! Micro-clinics are short (<30 minute) lessons where our guides will teach and answer questions on any climbing topic, providing opportunities for individualized progression.
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I just want to climb. Is Climb OUT Campout for me?Yes! You’ll get to climb as much or as little as you want, regardless of how hard you climb – seriously, our community ranges from 5.13 climbers to people who’ve never climbed before. Guests are not obligated to attend skills clinics.
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I’m not “out.” What privacy measures do you have in place?Our photo release is optional and separate from our liability waiver. Guests have the option to remain anonymous, not be tagged on social media, or not have their appearance published at all. Our guide team also makes an effort to select climbing venues that balance privacy and accessibility.
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I need accommodations in order to attend. What are my options?We’re excited to hear from you and want to make the Climb OUT Campout experience as accessible as possible. Please don’t hesitate to email us at climboutcampout@gmail.com about any needs, questions, or concerns! While many guides on our team have third-party training and experience working with climbers with disabilities, we are foremost here to listen and collaborate.