Adventure Recovery Guide Certificate Training - Rocks, New England

Sep 24-28, 2025

LOCATION: AR Base Camp, North Canaan, CT

The AR Rock Guide Training provides instruction in industry standard techniques for guiding in top rope managed settings. We will focus on gaining competence in managing climbing sites in order to facilitate positive experiences to individuals who seek support and lasting positive change.

The Adventure Recovery Rock Guide Training provides individuals with fundamental knowledge and application of rock climbing to build upon the “nature-as-healer” and outdoor leadership philosophies from our core AR Coach training. You will gain professional development skills that create a foundation for further advanced credentials. These skills include, anchor building, belaying, rappelling, climbing movement, to name a few.

During this training, we will take the industry standard techniques for rock climbing and learn how to apply them to interpersonal relationships, the essential values of nature-based healing, and fundamentals of AR coaching and guiding. This curriculum imparts trainees with a greater sense of self, assuredness in nature, and access to the skills needed to support others on their journey. This training also acts as an assessment, both personal and profession, related to one’s continuum along the Adventure Recovery Coach/Guide tracks.

Upon Completion of the AR Rock Guide training and supervised practice hours, you will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to safely facilitate or support on Adventure Recovery outings and set the stage for earning advanced credentials to work in other environments.

*The training is facilitated by AMGA certified Single Pitch Instructor, Nathan Bennick.

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for people who work with individuals and groups seeking positive change: people in recovery, wellness professionals, yoga teachers, life coaches, therapists, counselors, recovery coaches, educators, recovery advocates, etc. Adventure Recovery is the leading provider of outdoor coaching, guiding, mentorship and training in the recovery profession. AR Coaches and Guides are professionally trained in both recovery coaching and exceptional and transformative adventure experiences. The Adventure Recovery model is distinctive in the unique way our expertly trained guides hold both the recovery coaching component and the safety-first, technical outdoor guide practices for clients. The techniques and skills in outdoor leadership and recovery coaching include:

DETAILS

AR Rock Guide Training: 5 Days, 4 Nights

-Top rope site management & anchor building

-Fundamentals of climbing movement/coaching

-Institutional rappels

-Risk management & self -rescue techniques

-Expansion on AR Philosophy and application to addiction cecovery and mental health

Suggested gear list:

The following gear list is not necessary but highly recommended for individuals considering professional tracks to guide rock climbing

● Climbing harness with belay loop

● Climbing helmet

● 5-6ea shoulder-length and double shoulder length runners with carabiners

● 60-70 meter climbing rope

● Sticky rubber approach shoes

● Climbing shoes comfortable enough to wear all day in hot conditions

● Five Pear shaped large locking carabiners

● Two 18-21 foot long 7mm nylon cords (cordalette)

● Belay device (Gri-Gri, Reverso, ATC Guide)

● 40-65 ft. of 9.4-10.2 mm static line for extending anchors

● Standard free climbing rack, which should include a set of wired nuts, camming units, and other optional trad gear such as tri-cams, hexes, etc. (Optional, but highly recommended. Please reach out if you would like to rent equipment)

Evaluation

Upon completion of the Adventure Recovery Rock Guide Training and following team review, follow-up, and assessment, individuals will be given clear directions for development and growth. Ongoing mentorship and support from senior AR Guides is part of the process. We hold relationships with our trainees every step of the way, to ensure they are clear on their needs and areas to focus on going forward, depending on the desired path.

Trainees who successfully complete the Adventure Recovery Rock Guide training will be eligible to work with individual coaching clients through Adventure Recovery. The skills acquired in AR Rock Guide Training will provide a foundation of technical and professional understanding in Rock Climbing that will benefit anyone looking to further their career in a Rock Guide track.

What to Expect

Following registering, we will send you a complete packing list and syllabus for the Adventure Recovery Coach Training.

Please note that we will be outdoors for the majority of the experience, covering long distances in rough terrain with prolonged exposure to the elements. The gear list we send will be considered essential items for outdoor leaders.

Long days and nights are to be expected.

Cold, rain, snow, cold water immersion, steep terrain, exposed cliffs, darkness are all expected (and welcomed).

Challenging group dynamics and personal boundaries will be tested. You will be supported by the group and by the Adventure Recovery training and leadership team through any exceptionally challenging moments.

Faculty

Nate Bennick, Field Director of AR, AMGA certified SPI

We can’t wait to see you outside!