Activities Guide Opportunity of Adventure

WRITTEN BY BOB GOODWYN

WHY CLIMB? “Probably the number-one reason is as simple as being outside as a family and making memories together. Climbing, or whatever other outdoor activity, is always secondary. I know when I look back, some of my most fond memories are prolonged trips spent outside with my family. Hopefully my kids will feel the same way when they grow older. One reason I love climbing in particular is because it is challenging both mentally and physically. It’s really neat to see kids (or adults) conquer their fears, problem solve and develop skills. That being said, we are all about fun and positive experiences with our kids outside, so as soon as it becomes too challenging/scary then it’s not fun anymore; it’s time for a snack break and a game of hide and seek!” - Brad Maddock, Helena area climbing dad and crusher

Adventure isn’t just about climbing mountains or paddling whitewater. It’s about stepping outside the familiar, embracing the unknown and, sometimes, learning through a bit of misadventure. It carries risk, but it’s calculated — the kind of risk that helps us grow. And for kids, every new experience is an adventure. Parents try to cultivate these experiences to build confidence, resilience and a connection to the world beyond screens and schedules.

We all start small — with backyard explorations, tree climbing or a bike ride around the block, something I’ve proudly witnessed in my neighborhood as parents look on with a mix of emotions. Some of us are lucky enough to live near a trail system, where weekend hikes become family traditions. I am often buzzed by local kids ripping past after a session at the bike jumps just up the street from my house. Growing up in Montana, I find adventure is woven into my everyday life—camping trips, float days, snowy mornings spent skiing. My parents introduced me to hiking, hunting and fishing, but something clicked early on at our local ski hill. At a certain point, they could set me loose on the slopes with my friends, trusting that I’d find my way back to the lodge when I needed a break…or if I happened to catch a whiff of the cheese fries from the cafeteria. That sense of independence, of being responsible for myself in the outdoors, was exhilarating. Looking back, I fell in love with adventure and independence on those trips. Skiing was the obvious bonus. And I slept like a champ in the car on the way home, tired and full in spirit and with potatoey cheesy goodness.

That’s why summer camps play such a pivotal role. They provide kids with the structure to explore safely while allowing the thrill of adventure to unfold naturally. Whether it’s backpacking, mountain biking, floating a river or rock climbing, these programs offer a bridge between childhood curiosity and lifelong confidence. They are designed for adventure, led by passionate, experienced staff who teach skills, build confidence and foster a love for the natural world. I remember, because I was one of those camp counselors once. More importantly, those camps provide something that family trips often can’t—the chance to experience the outdoors alongside peers, building friendships and learning from mentors outside of their usual circles.

For many of us, climbing is the perfect blend of physical challenge, mental problem-solving, and a literal (if not figurative) step off the ground on another adventure. It teaches trust, critical thinking and decision making. And at Stonetree Climbing Center, this is how we choose to share our passion—through adult and youth programs like our Indoor Bouldering Camps, High School Overnight Camp & Climb and Intro to Climbing Outside. In a world with so many opportunities at our fingertips, we recognize that climbing isn’t the only, the best or even the right avenue for everyone—but it’s the platform we’ve chosen and are working to make more accessible.

One of our Stonetree parents said, “Climbing is important to our family because it gives us a way to disconnect and connect at the same time. Having the ability to focus so intensely while satisfying all senses in a place of nature is pure gold!”

Their middle schooler comes to the gym every day after school, eats their snack, does their homework and gets to climbing. Last year, one of our camp guides overheard a young girl on her first climb singing, “This is scaaaaary, but I’ve goooooot this, just let me think it through…” This transformed into a magazine cover shot, a “whoop!” and a smile as she got to the top of a much harder route later in the week.

That’s the heart of it. The goal isn’t to raise professional climbers, elite mountain bikers or world-class paddlers. It’s about helping kids develop self-awareness, explore their interests and build an appreciation for the outdoor spaces we cherish in the Big Sky state. If they come home a little stronger, a little bolder and maybe—just maybe—more prepared for the next opportunity of adventure, that’s what matters.

Bob Goodwyn is the Owner of Stonetree Climbing & Fitness in Helena.