Serving Madison Since 1922

Madison Central Lions Club

Serving Madison since 1922

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Wisconsin Adaptive Climbing

A project of Madison Central Lions Club

Photo shows two young men wearing climbing helmets and harnesses part way up a purple quartzite cliff.

Disabled climbers Brett Maki and Chad Sobieck climb 'Leaning Tower' at Devil's Lake State Park

Wisconsin Adaptive Climbing,a project of Madison Central Lions Club, empowers participants to break barriers, embrace challenges, and experience the joy of inclusion in the rock climbing community.

Watch as blind climber John Heim rappells down a cliff for the first time.

Our Goals:

  1. Improve Physical Fitness: Climbing challenges muscles, coordination, and mobility, increasing strength and flexability.
  2. Promote a Sense of Community: Our adaptive climbing program provides a space where individuals with disabilities can connect with peers and participate alongside non-disabled climbers in an environment that emphasizes collaboration and encouragement.
  3. Raise Awareness: Inclusive climbing events and programs educate the public about persons with disabilities and helps to break down stereotypes.

For more information, contact John Heim, jheim@math.wisc,edu.

Or join our mailing list by clicking madison-adaptive-climbing+subscribe@googlegroups.com or https://groups.google.com/group/madison-adaptive-climbing.

2025 Wisconsin Adaptive Climbing Trip

  • Location: Devil's Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, Wisconsin, 54452
  • Dates: Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29, 2025

Experience the beauty of Devil's Lake while challenging yourself on its iconic purple quartzite rock formations. Learn from experienced adaptive climbing instructors who will ensure a safe and supportive environment. This free, 3-day event is designed to be inclusive, empowering, and fun for everyone.

Camping Notes

Our goal is to make the trip accessible and enjoyable for everyone by taking care of essential equipment and provisions. All necessary climbing gear, including helmets, harnesses, and climbing shoes, will be available for participants as needed. Additionally, camping gear such as tents, air mattresses, and sleeping bags can be provided as needed to ensure a comfortable and convenient outdoor experience.

Meals and snacks are included, with options to accommodate various dietary needs. Vegetarian and pescatarian options are available. See the menu below for more information. Participants are welcome to bring their own food if they have specific preferences or requirements.

Bring your own sunscreen, bug spray, swimsuit, soap/shampoo, towels, and pillows. A complete list of the gear you need to bring will be provided when you register.

Sites Reserved:Upper Ice Age campground, sites A5 and A6.

Camping starts Friday withgroup climbing starting Saturday. Campsites are available starting at 3:00 PM Friday The campsites have electricity and restrooms with showers and accessible toilets are nearby.

Planned climbing area: The Bedroom and Leaning Tower/Tombstone on Saturday and Sunday. Meet at Steinke Basin to drive up the access road or the CCC parking lot to hike up the trail.

Tentative Schedule

Friday, June 27

  • Weekend campers arrive and settle into sites. Pitch tents and meet everyone.
  • 5-6 pm: Traditional dinner over the campfire
  • Prior to sunset: Anchor setters head up to Leaning Tower to set anchors for Saturday
  • After sunset at 8:38: Sing-a-long, ghost stories. Bring your guitar, harmonica, etc.

Saturday, June 28

  • 6-7am: Anchor setters head up to set anchors at The Bedroom
  • 7-8am: Breakfast
  • 8:30am: Meet at Steinke Basin or CCC parking lot
  • Climb/hangout all day with lunch at 1
  • 4-5 pm: pack up gear and head back to camp. Order dinner.
  • 6-7 pm: Dinner, discuss how today went and plans for Sunday.
  • Campfire after dinner

Sunday, June 29

  • 6-7 am: Setters head up to set anchors
  • 7-8 am: Breakfast
  • 8-9 am: Clean up campsite
  • 9:30 am: Head up to the climbing area
  • 4-5 pm: Finish climbing and head back to Steinke Basin

Weekend Menu

Friday, June 27

Traditional campfire meal

  • brats/hot dogs
  • pudgy pies
  • smores

Saturday, June 28

Breakfast around 7:00 AM

  • Wraps with hard boiled eggs, ham, cheese, pickles, lettuce/spinach, hummus.
  • Donuts, bananas, oranges
  • Coffee, juice

Lunch around 1:00 PM

  • Wraps made earlier in the day with turkey, ham, tuna, cheese, lettuce/spinach, pickles, hummus
  • Bananas, oranges, beef/turkey jerky, trail mix

Dinner

  • Send out for pizza/Mexican/ or go to local restaurant

Sunday, June 29

Breakfast around 7:00 AM

  • Wraps with hard boiled eggs, ham, cheese, pickles, lettuce/spinach, hummus.
  • Donuts, bananas, oranges
  • Coffee, juice

Lunch around 1:00 PM

  • Wraps made earlier in the day with turkey, ham, tuna, cheese, lettuce/spinach, pickles, hummus
  • Bananas, oranges, beef/turkey jerky, trail mix

Registration

Registration for this event is currently not open.

For more information, contact John Heim, jheim@math.wisc,edu.

2024 Wisconsin Adaptive Climbing Trip
  • Location: Devil's Lake State Park
  • Date: June 7-9
Photo shows a young man wearing a climbing helmet and harness, suspended from ropes in front of a purple quartzite cliff.

Disabled climber Chad Donahue rappells on 'The Bedroom' at Devil's Lake State Park in June 2024

Thank you so much to all the folks that helped make this weekend a success. We couldn't have done it without you! All of your skills and contributions were greatly appreciated!!

We had a great time despite the weather. We made a photo album to share photos of the weekend.

Wisconsin Adaptive Climbing In the News