POTSDAM -- The Summer Youth Rock Climbing Program will return to the Leadership and Challenge Center at SUNY Potsdam's Maxcy Hall this summer, with the first three-week session beginning on Wednesday, June 13.

The program is designed to teach children the importance of communication, trust and patience through climbing. Focus will be placed on building skills and community in a fun and supportive environment. Children who are already experienced climbers will learn the skills it takes to tackle the more difficult and strenuous climbing sections.

"I love rock climbing because it is a sport that teaches you patience, strength and a great way to express yourself," said SUNY Potsdam student Nate Sachs, one of the camp coordinators.

Children aged 8 to 12 will learn about climbing technique, use of equipment, knots, adventure games and climbing safety in three sessions:

Session I will take place on Wednesdays from June 13 to June 27 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Session II will take place on Tuesdays from July 3 to July 17 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Session III is tentatively set for Tuesdays. July 24 to Aug. 7, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Three sessions will also be offered for youths aged 13 to 17, where they will learn climbing technique, use of equipment, knots, climbing safety, belay certification and adventure games:

Session I will take place on Thursdays from June 7 to June 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Session II will be offered on Thursdays from July 5 to July 19 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Session III is tentatively set for Thursdays, July 26 to Aug. 9, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Each session costs $50 per child, due upon the start of the session, but a $25 deposit will be required to reserve your spot in a session. All dates are subject to change.

Facilitating the camp are wilderness education minor Casey Cunniff and Nate Sachs, both students at SUNY Potsdam.

"The most rewarding part of wilderness education is inspiring those rare but magical light bulb moments in others and having those participants inspire those moments in me," said Cunniff. "Those of us in this field constantly seek that moment when you can actually see a concept suddenly click in someone's mind. It is an instant where it all makes sense suddenly and for that one moment we find clarity. Nothing gives us these better than the wild."

To register for a session, contact Sachs at cunnifcj193@potsdam.edu, (401) 419-8262 or cunnifcj193@potsdam.edu.

For more information about other day camps and programs for youth offered in the summer at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/community/camps/day.