Growing Together

At Black Diamond Camp, we offer a variety of indoor and outdoor adventure activities for groups of all ages and sizes. The Vertical Playpen is one of my favorite adventure activities to facilitate at Camp.

This activity is a high ropes course that resembles a climbing wall, built between two trees. Up to three participants may go at the same time and are all individually attached to a post belay system through the front of their harnesses. The participants are then tethered together through the backs of their harnesses. This means to reach the top and stand on the platform, they need to work as a team and help each other up the course.

Everyone who is still on the ground is there to encourage the climbers to make it to the top. This activity is a great way to have fun outdoors and grow closer together as a group.

Our mission statement at Camp is to inspire Christlike change through outdoor adventure, authentic relationships, and biblical truth. The Vertical Playpen is a perfect example of the first two pieces of our mission statement coming together to form an amazing activity.

I have so many stories from facilitating this activity where a group comes together (without prompting) to cheer on the people climbing. There’s nothing else quite like hearing 50 people all cheering on the person by name. I’m so incredibly grateful I have the opportunity to help create these moments people will remember for a long time.

For more information on adding activities to your group’s retreat, visit www.blackdiamond.org/rentals/activities/


 – Kylie Pope, 2022-23 Intern, Black Diamond Camp