The Catskills Climb: New York
May 29th – Jun 1st 2025
“The climb was probably one of the most difficult – and definitely the most rewarding – events of my life”
– 2022 KI USA Participant
About the Catskills Climb: May 29 – June 1
KI USA invites young adult leaders (ages 18–25) to embark on The Catskills Climb—a four-day, three-night hiking, camping, and leadership development expedition through the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. This expedition utilizes multiple campsites and explores multiple peaks, such as Slide Mountain, Table, Peekamoose, Lone, and Rocky High.
This Climb is organized in partnership with The Explorers Club.
What to Expect
This immersive experience will include:
- Survival Skills Training – Learn essential outdoor survival techniques
- Camp Craft & Expedition Practices – Gain hands-on experience in campsite setup and group-based expedition strategies
- Leadership Development & Mentoring – Participate in roles such as Leader of the Day, Navigator, Food Leader,and receive individual coaching
- Hiking Etiquette – Understand best practices for responsible and respectful hiking
Skills You’ll Gain
Participants will also learn how to:
- Pitch tarps and build fires
- Cook meals and purify water
- Read topographic maps and navigate with a compass
This will be an unforgettable journey of adventure, skill-building, and personal growth!
Application Details
Does the idea of pushing yourself to new opportunities appeal to you? Do you have what it takes to lead others and push yourself to growth? Would you like to help others while learning yourself too? Join us for this fantastic expedition.
There are no costs for the participants; Boots, clothes, and all other gear will be provided to the climbers.
Deadline to apply is March 7, 2025 .
Join the Climb
Kilimanjaro Initiative USA has organized young adult leadership programs in New York, Tanzania, and Kenya since 2013.
Personal Impact
Participants in The Catskills Climb will push beyond their comfort zones, developing courage, perseverance, and leadership. Through team-building and hands-on camp skills, you’ll gain confidence and resilience while tackling environmental and physical challenges. Personal reflection activities will deepen your self-awareness, fostering self-reliance, a sense of community, and trust.
This journey is more than an adventure—it’s an opportunity for personal growth and transformation.
The Catskill Mountains of NY
The Catskill Mountains lie in southeastern New York State, between NYC and Albany. The region spans 98 peaks across approximately 700,000 acres of land.
We will be hiking to five of the 35 Catskills High Peaks, listed below.
The Catskills Climb: Program Schedule
May 29
Morning: NYC meet up, travel to Catskills, host Briefing Meeting
Afternoon: Lunch, 4-hour hike to Slide Mountain
Evening: Return to camp: Personal Time, Dinner + Prep, Debrief/Activities
May 30
Morning: Stretch, Breakfast + Morning activities
Day: 7-hour hike to Table and Peekamoose (Lunch at noon)
Evening: Return to camp: Personal Time, Dinner + Prep, Debrief/Activities
May 31
Morning: Stretch, Breakfast + Morning activities
Afternoon: 7-hour hike to Lone and Rocky (Lunch at noon)
Evening: Return to camp: Personal Time, Dinner + Prep, Debrief/Activities
June 1
Morning: Stretch, Breakfast + Morning activities, 3-hour hike
Afternoon: Lunch, Camp pack-up, Closing Ceremony
Early Evening: Travel Back to NYC
Selection Criteria
We are looking for motivated young adults who are ready to take on a life-changing adventure. Our program is designed to empower individuals who may not have had access to similar opportunities before. If you are passionate about personal growth, leadership, and community impact, we encourage you to apply!
Who Should Apply?
- Age: 18–25 years old
- Community & Leadership: Committed to making a difference in your community and growing as a leader
- Physical Readiness: Comfortable with steep hikes, rough terrain, and carrying a 20–30 lb backpack
- Resilience & Determination: Able to overcome challenges with a strong mindset and a willingness to push beyond limits
- Opportunity Seekers: Individuals who have faced barriers to accessing outdoor leadership programs and are eager for a transformative experience
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those who have had limited access to outdoor adventure and leadership development programs. If this sounds like you, we’d love for you to apply!
KI USA Mission and Vision
KI USA is dedicated to empowering young adult leaders (ages 18–25) in the New York City area. Our mission is to cultivate a network of driven individuals who exemplify hard work, perseverance, global awareness, and a positive mindset. Through our programs, we inspire participants to reach new heights—personally, professionally, and within their communities.
Kilimanjaro Initiative USA (KI USA)
Inspired by the profound impact of the global KI climbs, a group of promising young U.S. leaders first joined the The Kilimanjaro Climb in January 2013. In 2018, KI USA launched The Catskills Climb, bringing the extraordinary spirit of the Kilimanjaro experience closer to home.
To date, KI USA has sponsored over 50 young leaders from New York to participate in The Catskills Climb and The Kilimanjaro Climb. Beyond the climbs, we continue to support our participants with mentoring, networking, and career coaching—helping them turn their experiences into lasting personal and professional success.
