We at Rock and Snow believe that outdoor rock climbing is a soul-nourishing, healthy, and low-impact way to interact with the natural environment. At its best, outdoor rock climbing allows for a deeper understanding of oneself, one's partners, and the land on which we recreate. In our 50+ years in business, Rock and Snow has seen the tremendous growth of the sport and the ever-increasing struggle of land managers to continue to accommodate all who wish to experience outdoor climbing. In addition, many people are introduced to climbing indoors, but aren't quite sure where to start when it comes time to head outdoors.  

In an effort to create more good ambassadors for the climbing community, Rock and Snow is pleased to introduce the Beau Johnson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is intended for new or new-to-the-outdoors climbers who are interested in learning not just technical skills, but best practices for crag sharing and Leave No Trace ethics from a local climbing guide and a ranger from the Mohonk Preserve.

Awardees will receive 2 days of climbing instruction and 1 night of camping gear and accommodations at the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground. Applicants must provide their own transportation and food. Applicants are encouraged to apply in pairs so that the weekend can be spent with a supportive partner, but we will consider single applications to be paired with other single applications. Applicants must be 18 or older. Please provide 1-5 sentence answers for all of the questions below.

Beau Johnson embodied all that we treasure about the climbing community. He was kind, knowledgeable, and so friendly. A true Gunks character, he climbed in soaring temperatures and on weekdays, and he always carried a small hammer for tapping his nut tool. He perished 3 years ago in a fall, and his memory remains a blessing and a balm to all who knew him. Gunks or bust!