Women and LGBTQ+ Programs

Welcome to Acadia Mountain Guides’ Women’s and LGBTQ+ Programs! These courses are designed to offer women and queer folks a safe and supportive learning environment to start or continue their journey as outdoor climbers.
 

AMG’s Women and LGBTQ+ programs are led by our rock-star team of certified female-identifying or non-binary guides. Our goal is to support those who have the same passions and interests as we do, and to encourage individual growth and learning within the sport by providing instruction and mentorship in an accepting environment.

These programs are a preliminary effort to bridge the gap in outdoor education and leadership by creating intentional and dedicated learning spaces for underrepresented groups. We realize there is still a large gap in representation and mentorship within the outdoor climbing and guiding community, and want to do what we can as a company to narrow it. We seek to share our experiences with you, and help you achieve your goals as climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

2025 Program Schedule

  • Who’s it for? Women and Queer Folks Looking to Climb Rocks with Community
  • Where do we go? We most often utilize the amazing terrain in Acadia National Park and sometimes we offer experiences in New Hampshire in the White Mountains or at Rumney! Scroll down for our October LGBTQ spooky campout in Rumney! 
  • No Pre-requisites!

September 12th – September 14th, 2025

Women and Non-Binary Rock Climbing and Yoga Retreat

Acadia National Park, ME

$333.00
 

October 24th – October 26th, 2025

LGBTQ+ Spo0o0ky Climbing Campout

Rumney, New Hampshire

The weekend before Halloween, costumes encouraged 😉

$333.00
 

These programs would not be possible if it was not for the ambitious activism from the guide staff at Acadia Mountain Guides. We would like to take a moment here to thank them for their hard work and the brain power they put into this project. It is near and dear to our hearts, and it makes us proud to know our staff members are committed to the growth of the company, as well as the inclusion of under-represented groups into the outdoors. 

Please thank our staff when you work with them!

Jess Beneski
Single Pitch Instructor
AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide | AMGA Single Pitch Instructor | PCIA Single Pitch Climbing Instructor | AIARE Level 1 | Wilderness First Responder | 200-Hour Yoga Teacher | B.S. in Zoology, Minor is Psychology
Movement MedicineJess Beneski

AMGA ACCREDITED

• Since 1994 •

AMGCS is one of 32 AMGA accredited programs in the US and was one of the earliest to pursue and achieve accreditation. AMGCS is the only climbing school in Maine to remain continuously AMGA accredited. We have had one or more AMGA rock guides on staff each year since 1994.

 
IFMGA Led
 
 
Owned by internationally recognized IFMGA/AMGA Mountain Guide Jon Tierney who has been climbing in Acadia since 1982. Jon has over 30 years of local and worldwide experience. The IFMGA requires full AMGA certification as a rock, alpine and ski mountaineering guide.

PCIA ACCREDITED

• Since 2007 •

AMGCS has the distinction of also being accredited to the highest standards of the Professional Climbing Instructors Association. The PCIA requires all staff to be individually trained and certified.

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All Gear and Clothing

Become a client of Acadia Mountain Guides and receive a permanent 15% off MSRP on purchases in our stores or at AlpenglowGear.com

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Gear Rental Program

AMGCS also rents outdoor equipment for your convenience. All clients receive 25% off rental equipment for use on our courses.
See what we have on our rental page.