Each year the UIAA's "Global Youth Summit" coordinates a series of meets for young rock climbers and mountaineers; ages range from 14 to 30, depending on the program. Nine events are on this summer's schedule, from Greece to Russia, and more are likely to be added. Most offer very inexpensive programs, including food, lodging, and many fun activities.

Event Dates: July 12–August 3, 2008

The Climbing Federation of Russia invites young climbers, ages 18 to 25, to Europe–Asia 2008, a climbing meet in the Ural Mountains and Ergaki region of Siberia. Participants will meet in Yekaterinburg and then enjoy three weeks of rock climbing, mountaineering, environmental work, and other activities. The in-country cost is 300 euros, which includes all meals, lodging in huts or campsites, and three weeks of activities.

Event Dates: July 27–August 3, 2008

A team of AAC women is organizing a climbing exchange with women in China to take place in 2008. In mid-June, a small group of Chinese women will visit the United States to climb in the Tetons and other areas. Two representatives, age 26 and 30, already have been selected by the Chinese Mountaineering Association, and others are expected to be named soon.

Then, in mid-October, six American women will travel to Sichuan Province in China to climb 5,694-meter Mt. Abbi. The six women selected for the American team are Marilyn Geninatti, Amanda Henck, Eliza Moran, Nancy Norris, Lenka Stafl, and Porter Teegarden. Four alternates also have been named.

Eliza Moran, one of the exchange’s organizers, said, “I have met two of the Chinese climbers, who are over the top excited and now taking classes to improve their English skills."

Event Dates: October 3-9, 2008