Our History

The Tree Climbers Rendezvous is an international conference that traces its origins back to 1999. During several informal recreational tree climber gatherings, the idea of a yearly event took root to showcase sustainable tree climbing to:

– wilderness adventurers
– canopy researchers
– land-management/recreation leaders
– recreational therapists
– experiential educators
– environmentalists
– conservationists
– recreational tree climbers

The conference grew through the years and the hosting has been shared by many experienced tree climbers from different geographical regions. On some occasions, due to a location’s popularity, we have returned to a previous venue.

Designed to improve climbing skills and wilderness ethics, the conference also gives tree lover enthusiasts from around the world the opportunity to meet with outdoor professionals interested in tree climbing. After the creation of the Global Organization of Tree Climbers (GOTC), this international annual conference has served as the meeting place for GOTC’s annual organization meetings and yearly election nominations.

A timeline of this unique gathering of tree climbers includes the following locations:

YearEvent #Tree Climbers Rendezvous VenueLocation
202221TBATBA
202120Big Canopy Campout & GOTCLocal Events & The (Virtual) Cloud
202019Worldwide – Virtual VousThe (Virtual) Cloud
201918 Redwood River Resort Leggett, CA
201817 Savegre Nature Preserve San Jose, Costa Rica
201716Cal-Wood Center* Jamestown, CO
201615Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center Mansfield, GA
201514Warm Beach Church Camp Seattle, WA
201413Shaw Nature Reserve Saint Louis, MO
201312Simpsonwood Center* Norcross, GA
201211Mount Herman Center Mount Herman, CA
201110Marywood Church Camp Jacksonville, FL
20109Beechridge Center Covington, KY
20098Tanglewood Park Clemmons, NC
20087Simpsonwood Center Norcross, GA
20076Cal-Wood Center Jamestown, CO
20065Gray Conference Center Canton, MS
20054Oregon Caves Cave Junction, OR
20043Camp Fontanelle Freemont, NE
20032Winfield Scott State Park Suches, GA
19991Joyce Kilmer Forest Robinsville, N.C.

*Repeat Locations