Camilla Bonnell, 11, does God's Own Stone (8b+)

Camilla Bonnell, who did her first 8b at age nine, has sent God's Own Stone (8b+) in Red River Gorge (KY). The 11-year-old had attempted the route on various trips in the past. Just two weeks prior to sending, she had fallen on the first move coming out of the notable crux. "I was so excited to get on God's Own today. We warmed up on the route "Supafly". Then went over to the Gold Coast and got on "God's Own". I tried it for my second attempt, and was able to get through the crux and send it!" (c) Nate Firestorm Foster

Can you tell us more about her climbing background?
[Her father Dan answered our follow up questions]. Camilla originally came from a non-climbing family. So, when she was 4-years-old and asked to go rock climbing, we had to find a local gym (as we do not have access to outdoor climbing near our home). Camilla became more interested in climbing after top-roping for the first time at age 7. Within a couple of months, she was learning to lead and soon after that we decided it would be fun to climb outdoors. That’s when we started making the 7.5 hour weekend drives (one-way) to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky. By age 8 she was climbing 5.12/7b. She had a notable ascent of Ultraperm (5.13d/8b) at age 9. Soon after, we began learning route development under the mentorship of Jared Hancock.

Over the last 2 years Camilla has focused on ticking numerous 5.13s in the Red River Gorge, as well as other sport climbing and bouldering trips. She has dedicated time to route development and making first ascents as well over this time.

When not climbing outdoors, Camilla enjoys competing. She’s had success competing in the USA Climbing Youth Series where she has won a number of championship events, as well as occasional open comps. Outside of climbing, Camilla stays active playing futsal and competing in cross country. She finds rest enjoying a good book!

How does a normal climbing week look like?
A typical week of training, when not traveling, consists of about 4 gym sessions as well as “off-the-wall” training most days. Depending on the time of year, gym sessions might focus on training endurance by running laps on a lead wall, or power on a training board or spray wall. Sessions focused on comp movement are always part of the weekly routine.