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and, many say, still the best. The camps, which last about 5 days, are held in cities like Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, and London. (One-day camps are also occasionally offered.) Practice and recording sessions take place at legendary sites like Abbey Road Studios in London and the Capitol Records building in Hollywood. Best of all, each camp concludes with a live performance taking place at classic rock venues like the House of Blues, Whisky-a-Go-Go, and The Cavern (where a little combo called The Beatles got their start some years ago in Liverpool, England).

The camps, which are popular as gifts and corporate retreats, are a total immersion in rock music, and everyone from novice songwriters and newbie drummers to ax-shredding, head-banging guitarists gets to participate in the fun. But there’s plenty of work involved, too: In addition to the more than 10 hours of jamming each day, small group classes are led by professional musicians (imagine having Ted Nugent or Bruce Kulick of Kiss as your teacher!). Master class sessions in bass, drums, guitar, songwriting, and other skills are also offered. Campers eat meals and stay in the same hotel as celebrity musicians, so there are plenty of opportunities for one-on-one encounters with your rock idol.

After registering for Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, each camper is assigned to a band based on his or her interests and skill level. Campers practice an original song to be performed with their band at the final night’s concert, known as “Campapalooza,” which is open to the public and recorded on a DVD, so you can relive your rock ’n’ roll dream over and over again. All this making of fantasies come true doesn’t come cheap. A few days to a week at camp can run you anywhere from around $4,000 to more than $10,000. But really, you can’t put a price on living the dream. —ML

Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp ( 888/762-2263 or 44/0845-0943256 in the U.K.; www.rockcamp.com).

When to Go: Whenever you’re ready to live the dream.

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Rock Climbing Camp

Rock On

Northern California, U.S.A.

You’ve seen them at the gym, those lean, muscular types intent on one thing and one thing only: the rock climbing wall. Is it the mental challenge of scaling those technically difficult, dangerous heights that keeps them so focused? Or is it the sheer physical endurance and strength that attracts men and women of all ages to the sport? Find out for yourself at a professionally run rock climbing camp located in some of the most spectacular scenery in North America: the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.

Camps sponsored by Mountain Adventure Seminars are available for newcomers to the sport as well as advanced rockheads who are looking for some new peaks to bag. Most last about 2 days, and are located at various places in the Sierra Nevadas. Some previous climbing experience—indoor or out—is expected, and depending on the location of the base camp, some backpacking experience and general outdoor skills may also be required (this ain’t the Ritz). And if you still have some energy after a day of climbing, there are ample bouldering opportunities in many of the camping areas.

In addition to climbing instruction, you may be able to take advantage of on-site “mini-clinics” on topics like climber self-rescue or anchoring techniques. Class sizes are strictly limited, so the guide/climber ratio is ideal (on more advanced camps, there are two students per guide). Not able to make it to one of their scheduled camps? Not to worry: The team of instructors at MAS also offers private instruction and guiding for individuals and groups, including overnight adventures. And if you’re looking for a great group activity for your family reunion, scout troop, office staff, or church group, look to MAS to put together a great event, whether it involves rock climbing, snow shoeing, backcountry skiing, or hiking. —ML

Mountain Adventure Seminars, 148 Bear Valley Rd., Bear Valley, CA ( 209/753-6556;www.mtadventure.com).

When to Go: Check website for schedule.

Sacramento, CA, or Reno, NV.

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Woodward at Copper