Climbing Camps
Climbing camps introduces youth to climbing through age-appropriate activities that build confidence, coordination, and foundational skills. Campers of all experience levels learn in a supportive environment that emphasizes teamwork, safety, skill progression, and fun—both indoors and outdoors as they grow.
Ages: Varies by camp. See FAQ below for more info.
Location: Whatcom Family YMCA, 1256 North State St, Bellingham WA, 98225
Hours: Varies by camp. See specific camps below for more details.
Weekly Camps Are Here!
Each week brings a fresh, fun theme woven into daily activities to spark excitement and keep campers engaged. Join us for your favorite week—or come to them all—for a summer packed with nonstop fun and new friendships!
Mini Mountaineers
Ages 3–5
Mini Mountaineers is designed for our youngest climbers to explore movement, balance, and confidence in a playful, supportive environment.
- July 13–15 | 1–2pm
- July 13–15 | 2:15–3:15pm
- July 27–29 | 3–4pm
- August 17–19 | 3–4pm
Craggin' Kids
Entering Grades 1–4
Craggin’ Kids builds on the basics as climbers grow in confidence, coordination, and independence.
- July 6–10 | 9am–12pm
- July 6–10 | 1–4pm
- July 13–17 | 9am–12pm
- July 20–24 | 9am–12pm
- August 3–7 | 9am–12pm
- August 3–7 | 1–4pm
Yosemite Youth
Entering Grades 5–8
Yosemite Youth is for climbers ready to challenge themselves and take their climbing to the next level.
- July 20–24 | 1–4pm
Outdoor Climbing Camp
Entering Grades 5th-10th
Outdoor Climbing Camp offers an excellent opportunity for climbers to get outside and experience the wonder of outdoor climbing at Mt. Erie in Anacortes. This camp particularly focuses on the development and improvement of climbing and belay skills, group cohesion, and FUN!
August 17-21
- Monday through Wednesday, 9am - 2pm
- Thursday and Friday, 9am - 5pm
Transportation provided by the Y!
Find the Info You Need to Know
Learn more about this camp, registration, financial assistance, and fees below. Read the complete list of answers to Summer Day Camp Frequently Asked Questions here.
Mini Mountaineers runs Monday through Wednesday
All other climbing camps run Monday through Friday.
These camps run various times of the day depending on the specific camp and week.
- Mini Mountaineers: 3-5 years old
- Craggin' Kids: Entering Grades 1st-4th
- Yosemite Youth: Entering Grades 5th-8th
- Outdoor Climbing Camp: Entering Grades 5th-10th
Mini Mountaineers: Y Members, $50 | Community Members, $75
Craggin' Kids: Y Members, $275 | Community Members, $325
Yosemite Youth: Y Members, $275 | Community Members, $325
Outdoor Climbing Camp: Y Members, $400| Community Members, $450
A deposit of $25 per week, per camper, is due upon registration. Payments are drafted on the Monday two weeks before each camp session. For example, for camp starting on June 22, payment will be drafted on June 8.
The Y is committed to ensuring all families access quality and enriching camp programs. The Y provides financial assistance and a sliding fee schedule. Please complete this quick form to learn more about financial assistance. Once the form is received, our staff will contact you within 3-5 business days.
Membership Rate
An active YMCA membership is required at the time of camp registration to receive the member rate. The camper's Y membership must also remain active while the camper is enrolled and attending camp.
Yes, the Y is committed to ensuring all families access quality and enriching summer camp programs. The Y provides financial assistance and a sliding fee schedule.
Please complete this quick form to learn more about financial assistance. Once the form is received, our staff will contact you within 3-5 business days.
The Whatcom Family YMCA does not impose contracts on participants, and participants are free to cancel programs at any time. Written notice is required to cancel a program. Participants must submit a cancellation request in writing via web form prior to their next scheduled draft date.
- Non-Refundable Deposits
- All deposits are non-refundable, regardless of when a camp is cancelled.
- Deposits may be transferred between YMCA Day Camp programs through August 10 based on availability.
- After June 1, deposits are no longer transferable and remain non-refundable.
- Cancellation Deadline: Two weeks prior to the start of the desired camp
- All cancellations must be submitted by 14 calendar days prior to the first day of the specific camp.
- Families who cancel by that date will receive a refund of all payments made minus the non-refundable deposit.
- Cancellations received after that are not eligible for any refund, or credit, including deposit or tuition paid.
- Camp Changes
- Camp changes (including changing camp type or camp weeks) must be submitted not later than 14 business days prior to the camp, and are subject to availability.
- Eligible changes may use an existing deposit only if requested with the appropriate timeline.
- How to Submit Requests
- All cancellation and change requests must be submitted through the official Camp cancellation form.
- Verbal cancellations or cancellations submitted through other channels cannot be accepted.
- Extenuating Circumstances
- Exceptions to this policy may only be made in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the organization’s leadership.
Families may contact registrar@whatcomymca.org to discuss their unique situation.
We’re busy planning a whole new summer adventure for campers across Whatcom County. Check back in April for more details; we look forward to sharing a whole new summer of fun with your camper!
For registration questions, please email us at registrar@whatcomymca.org or call 360-255-0585.
For questions about the camp program, please email Claire at climbing@whatcomymca.org.
