Reach New Heights.

Climbers of all ages and experience levels can find their next challenge at the Whatcom Family YMCA climbing wall. Whether it's a first-time scramble up the wall or working toward a belay certification, our climbing programs help kids and teens build strength, confidence, and technique in a safe, supportive setting.

Our climbing programs are led by trained staff who focus on age-appropriate skill building at every level. Classes emphasize technique, teamwork, and the confidence that comes with reaching a little higher each session.

Climbing Program Information at a Glance

General:
Each youth climbing session consists of four classes.
Classes are grouped by age: Mini Mountaineers (3-5), Craggin' Kids (6-9), and Yosemite Youth (10-13).

Fees (Youth Classes):
Members: $80 per session
Non-Members: $120 per session

Placement:
All three youth classes welcome climbers of any experience level and build foundational skills appropriate to each age group.

 

Belay Class & Certification:
Ages 14+, 3-day class:
Members: $80
Non-Members: $120

Youth Climbing Club:
Previous experience required, coach approval needed:
Members: $150
Non-Members: $240

Contact for Climbing Club:
Claire Todd, Climbing Wall Supervisor: climbing@whatcomymca.org

Whatcom Family YMCA

Youth Climbing Classes

Ages 3-5

Designed for climbers of all experience levels, this class focuses on age-appropriate development of foundational skills, helps returning participants advance, and builds confidence while having fun.

Members: $80 / session Non-Members: $120 / session

Upcoming Sessions

September 8/9/12 - 29/30/October 3
October 6/7/10 - 27/28/31
November 3/4/7 - 24/25/28
December 1/2/5 - 15/16/19Three-week session

Days & Times

Tuesdays 4:00 - 4:45pm Register
Wednesdays 4:00 - 4:45pm Register
Saturdays 10:00 - 10:45am Register

Ages 6-9

This intermediate-level class emphasizes technique, teamwork, and age-appropriate skill building, helping returning participants build on what they've already learned.

Members: $80 / session Non-Members: $120 / session

Upcoming Sessions

September 10/11/12 - October 1/2/3
September 14 - 28Prorated three-week session
October 5/8/9/10 - October 26/29/30/31
November 2/5/6/7 - 19/23/27/28
November 30/December 3/4/5Prorated three-week session

Days & Times

Mondays 3:45 - 4:45pm Register
Thursdays 3:00 - 4:00pm Register
Fridays 3:45 - 4:45pm Register
Saturdays 11:00am - 12:00pm Register

Ages 10-13

This advanced-level class focuses on belaying and advanced climbing skills, building on age-appropriate foundational techniques to challenge returning participants and help them keep growing.

Members: $80 / session Non-Members: $120 / session

Upcoming Sessions

September 8/9 - 29/30
October 6/7 - 27/28
November 3/4 - 24/25
December 1/2 - 15/16Prorated three-week session

Days & Times

Tuesdays 5:00 - 6:00pm Register
Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:00pm Register

GO FURTHER

Belay Class & Youth Climbing Club

Ready for more? Once climbers have the basics down, they can work toward belay certification or join our long-term climbing club.

  • Belay Class & Certification (Ages 14+): Over the first two classes, participants learn belay knots, technique, and basic climbing terms, with plenty of practice time. The third day includes Top Rope belay certification testing.
  • Youth Climbing Club: For youth dedicated to climbing long term. Previous climbing experience and Climbing Club Coach approval are required.

Belay Class meets Mondays 6:15 - 7:15pm, July 13 - July 27 and August 3 - August 17. Register Here
Youth Climbing Club meets Mondays 5:00 - 6:30pm.

Questions about the Climbing Club? Contact Claire Todd, Climbing Wall Supervisor, at climbing@whatcomymca.org.