REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
Our rock climbing classes and programs are a HIGH-light of the YMCA! Climbers can reach for their individual goals learning new skills and finding their inner strength.
Youth Climbing Classes
Fees for each session, regardless of youth class:
$45 YMCA Members / session
$75 Non-Members / session
Mini Mountaineers
Ages 3-5
Mondays: 3:30-4:15pm
January 10 - 31
February 7 - 28
March 7 - 28 (registration opening soon)
Wednesdays: 3:30-4:15pm
January 12 - February 2
February 9 - March 2
March 9 - 30 (registration opening soon)
Fridays: 3:30-4:15pm
January 21 - February 11
February 25 - March 18
Craggin' Kids
Ages 6-9
Tuesdays: 3:15-4:15pm
January 18 - February 8
February 22 - March 15
Thursdays: 1:15-2:15pm
January 20 - February 10
February 24 - March 17
Thursdays: 2:30-3:30pm
January 13 - February 3
February 10 - March 3
March 10 - 31
Yosemite Youth
Ages 10-13
Wednesdays: 4:30-5:30pm
January 12 - February 2
February 9 - March 2
March 9 - 30 (registration opening soon)
Thursdays: 4:30-5:30pm
January 13 - February 3
February 10 - March 3
March 10 - 31 (registration opening soon)
Youth Climbing Class Information
Mini Mountaineers, Craggin Kids, Yosemite Youth
Our youth classes are separated by age, and will teach age-appropriate skills. Each class is open to climbers of all experience levels. We will focus on teaching foundational skills, but will also help participants build upon skills on an individual basis, so climbers always feel that they are progressing.
Mini Mountaineers and Craggin Kids: active parent participation is encouraged, but not required! Parents who are YMCA belay certified are welcome to belay during these classes.
Please contact our climbing department for more information at climbing@whatcomymca.org
Skills we will teach (as appropriate):
- Types of holds
- Climbing techniques
- Harnesses
- Figure 8 knot
- Climbing routes
- Safety
- Introduction to belaying (ages 10+)
Our goal is to help young climbers...
- Build confidence
- Overcome fears
- Work with others
- Take responsibility
- Have fun!
Please note the following for Youth Classes:
- Harnesses provided.
- Must wear closed-toe shoes.
- Climbing shoes are helpful but not required.
- No sandals or bare feet.
Additional Climbing Programs
Belay Class & Certification
This THREE-Day class is for climbers with limited or no climbing experience. Over the course of the first two classes, participants will learn belay knots, technique and basic climbing terms with time to practice during class.
The Y's Belay Certification Test will be offered at the start of the 3rd class. After passing the test, climbers will have the rest of the class to climb.
Ages 14+
Wednesdays: 5:45-6:45pm
January 12 - 26
February 9 - 23
March 9 - 23
Fees:
$45 YMCA Members
$75 Non-Members
Youth Climbing Club
Previous climbing experience required. Space is limited.
Prerequisite: Climbing Club Coach approval required.
Ages 10-16
Mondays: 4:30-5:30pm
January 10 - 31
February 7 - 28
March 7 - 28
Fees:
$45 YMCA Members
$75 Non-Members