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:

$60 YMCA Members / session

$90 Non-Members / session

CLIMBING CLASS REGISTRATION

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.

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

Climbing 101 *NEW*

Learn the ropes in the class geared towards beginner adults (14+) who want to learn more about climbing technique and skills. 

Max 6 participant

 

Saturdays
10 - 11am

  • Sept 14 - Sept 28
  • Oct 12 - Oct 26
  • Nov 9 - Nov 23

Fees: 

$60 YMCA Members
$90 Non-Members

 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+

 

Mondays
6:45 - 7:45pm

  • Sept 9 - sept 23
  • Oct 7 - Oct 21
  • Nov 4 - Nov 18

Saturdays
10 - 11am

  • Sept 14 - Sept 28
  • Oct 12 - Oct 26
  • Nov 9 - Nov 23

Fees: 

$60 YMCA Members
$90 Non-Members

Youth Climbing Club

Previous climbing experience required. Space is limited. This club is designed for youth who are dedicated to climbing and intend to commit to this program long term. Climbing Club Coach approval required.

Max 10 participants

Upcoming Fall Quarter 
Sept 9 - Nov 25

 

Mondays: 5 - 6:30pm
Members: $150
Non-Members: $240

For more information please contact the climbing wall supervisor, Claire Todd, climbing@whatcomymca.org

Routesetting Clinic

Open to all climbing wall volunteers and those who intend to become a climbing wall volunteer!

  • February 10, 2024
  • 1-4pm
  • Whatcom Family Y
  • Climbing Wall

Sign Up Here