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:

$50 YMCA Members / session

$80 Non-Members / session

Mini Mountaineers

Ages 3-5

Saturdays

  • 10:15 -11:00am

    Winter Session Dates
    Jan 14 - Feb 4
    Feb 11 - Mar 4
    Mar 11 - Apr 1
     

Wednesdays

  • 3:45 - 4:30pm

    Winter Session Dates
    Jan 11 - Feb 1
    Feb 8 - Mar 1
    Mar 9 - Mar 29

Fridays

  • 10:15 -11:00am

    Winter Session Dates
    Jan 13 - Feb 3
    Feb 10 - Mar 3
    Mar 10 - Mar 31

Craggin' Kids

Ages 6-9
Saturdays

  • 9:00–10:00am

    Winter Session Dates
    Jan 14 - Feb 4
    Feb 11 - Mar 4
    Mar 11 - Apr 1
     

Tuesdays

  • 4:15-5:15 pm OR 5:30-6:30 

    Winter Session Dates

    Jan 10 - Jan 31

    Feb 7 - Feb 28

    Mar 7 - Mar 28

Yosemite Youth

Ages 10-13

Wednesdays

  • 6:00–7:00pm

    Winter Session Dates
    Jan 11 - Feb 1
    Feb 8 - Mar 1
    Mar 8 - Mar 29

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.

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+

Mondays

  • 6:45-7:45pm

    Winter Session Dates

    Jan 9 - Jan 23

    Feb 6 - Feb 20

    Mar 6 - Mar 20

Thursdays

  • 10:15-11:15

    Winter Session Dates

     

    Jan 12 - Jan 26

    Feb 9 - Feb 23

    Mar 9 - Mar 23



     

Fees: 

$50 YMCA Members
$80 Non-Members

Youth Climbing Club

Previous climbing experience required. Space is limited.
Prerequisite: Climbing Club Coach approval required.

 

Ages 10-16

Mondays:

  • 5:00-6:30pm 

    Winter Session Dates

    Jan 9 - Jan 30

    Feb 6 - Feb 27

    Mar 6 - Mar 27

 

Fees: 

$50 YMCA Members
$80 Non-Members

 

 

 

 

Please contact Climbing Coordinator for more information and to register: Mary Latta, mlatta@whatcomymca.org