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

Wednesdays
3:45-4:45pm

  • April 12 - May 3
  • May 10 - May 31
  • June 7 - June 28

Saturdays
10:15–11am

  • April 15 - May 6
  • May 13 - June 3
  • June 10 - July 1

Craggin' Kids
Ages 6-9

Tuesdays
4-5pm OR 5:30-6:30pm

  • April 11 - May 2
  • May 9 - May 30
  • June 6 - June 27

Wednesdays
4:45-5:45pm

  • April 12 - May 3
  • May 10 - May 31
  • June 7 - June 28

Saturdays
9–10am

  • April 15 - May 6
  • May 13 - June 3
  • June 10 - July 1

Yosemite Youth
Ages 10-13

Wednesdays
6-7pm

  • April 12 - May 3
  • May 10 - May 31
  • June 7 - June 28

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
6:45pm-7:45pm

  • April 10 - April 24
  • May 8 - May 22
  • June 5 - June 19

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:

  • 5-6:30pm 

    Winter Session Dates

    April 3 - April 24

    May 1 - May 22

    June 5 - June 26

 

Fees: 

$50 YMCA Members
$80 Non-Members

 

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