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At this 3-day camp, kids aged 8-14 will learn about basic rock climbing skills, knot tying, climbing etiquette, and belaying techniques.
2024 Camp Dates:
July 16-18 (full)
July 30-Aug 1 (several spots open)
Kids ages 8-14 will learn about basic rock climbing skills, knot tying, belaying techniques, and climbing etiquette. By the end of the three days they will know as many useful knots as most adults do, will climb several climbs each day, belay other climbers, and have a great time in the outdoors!
If weather permits we will climb at Exit 32 (Little Si) or Exit 38 in North Bend. If not, we may head to the desert and climb in Vantage, WA for the day. Drop off will be Tue/Wed/Thurs at 9am and pick up at 3:30pm each day at the shop or trailhead.
Please note that only the first date (Tuesday) will show up after you click the View Dates and Availability.
Overall Difficulty: easy
Skills Required: No climbing experience required
Fitness Level: Moderate physical fitness, ability to hike a mile or so to reach the crags
Day 1
• This is a harness
• Basic knots
• How to stand up on a rock shoe
• How to belay (sections of rope; 2 kids work together on flat ground and have to get checked off, before they can climb)
• Climbing communication and etiquette; stress the importance of good communication and a buddy check system
• Basic climbing technique; 3 points of contact, good foot technique, small steps (can be done while bouldering)
• Learning how to get lowered
• Had enough? Is it hot? Let’s go swimming.
Day 2
• Quick review of day one
• Lets climb
• Edging versus smearing
• Go with the touch contest (the objective is to improve sequencing)
• No hands climbing (the objective is to increase footwork awareness on a low angle climb)
• Learning how to rappel (always a fun activity where kids have to overcome inherent fears)
• More climbing technique; awareness of center of gravity, more precise footwork; stemming, footswitches
• Knot tying school (a very tangible skills that can be shown at home and has applications elsewhere)
• Had enough? Is it hot? Let’s go swimming.
Day 3
• Quick review of previous days
• Application of all learned climbing techniques
• Knot tying contest (figure 8 – on a bite, follow through, overhand, munter hitch, clove hitch, double fisherman’s knot)
• Another rappel station
• Swim time?
