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Find rock climbing camps near you

OurKids.net lists camps and programs in dozens of cities across the country. Find your city in the list below and find rock climbing camps near you.

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More than just day camps

For kids who love rock climbing, there are other ways to indulge this passion. See related options below:

Search ALL ROCK CLIMBING CAMPS AND PROGRAMS   

What your child will learn in rock climbing camp

Gear and equipment needed. Before jumping into their first climb, kids learn about the important (and required!) safety equipment needed to enjoy the sport. They begin with lessons on required equipment and how to use it. This includes learning how to use harnesses, ropes, and carabiners. They also learn the importance of safety gear such as helmets, climbing shoes and chalk.

Climbing fundamentals. Kids learn climbing terminology and technical skills needed to climb rock  walls properly and efficiently. They’re gradually introduced to climbing challenges, drills, and other practices. They gain a sense for the climbing movement and proper pacing. Camps listed here offer programs based on age and skill level, introducing first-time climbers to the basics, and as kids gain experience they progress to advanced techniques.

Safety. Safety is a priority for all rock climbers, from beginners to professionals. Instructors have a  priority to teach kids the safest practices, to be able to climb walls responsibly. They supervise kids at all times. More advanced camps teach kids and teens personal responsibility so they can become independent of supervision. This is crucial if kids want to take up the sport outside of camp, or to progress to competitive rock climbing.

Problem solving. Rock climbing, at its core, is a problem to be solved. It’s a challenge that climbers must analyze on-the-fly to find a solution. They scan for an appropriate line they can attempt to make it to the top and “beat that wall!” Kids assess their own ability, then draw on their analytical skills to find a solution that will work. They learn that no one way is the right way. Everyone can find their own unique solution to the problem, giving them a small life lesson in thinking independently.

Four benefits of rock climbing camp

Build muscle and improve physical fitness. Rock climbing is like a big jungle gym. It’s a great workout, and a fantastic way to build muscle and gain physical strength. Rock climbing camps help kids train and condition through drills and obstacle races, and by practicing climbing.  All of this takes place in the safe, free yet controlled space of a camp, supervised by professionals.

Agility. To be agile is to move quickly and easily, and to think and act with alertness and deliberate, swift movement. Since rock climbing puts a strain on the body, agility is a crucial skill that climbers develop in camp. This helps them become better climbers, and also helps them in other sports and physical activities. Dexterity, physical nimbleness and high alertness are traits of great athletes. Kids not involved in other sports still benefit from improved balance, awareness, and coordination. 

Improve focus. Rock climbing gives kids experience with the true meaning behind the phrase, mind over matter. Climbing requires intense focus both before the climb, and during. Climbers must analyze the wall before climbing, and choose a line they’ll ascend. Rock climbing requires physical strength, so kids have to focus on their body, their breathing, and their next move during the climb. Rock climbing camp develops kids’ mental fortitude, a trait they kids use in facing other challenges.

Overcome challenges and develop resiliency. Rock climbing walls, whether indoors or outdoors, are daunting at first. Often, climbers don’t “beat the wall” on their first try. At rock climbing camp, instructors coach kids on proper climbing technique, so their climbs improve with each try. With the support and encouragement of their instructor and fellow campers, kids rise to the challenge, train for it, and eventually “beat the wall”. The feeling fills them with adrenaline and excitement. Overcoming challenges will help kids with their personal growth, as they will gain confidence and develop perseverance. It’s a wonderful example of how camps develop resilience. 

What to look for in rock climbing camp

Different rock climbing gyms and camps operate in different ways. There are camps for different age groups, skill levels, and timeframes. Knowing which camp to enroll your child in may call for some assessment first. Here are some questions to help you consider camps:

• Consider whether your child has ever rock climbed before, or if they already have some physical strength and athletic ability. 
• Are you looking for a summer camp, or an after-school program? Consider the variety of time frames possible. 
• Does your child want to climb indoors or outdoors?

Here are some additional questions you may consider asking a climbing program while considering it for your child:

• Does the camp provide all the necessary equipment, like climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses?
• What should my child bring, and wear, to camp each day?
• Are there any discounts, or deals on complimentary equipment, if your child wants to climb outside of camp/class times?
• Can we book private lessons for my child outside of camp/class time?
• Does the camp offer any activities aside from climbing, like obstacle courses or games?

Other camps you’ll be interested in 

Overnight camp brings kids out into the great outdoors for a week at a time or longer. It’s a wonderful experience for kids who love physical challenges. There are many activities at these camps including climbing activities but also hiking, canoeing, swimming, and more. Learn more about what overnight camp is like  and how overnight camp helps you grow. 

Nature camps are another type of camp that get kids outdoors where rock climbing skills may come into play, but where they focus is on deepening an appreciation of the natural world around them. 

Sports camps come in a wide variety, allowing kids and teens to develop their love of athletics or of specific sports. You’ll find a wide variety on our site including soccer camp, hockey schools, and horseback riding camps.

Combine this with more advice from OurKids.net

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Rock climbing summer camps are there?
There are 4 programs specializing in Rock Climbing. In addition, there are 26 programs offering rock climbing as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Rock climbing summer camps?
Fees for Rock climbing summer camps range from $280 to $575 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Rock climbing summer camps start at?
There are programs available for children aged 4 through 14.

Where can parents meet with Rock climbing summer camps?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.