Search courses
Beginner Rock Climbing (Day Camp) Session 1 (Grades 1-5) - 2026

Climbing & Youth Program

Beginner Rock Climbing (Day Camp)

In this course, you will learn about outdoor safety, climbing equipment, knot tying, belaying and rappelling, and will experience this all in a small, supportive environment facilitated by highly skilled instructors.

Contacts

Placeholder Contact Profile
Alec Backhus
Leader
Want to try something new this summer? Have you wanted to try rock climbing, but don't know where to start? Maybe you’ve seen rock climbers outside and wondered “how do they get the rope up there”? If you answered yes to any of these questions or are simply looking for the best rock climbing camp in Colorado, then this is the program for you! This course is geared towards beginners with little or no experience who want to learn the difference between indoor and outdoor rock climbing. Our qualified instructors will teach you about the gear and how to use it, climbing techniques to help you scale vertical walls, and technical skills like top rope belaying (grades 6-12) and knot tying. Each day, we will visit a new location. The first day will be spent on our indoor climbing wall, while the remaining four days will take place at outdoor climbing locations throughout the Front Range. Challenge yourself, make new friends, and explore our beautiful state! Youth who participate in this course will gain the skills and confidence to join our intermediate climbing courses later in the summer. 

  • Age: For youth going into grades 1-5. 

      • Dates: June 8-12, 2026

      • Location: This is a 5-day single-sport day camp. We will depart from CMC's Summer Basecamp in Golden, CO (Compass Montessori Golden). Transportation from the basecamp to and from outdoor climbing locations will be provided. 

        • Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $648/week, Non-Members - $698week. CMC Members with a Family Membership receive $50 off. Learn about all the benefits of becoming a CMC member. 

        • Please note, if you have an individual membership and wish to sign up your child, you will need to create a separate guest account with a different email. You can also choose to upgrade your individual membership to a family membership to be able to register your child on your account and receive the discount.

        • Course fees include instruction, shared group gear (ex: ropes), harnesses, helmets, shoes, transportation from the basecamp to/from the trailheads, snacks, and backcountry permits.

        • AT CMC, WE BELIEVE THE OUTDOORS ARE FOR ALL. If you need financial assistance for our camps, click here to apply! If you would like to set up a payment plan to finance your next adventure, email us at youth@cmc.org

        • Refund/cancellation policy: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email. At least a week prior to your camp you will receive another email with more details and information about the camp. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!
    Program Requirements

    This program has no scheduled activities.

    Roster
    Required Equipment

    CMC Will Provide the Following:

    • Snacks
    • Medical/First Aid Kits
    • Safety Equipment (GPS devices, etc.)
    • Climbing Gear – harnesses, shoes, helmets, ropes, belay devices, etc.***
    • Permits, maps, guidebooks

    Participant Packing List:
    If you are unable to bring any of the items below, please let us know. CMC does have a few extra items that we are happy to loan out for the week.

    • Clothes (comfortable clothing for climbing and hiking):
      o Loose fitting pants or shorts
      o T-shirts and a long sleeve shirt
      o Closed-toe, sturdy hiking shoes
      o Sweater and/or warm layer
      o Rain jacket
      o Brimmed hat
      o Sunglasses
      o Warm hat and gloves (for hiking trips)
      o Bandana or buff
    • Mask (optional)
    • Bug spray (must be labeled with child's name)
    • Sunscreen and lip balm (must be labeled with child's name)
    • Water bottle (at least 1 liter)
    • Lunch and snacks (in a sack)
    • Backpack large enough to carry all personal essentials for a day hike/climb
    • Personal medications (inhaler, EPI pen, etc.) – please have all containers and
      bottles labeled and also listed on the medical form
    • Journal, pencil, pen, books (optional)
    • Camera (optional)
      **Cell phones, gaming devices, tablets, and iPods are NOT allowed on this course.

    ***Participants are allowed to bring their personal climbing gear – harnesses, shoes,
    helmets, etc. Please note this is optional. (CMC instructors will inspect all personal
    gear/equipment before use).

    Program Materials

    You must register for this program to see program materials.