Intermediate Rock Climbing (Day Camp)

Our Intermediate Climbing Course builds on the skills taught in our Beginner Climbing Course introducing new, more advanced techniques and concepts. Students will spend the first day of camp at our indoor climbing gym with a brief review of foundational skills and top-rope belay checks (Grades 3+)

After reviewing the basics, participants will be introduced to lead climbing concepts. Day 1 instruction will cover the fundamentals of clipping, lead belaying, and lead falls. No actual lead climbing will take place on the first day, allowing students to build knowledge and confidence in a controlled environment.

Throughout the remainder of the week, students will visit a variety of outdoor climbing areas along Colorado’s Front Range. Each day, campers will work toward completing their first real lead climb by practicing mock leads and mock lead belaying, while also learning additional essential skills such as rappelling and route reading.

By Thursday, students will begin challenging themselves with limit climbing—attempting more difficult routes that push the edge of each climber’s personal ability (on top rope). On Friday, campers will put their newly learned and practiced skills to the test by completing a real outdoor lead climb. (Grades 6+)

Our experienced and skilled instructors are excited to help each climber build confidence, technical ability, and strong safety habits during this incredibly fun and rewarding week of climbing.

Participants of this course MUST have a minimum of a top rope belay certification from a climbing gym OR have taken a CMC youth climbing class. If you are unsure if you qualify, or believe your camper is the right fit for this camp, please email youth@cmc.org with any questions. 

• Age: For youth going into grades 1-5. 
  • Dates: July 6 - 10, 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!