ASCEND Youth

Camp PLUS! is an upgrade to our basic camp registration that provides discounted gear and unlimited climbing before camp. While rental gear is free for all camp participants, having your own personal climbing gear will greatly improve comfort, perform better and lend to a better climbing experience. We recommend all climbers to get out of rental gear and into personal gear as soon as possible. This is a great easy way to do that and get unlimited climbing access leading up to your camp. With Camp PLUS! your child will receive:

1. High quality fitted and sized climbing shoes from Evolv! Your's to keep. No more rental shoes causing slipping on the wall or blisters on your feet. Evolv models Venga and Defy offer high performance climbing shoes with comfort and durability. 

2. A chalkbag from Evolv to keep your hands dry and protected as you climb!

3. A chalksock to keep the chalk in your bag and not on the ground!

4. Unlimited climbing at ASCEND in the days leading up to camp! Whether it's a week before camp or 3 months, you will have free access to climb as much as you want!

5. Over $300 in additional value for just $125!

Camp PLUS! is a great addition for anyone who:

• wants to get the most out of their camp experience

• is looking to upgrade their gear for comfort and performance

• is interested in climbing as soon and as much as possible

• Climbing shoes will be fitted and handed out on the first day of camp, along with chalkbag and chalksock. If for some reason out of our control, we don’t have your shoe size, we will contact you with the choice to order shoes for future delivery or receive a refund equal to the value of the shoes. Once equipment is used it is no longer eligible for return or exchange.

• Unlimited climbing can be used at any ASCEND location. Good from the date of purchase until the final day of your camp week. Rental gear not included. Applies to the registered climber(s) only and cannot be transferred or shared. Supervision not included. Parents are responsible for supervision of anyone under 14 years of age. After registering, all you have to do is check in at the front desk!

• A big thanks to our gear partner Evolv for their support of youth climbing!

Camps are open for children aged 6 and up. Children need to have turned 6 on or before the first day of camp. For younger ages (6-8), it can be helpful to attend half day camp first to gain some strength and experience before attending full day camp. For the older ages (13-18), full day camp is a more popular choice and keep an eye out for future teen specific camps coming soon!

No. While we understand that often there are often good reasons such as a younger sibling who is 5 and wants to be included or that a younger child is well behaved and a great little climber; making exceptions often ends up with a camp that is overpopulated with younger kids. This changes the expectations and responsibilities for our coaches as well as impacting the experience of the older campers. To register for climbing camp, a child must have turned 6 on or before the first day of camp.

Every day will include activities such as bouldering, top rope climbing, games, yoga, crate-stacking, slacklining and more. Specific activities vary by facility and camp session. Our experienced and trained camp staff will be involved constantly by supervising, teaching, coaching, and encouraging each child. Participants will be supported as they choose their level of challenge and make new friends along the way.

Half day camp takes place primarily indoors. Full day camp often spends time outdoors walking, exploring local parks, sampling playgrounds, visting splash parks and playing games. Full day campers are encouraged to bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, jackets or whatever they deem best for that day's conditions.

Participants will spend lots of time climbing each day but will also recover off the wall with games, arts/crafts, climbing related activities and more.

For camp arrival, please park and bring your child into the gym. For dismissal, please park and enter the gym to pick up your child. Check our website for more location specific details regarding parking.

Rock climbing is a wonderful sport but like any sport there are inherent risks. Kids will be climbing, falling, jumping and more during camp. Gravity means that all of these movements have varied levels of impact. Our coaches will be there to instruct campers on proper technique, practice necessary skills and lead fun activities. Being able to follow directions and control one's actions are great ways to minimize risks. Please discuss the following gym rules with kids before they attend camp.

Top Ten Youth Rules and Tips:

1. No running!

2. Stay off the pads when you aren't climbing — when you are ready to climb walk directly to your route and then exit straight back off the pads when finished. No wandering around on the pads. They are a fall zone.

3. Spread out — give at least two body lengths between climbers & NEVER walk under a climber

4. Take Turns — don’t jump in front of someone who is waiting to climb

5. Keep Chalk in the Bag — avoid clouds of chalk in the air

6. No horseplay, wrestling or gymnastics — even if there is no one around, this behavior discourages others from climbing in the area

7. Street shoes & bare feet are not allowed on the climbing walls.

8. Climbing shoes are not permitted in the bathrooms — gross!

9. The fitness areas & equipment are off limits for anyone 13 and under

10. Clean up after yourself

Kids LOVE and EXCEL at climbing, especially bouldering. While sometimes viewed as a jungle gym, a climbing gym, in reality it is quite the opposite! There will be designated spaces for campers to eat, do activities and hang out but the climbing areas are a shared space open to all. We want kids to have fun, but our guests' safety is our top-priority. Please help us take safety seriously and create a positive and supportive space for everyone!

Campers will have the opportunity to re-energize with a snack break every morning and a mid-day lunch for full day campers. We will not provide lunch or snacks, so please send something with them every day. Kids are also permitted to buy concessions from our front desk and water fountains are always available.

Kids can climb after camp has ended for that day without having to purchase an additional day pass. That being said, our staff supervision ends at the conclusion of camp; so any children under the age of 14 would need to be directly supervised by a parent or guardian.

We encourage athletic apparel for climbing. Be aware that climbers must wear a harness before climbing on the roped wall so clothing such as skimpy shorts or tank tops, as well as baggy clothes like skirts or hoodies are not ideal. Generally kids wear shorts and t-shirts. Wearing socks (especially above the shoe line) can often help prevent blisters if the climbing shoes don't agree with children's feet.

Yes, any climbing gear a child would need to participate in camp activities will be provided. This includes climbing shoes, chalk bags, and climbing harnesses.

Yes, every participant and visitor must sign a liability waiver in order to enter our facility. Individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign for them. You can do this ahead of time on our website or in person at the gym.

Yes, be on the lookout for a follow up email before camp starts with a form to complete. It is important that we have accurate emergency contacts, dismissal approvals, medical info and so forth.

Summer Camp Refund / Cancellation Policy

• If for some reason we need to cancel your camp session (low registration or staffing issues), 100% of your payment will be refunded. Of course, we would first try and shift you to another camp session.

• If you cancel 30 days or more before your scheduled camp session, 100% of your payment will be refunded.

• If you cancel within 15-29 days of your scheduled camp session, 50% of your payment will be refunded and 50% will be converted into ASCEND store credit.

• If you cancel less than 15 days before your scheduled camp session, 50% of your payment will be converted into ASCEND store credit.

Camp Plus! Refund Policy

Exact same as above, except the $125 upcharge fee is fully non-refundable.

Absolutely! Our camps are designed to be accessible to all levels of climbers; from first timers to experienced competitors. First timers often need to pace themselves to avoid blisters or soreness. Our coaches will monitor and encourage self awareness but it is the camper's responsibility to manage their body.

We do not offer day care before or after camp. Our camp hours are 9am-12pm for half day camp and 9am-3pm for full day camp.

We will do everything we can to include children of all abilities. For more specific info please send a message to [email protected].

Yes. We are committed to sharing climbing with as many people as possible, regardless of income. Our Equity and Outreach Fund is available for financial assistance. Find more information at the Equity and Outreach section of our website.

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We'll see you soon!