Youth FAQs

1. Youth under the age of 14 must be closely accompanied by an adult at all times.
2. Our supervision ratio is 2 to 1; up to 2 youth climbers can be supervised by 1 adult chaperone at a time.
3. Stay far from the walls and out of fall zones when moving through the gym or waiting to climb. A “fall zone” is anywhere on the mats where a climber could land if they were to fall.
4. Make sure to check where a route ends before starting to climb–some routes are close together or even overlap, and you don’t want to end up directly above, below, or next to another climber.
5. This is a climbing gym! Please save running, wrestling, horseplay, and gymnastics for other spaces.
6. Youth ages 13 and under are not allowed in our fitness and yoga spaces or classes. Youth 14-17 must have an adult age 18+ supervising to use our fitness and yoga spaces or attend a class.

Due to programming, the youth room is unavailable on certain days and times each week. When not in use for programming, the Youth Room is open and available for you to enjoy! To stay in the know, give us a call before stopping by.

Seasonal Programs:

Weekly coached classes that run for approximately 12 weeks each season during fall, winter, and spring, with summer sessions offered at select locations. Classes build progressively to help climbers develop technique, resilience, and problem-solving skills at their own challenge level. Age groups include:

• Tots (ages 18 months–3 years)*
• Pebbles (ages 4–5)*
• Rocks (ages 5–7)
• Boulders (ages 8–11)
• Crushers (ages 12–14)
• Senders (ages 14–18)*

*Note: Starred programs are not available at all gyms; check your local gym’s Youth Programs page for offerings.

Continual-Enrollment Programs:

Year-round programs billed monthly that include a full Bouldering Project membership. They are intended for climbers who want to train more frequently and progress alongside motivated peers. Offerings vary by location and include:

• Recreational (2x/week, no experience required): Boulders 2 (ages 8–11), Crushers 2 (ages 12–14), and Senders 2 (ages 14–18).
• Advanced (2x/week, requires prior experience & Lead Coach recommendation): Advanced Boulders (ages 8–11), Advanced Crushers (ages 12–14), and Advanced Senders (ages 14–18).
• Competitive Team (2–4x/week, tryout required): Jr. Progressive (ages 7–12), Sr. Progressive (ages 13–18), Jr. Competitive (ages 7–12), Sr. Competitive (ages 13–18), Performance (ages 8–18), and Elite (ages 8–18).

• Seasonal Program Registration: Registration opens online or in person four weeks before each season begins, with dates and direct sign-up links located on your gym’s Youth Programs page.

• Continual-Enrollment Sign-Up: Families can register online or contact their local Youth Program Manager (YPM) to check space. Recreational spots are filled first-come, first-served; Advanced spots require contacting your YPM to initiate coach evaluations; and Competitive Team spots are decided by tryouts. Once a spot is confirmed, you will complete a membership agreement (online or in person) to establish automatic monthly billing.

• Waitlists: If a class is full, you can join your gym’s online waitlist. When a spot opens up, you will be contacted by email or phone and the opening will be held for 24 hours. Reach out to your YPM with questions.

• Late Registration: Late sign-ups for Seasonal Programs are accepted through week six, space permitting. Because online registration closes once the season starts, contact your YPM directly to enroll. Fees are prorated based on the remaining classes in the season.

Seasonal Programs:

• Freezes: Seasonal Programs cannot be frozen.
• Transfers: Before the season begins, climbers may transfer to another class at the same location, subject to availability.
• Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellations submitted 14 or more days before the first class receive a full refund to the original payment method; cancellations 3–13 days before class receive a 50% store credit; and cancellations less than 72 hours before class receive no refund. YPMs may grant exceptions for injury, illness, or extenuating circumstances.
• Minimum Enrollment: Programs require a minimum of 4 participants. If fewer than 4 register, the class will be cancelled and participants will receive a class transfer or full refund.

Continual-Enrollment Programs:

• Billing & Retries: Monthly dues are charged on the 1st of each month to the card on file. If a charge declines, you will be notified immediately via email, and automatic retries occur on the 4th and 8th of the month.
• Freezes: Continual-Enrollment programs and the included membership cannot be frozen. If you take a break, you must cancel, and the spot will be released to the waitlist.
• Cancellations: Cancellations must be submitted securely online through the official membership change form by 11:59 PM on the 26th of the current month (cancellations are not processed at the front desk). You must select “Cancel Youth Program Membership” to stop future billing and remove your climber from the class roster.
• Re-enrollment: Re-enrolling within 30 days of canceling incurs a $50 fee and remains subject to space availability.

• Trial & Drop-In Classes: Standard trial classes are not offered at most locations. However, select locations offer single-day drop-in classes for climbers wanting a test run before committing to a season or ongoing program; check your local gym’s Youth Programs page for availability.

• Missed Seasonal Classes: We do not offer refunds, credits, or make-up classes for missed seasonal classes. If your climber is absent due to injury, illness, or an emergency, contact your YPM to discuss options.

• Missed Continual-Enrollment Classes: While refunds and make-ups are not offered for missed sessions, the included gym membership allows climbers to climb during open hours (climbers under 14 require adult supervision). If absent due to illness, injury, or an emergency, contact your YPM to explore options.

• General Skill Progression: Climbers advance as they develop technical skills, which may take months or years; staying in the same class level for a year or more is completely normal.

• Advanced Programs: Moving into Advanced classes requires prior climbing experience and a recommendation from a Lead Coach, who evaluates the climber’s motivation, coachability, and milestone progress.

• Competitive Team: Spots are earned through tryouts, which are typically hosted each fall. Contact your Team Head Coach or local YPM for tryout dates and details.

• Drop-Off Timing: Please drop off your climber no earlier than 5 minutes before class so coaches have time to set up. If you arrive earlier, remain with your child until coaches begin check-in.

• Spectator Policy: Many locations operate as drop-off only. Parents interested in watching their climber should contact their local YPM to discuss facility-specific options.

• Climbing Outside of Class: Climbers may climb before or after class only with a valid day pass or an active membership. Seasonal programs do not include a membership, whereas Continual-Enrollment programs include one. Climbers 14 and older may climb independently, while climbers under 14 must have an adult with them.

• Parent Amenities: Parents and guardians may climb, attend a yoga class, use the fitness area, or access gym amenities during class time by purchasing a day pass or using their own gym membership.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable clothes that allow easy movement.
• Socks (required if using rental shoes).
• A water bottle.
• An optional light snack.

What to Leave at Home:

• Toys or personal valuables you would not want lost or broken.
• Phones and electronics (must remain in cubbies during class).
• Weapons, vapes, drugs, and alcohol are strictly prohibited on gym property at all times.