Youth Teams
Our youth climbing teams
Our teams help youth to develop as climbers, fostering personal growth through goal setting, developing critical thinking skills, and increasing self confidence through a competitive platform.
Join a Team
School of Rocks
In School of Rocks we approach climbing with a twist — we integrate experiential, process-oriented learning into a climbing environment. Our curriculum teaches children the mental, physical and social aspects of climbing as they apply to life. Activities include bouldering, roped climbing, team building and climbing games. After school every weekday, and weekends. Two hours per session. Gear rental and daypass included.
Birthday Parties
Ready to party? We offer two-hour events for up to 20 climbers. Our friendly team will lead your group through our facility and coach your party to reach new heights and conquer challenges together. The two hours can be tailored to your group between rope climbing, party room time, bouldering, and games. Our Parties have a 1:5 belayer to climber ratio.
School Visits
To sign up, reach out to laura.macdonald@boulderingproject.com.
Boston Bouldering Project offers group visits that can be tailored to your needs. Visit us for one day, or set up a recurring visit for gym class or extra-curriculars. Your chaperones can staff the visit at a 1:5 ratio to boulder and get auto belay certified. Our instructors can also work with your group as they boulder, auto belay, and top rope. Provide group sizes, ages, and length of visit(s) with your inquiry to get an accurate quote.
School of Pebbles
School of Pebbles is the youngest branch of our Kids Academy program. These classes are designed to provide kids ages 5-7 with an introduction to climbing, confidence training, and team building with their peers. Our curriculum teaches children the mental, physical and social aspects of climbing as they apply to life. Activities include bouldering, roped climbing, team building and climbing games. After school every weekday, and weekends. Two hours per session. Gear rental and daypass included.
Team BBP 101 (Ages 6-10)
This is our introductory team at BBP! Our goal is to introduce new youth climbers to a non-competitive space that allows them to explore climbing in their own way! At this level, climbers will learn the basic aspects of each climbing discipline. The 101 team is perfect for our youngest and newest athletes who are excited to learn how to train for rock climbing and reach their goals! This program is designed to build a solid foundation for athletes looking to develop into the competitive or recreational climbing communities. 101 team members practice once per week and learn basic climbing techniques as well as develop coordination and physical fitness.
One day per week, $225 per month.
For more information, email us at Boston.team@boudleringproject.com.
Team BBP Jr Recreational (Ages 8-11)
Our recreational teams seek to build upon skills learned at the 101 level. Here kids look to build upon their training from the 101 Team in a recreational setting and continue to build their passion for the sport! Members of the Junior Recreational Team may chose one or two days of practice per week where they will learn how to set goals and push themselves to the next level as recreational team athletes!
One day per week, $250 per month | Two days per week, $300 per month
For more information, email us at Boston.team@boudleringproject.com.
Team BBP Jr Competitive (Ages 6-16)
The Junior Competitive Team is reserved for athletes with a love for climbing and a desire to develop their skills in a competitive environment. This program works with climbers on not only on developing physical strength and technical proficiency, but also mental toughness in a competitive environment all while having fun with their teammates. Junior Competitive Team athletes are expected to compete in USA Climbing local competitions throughout the bouldering and sport climbing seasons.
$325 per month
For more information, email us at Boston.team@boudleringproject.com.
Team BBP Competitive (Ages 10-18)
After gaining experience competing at the regional level, athletes can try out for the Competitive Team where they will learn to push themselves and their teammates! This means various lesson plans to a challenge their problem solving and technical skills they may encounter during competitions. Athletes on the competitive team are expected to participate year-round in USA Climbing Bouldering, Sport, and Speed competitions in an effort to qualify for the Divisional Championships.
$375 per month
For more information, email us at Boston.team@boudleringproject.com.
Team BBP Advanced Competitive (Ages 12-18)
The Advanced Competitive Team is an invitation-only program for young climbers who display the highest level of climbing ability along with a relentless perseverance and commitment to training for competitive climbing. These athletes are expected to act as mentors for their teammates while they put in additional practice time for their individual lesson plans.
$425 per month
For more information, email us at Boston.team@boudleringproject.com.
Mini-Mountaineers Drop-In Class (Ages 3-4)
A drop-in class for our youngest climbers to channel their explosive, creative energy into climbing in a safe, fun environment. Excellent option for kids who are already exploring climbing structures at the playground and more. Participants will develop their risk assessment, basic body awareness, and teamwork.
Pebbles 10-Week Session (Ages 5-6)
Designed to introduce young climbers to the fundamentals of climbing. Each week, we will introduce climbers to a new concept and grow on the previous weeks’ focus. Students will work on risk assessment, safety, problem solving, and so much more in a fun, social environment.
Enrollment in full 10-week sessions required.
Rocks 10-Week Session (Ages 7-9)
This class will return will return to the basic concepts of climbing, like footwork and body awareness, to deepen their understanding. Additionally, climbers will be introduced to more complex topics such as power, static vs. dynamic movement, and more in a gamified approach.
Enrollment in full 10-week sessions required.
Boulders 10-Week Session (Ages 10-12)
Climbers will solidify foundational techniques and approach mindset as part of their progress, while beginning to focus on improving effort and pushing themselves further into their personal growth zones.
Enrollment in full 10-week sessions required.
Teen Club (Ages 13-15)
Here’s what awaits:
- Skill Development: Develop climbing basics, learn advanced techniques & power moves.
- Rock Solid Community: Collaborate, challenge yourself, & build meaningful friendships. Learn and laugh in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
- Climb Solo: Hone your skills independently outside of class with full membership access.
- Member Perks: Enjoy a 10% discount on climbing gear and the ability to freeze your membership for 3 months a year. Bring 2 friends per month with guest passes.
This program is perfect for:
- Teen climbers of all skill levels
- Climbers looking to improve their technique and knowledge
- Teens who want to be part of a supportive climbing communit
School Holiday Adventure Days
No School? No problem! Adventure days are geared for youth ages 5-12, and offer plenty of climbing and social time. Whether your child is an experienced climber or brand new to bouldering, they will have a blast with our BP instructors leading the way. Kids will learn basic climbing techniques, and terminology, and play games both on and off the wall.
Birthday Parties (Ages 5-12)
Ready to party? Join us for an epic celebration filled with climbing adventures! Our event crew will take care of everything, from climbing instruction to exciting challenge games. Our private space is surrounded by climbing and walls is the perfect spot for any celebration. To inquire about booking your unforgettable birthday party at BP, please reach out to us at brooklyn.programs@boulderingproject.com
Competitive Team
The place where young athletes take their training to the next level! The competitive team is focused on pushing climbers’ physical and technical climbing abilities to achieve success at USAC Regional, Divisional, and National Championship competitions. This team consists of young climbers who display relentless perseverance and commitment to training and to the sport while also being role models for other youth in the space. The age range for Comp team is 11-18.
Comp Team practices Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 4:30-7pm
Junior Competitive Team
The Junior competitive Team (JC) is for climbers with a love for climbing and a desire to develop a higher level of climbing ability. The training program focuses not only on developing physical/mental strength, technical proficiency, and competition formats, but also on team building and having a blast together. If the competitive side of climbing is intriguing, our JC team is a great place to start. The age range for JC is 9-14.
Junior Competitive Team practices Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 4:30-7
Team 101
The 101 program is all about having fun while making friends and learning the foundations of climbing technique. We use a combination of climbing games, and movement lessons as well as the slow introduction of some training elements to keep these young climbers excited and engaged while they learn. This program provides everything needed to get on the path to joining the competitive teams or a lifetime of recreational climbing. 101’s is generally geared towards athletes aged 6-11.
101’s will practice on Wednesdays from 4-6
Teen Club (Ages 13-15)
Here’s what awaits:
- Skill Development: Develop climbing basics, learn advanced techniques & power moves.
- Rock Solid Community: Collaborate, challenge yourself, & build meaningful friendships. Learn and laugh in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
- Climb Solo: Hone your skills independently outside of class with full membership access.
- Member Perks: Enjoy a 10% discount on climbing gear and the ability to freeze your membership for 3 months a year. Bring 2 friends per month with guest passes.
This program is perfect for:
- Teen climbers of all skill levels
- Climbers looking to improve their technique and knowledge
- Teens who want to be part of a supportive climbing communit
Pebbles
Pebbles supports 4-5 year olds in their first steps of climbing with fun and exciting activities! Meet weekly on Sunday mornings and register for one month at a time. Remember to reset the date parameters in the portal to register for the first session of each month! Cost: $80 per month, for four sessions.
Boulders
Boulders engages 6-7 year olds in their practice of climbing movement and bouldering! Curriculum will be scalable to meet the diverse needs of climbers within this age range. Meet weekly on Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings, and register for 10 weeks at a time. Remember to reset the date parameters in the portal to register for the next session! Cost: $225 per 10-week session, for ten sessions.
Cliffs
Cliffs expands upon the climbing skills of 8-9 year olds who may or may not have participated in our programming before. Curriculum will be scalable to meet the diverse needs of climbers within this age range. Meet weekly on Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings, and register for 10 weeks at a time. Remember to reset the date parameters in the portal to register for the next session! Cost: $225 per 10-week session, for ten sessions.
Mountains
Mountains captivates 10-14 year olds as they set goals and reach them while developing their climbing technique! Meet weekly on Monday evenings, and register for 10 weeks at a time. Remember to reset the date parameters in the portal to register for the next session! Cost: $225 per 10-week session, for ten sessions.
Groups
Planning ahead to bring a group of 10 of more climbers to MBP can qualify you as a group and receive special pricing on a two-hour session, plus discounted rental shoes for all participants.
If you are requesting staff facilitators, bookings need to be made 3 weeks in advance and there is an additional cost of $30 per staff, per hour. If you are not requesting a staff facilitator (Unstaffed Group), bookings require a minimum 7 day notice.
It will be more likely for us to accommodate your group if you have availability during non-peak hours: weekdays during the day and weekends in the evening. Please reach out to caroline.gruebele@boulderingproject.com for group inquiries!
Birthday Party
Celebrate at Minneapolis Bouldering Project with a party full of climbing! At MBP, our fantastic birthday party and event crew provide everything from climbing instruction to challenge games. Our private space surrounded by climbing walls is perfect for any celebration, for up to 15 kiddos maximum.
Parent's Night Out
Parent’s Night Out, on select Fridays from 6-9pm, is for youth ages 5-12. After climbing, participants will party with pizza and popcorn while watching a kid-friendly movie. The kiddos get everything they need while parents have a few free hours to climb or do their favorite activity outside of the gym, sans kids. Remember to reset the date parameters in the portal to view available sessions in your desired date range! Cost: $30 for members, $40 for guests.
Competition Team
The Competition Team is a competitive program for athletes 13 – 18, Mostly in USAC Youth Categories B, A & JR who are focusing on preparing for high level competitions at the Regional, Divisional and National level. In order to join this team you must either participate in our tryouts or be recommended by our Sr Team coaches or National Training Camp instructors.
Cost: $360/month
Registration: Tryout or Recommendation
Practice Times: Monday 4:30 – 7:30pm, Tuesday 4:30 – 7:30pm, Thursday 5:30 – 8:30pm
SR Team
The Sr Team is competitive program for athletes ages 13 – 18, Mostly in USAC Youth Categories B, A & JR in which we focus on skill development, strength and conditioning and preparing for competitions and performing under stress. Our coaches try to cultivate a positive, supportive environment so that our athletes can feel comfortable seeking out challenging situations in order to develop their skills. In order to join this program you must be either participate in a tryout, or be recommended by our Jr Team coaches or advanced summer camp instructors.
Cost: $300/month
Registration: Tryout or Recommendation
Practice Times: Monday 4:30 – 7:00pm, Tuesday 4:30 – 7:00pm, Thursday 6:00 – 8:30pm
JR Team
The Jr Team is a competitive program for athletes ages 8-12, Mostly in USAC Youth Categories C & D in which we focus on skill development and preparing for competitions while having fun in a highly supportive environment. Our coaches try to cultivate a positive, supportive environment so that our athletes can feel comfortable seeking out challenging situations in order to develop their skills. In order to join this team you must participate in a tryout, be recommended from our progressive clubs coaches or advanced summer camp instructors.
Cost: $160/month
Registration: Tryout or Recommendation
Practice Times: Tuesday 4:30 – 6:30pm, Thursday 4:30 – 6:30pm
Progressive Club
The Progressive Club is a non competitive program designed for athletes (ages 8-12) who are motivated to improve their climbing skills but are not quite ready for (or interested in) our competitive programs. Unlike our other club programs, the progressive club is ongoing so athletes can continue to build on their skills. Our coaches cultivate a positive, supportive environment so that our athletes can feel comfortable seeking out challenging situations in order to develop their skills.
Cost: $120/month
Registration: Quarterly Tryouts
Practice Times: Monday 4:30 – 6:00pm, Wednesday 4:30 – 6:00pm
Teen Progressive Club
The Teen Progressive Club is a non competitive program designed for athletes (ages 13 – 18) who are motivated to improve their climbing skills but are not quite ready for (or interested in) our competitive programs. Unlike our other club programs, the progressive club is ongoing so athletes can continue to build on their skills. Our coaches try to cultivate a positive, supportive environment so that our athletes can feel comfortable seeking out challenging situations in order to develop their skills.
Cost: $80/month
Registration: Quarterly Tryouts
Practice Times: Wednesday 6:00 – 8:00pm
Team Tryouts
Sign up for tryouts on August 21.
Please note that we have separate tryouts for kids under 12 years old and kids 12 years and older.
Drop-In Youth Climbing
Looking to introduce your kids to climbing without committing to a monthly club? Our Drop-In Youth Climbing sessions are designed to offer facilitated climbing experiences in a more casual cadence. Meet on select Thursdays, and register for one session at a time. Remember to reset the date parameters in the portal to view available sessions in your desired date range! Cost: $20 for members, $25 for guests.
Parent's Night Out
Ready for a night out? Send your kiddos to us for 3.5 hours of action packed fun! Every Friday night, we’ll be hosting PNO so you can get some time back while your kids have a blast. Every night’s activities are a little different, but we’ll always play climbing games and end the night with pizza, popcorn, and a movie. For gluten free or dairy free options, please contact us at least 24 hours prior to the event.
Birthday Parties
Make your child’s special day unforgettable with a climbing-themed celebration! We will reserve a private party room for your festivities and our fantastic programs staff will ensure that everything runs smoothly from start to finish. From taking care of the details like ordering pizza and cupcakes to providing climbing instruction and organizing engaging team building activities, we’ve got you covered! Perfect for kids aged 5-12, our birthday parties will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Registration will be opening soon!
Tots Climbing Club (ages 4-6)
The SBP Tots Climbing Club is a recreational program designed for ages 4-6 focusing on being active, having fun and promoting a love for climbing from an early age. SBP instructors provide a supportive environment where each participant will explore the world of bouldering through exciting climbing games and basic instruction. Small class sizes ensure constant guidance and encouragement as these little ones prepare for a future in climbing and tackling new adventures.
Kids Climbing Club (ages 7-9)
The SBP Kids Climbing Club offers a fun, creative, and supportive atmosphere that promotes a love of climbing and exercise. Enthusiastic SBP staff will guide climbers through a youth-driven exploration of climbing fundamentals—helping young boulderers develop confidence, trust, and social skills. Kids Program focuses on group encouragement and support in an active environment.
Youth Climbing Club (ages 10-12)
SBP Youth Climbing Clubs are designed for kids new to climbing as well as those seeking more climbing experience. Games and activities are tailored to the group’s strengths and abilities, ensuring positive and challenging experiences for all involved. With more structured lessons and two days of climbing per week, the SBP Youth Climbing Club engages climbers with activities that promote technique, strength, and balance.
Birthday Parties
Come celebrate your birthday at Seattle Bouldering Project, Poplar! Birthday parties are designed for kids ages 5 – 10, and include a 1.5-hour space reservation for up to 15 participants. We currently offer two types of birthday parties:
Tier 1: 1.5-hour space reservation for up to 15 participants, youth shoe rentals, 1 Youth Programs Instructor to help with safety orientation and clean-up
Tier 2: 1.5-hour space reservation for up to 15 participants, youth shoe rentals, 2 Youth Programs Instructors to lead climbing games and activities, goodie bags for all climbers
Tots Climbing Club (Ages 4-6)
The SBP Tots Climbing Club is a recreational program designed for ages 4-6 focusing on being active, having fun and promoting a love for climbing from an early age. SBP instructors provide a supportive environment where each participant will explore the world of bouldering through exciting climbing games and basic instruction. Small class sizes ensure constant guidance and encouragement as these little ones prepare for a future in climbing and tackling new adventures.
Kids Climbing Club (ages 7-9)
The SBP Kids Climbing Club offers a fun, creative, and supportive atmosphere that promotes a love of climbing and exercise. Enthusiastic SBP staff will guide climbers through a youth-driven exploration of climbing fundamentals—helping young boulderers develop confidence, trust, and social skills. Kids Program focuses on group encouragement and support in an active environment.
Youth Climbing Club (ages 10-12)
SBP Youth Climbing Clubs are designed for kids new to climbing as well as those seeking more climbing experience. Games and activities are tailored to the group’s strengths and abilities, ensuring positive and challenging experiences for all involved. With more structured lessons and two days of climbing per week, the SBP Youth Climbing Club engages climbers with activities that promote technique, strength, and balance.
Juniors Climbing Club (ages 13+)
Our after-school Juniors Climbing Clubs offer a collaborative environment for teen climbers to explore more nuanced bouldering technique, identify and work towards goals, and develop their strength, balance, and coordination. Our programs are designed for both new and more experienced climbers alike: instructors will focus on the individual needs of each climber while creating a supportive group atmosphere to build community and love for movement.
Homeschool Climbing Club (ages 7-12)
For young climbers who have more flexibility during their school day, we offer a weekly midday climbing program. A small group of kids (10 participants max) will be led through a fun and supportive exploration of climbing fundamentals by two engaging coaches. Since this group covers a wider range of ages and climbing ability levels, it may at times be split into smaller groups to meet climbers’ goals and needs.
Birthday Parties
Come celebrate your birthday at Seattle Bouldering Project, Poplar! Birthday parties are designed for kids ages 5 – 10, and include a 1.5-hour space reservation for up to 15 participants. We currently offer two types of birthday parties:
Tier 1: 1.5-hour space reservation for up to 15 participants, youth shoe rentals, 1 Youth Programs Instructor to help with safety orientation and clean-up
Tier 2: 1.5-hour space reservation for up to 15 participants, youth shoe rentals, 2 Youth Programs Instructors to lead climbing games and activities, goodie bags for all climbers
CD Team
The SBP Climbing Team is a community of athletes committed to the process of becoming better climbers, competitors, and individuals. Our coaches support athletes through the process of personal mastery by instilling self-discipline and perseverance with an emphasis on developing technique, strength, flexibility, and complex problem solving skills. With a priority on fun, exploration, and hard-work, our athletes push their limits and grow.
Requirements: At least 6 months of consistent climbing experience and a strong interest in developing as a competitive athlete. Athletes are required to participate in at least 2 bouldering competitions per season.
Competing or practicing rope climbing (top rope or lead) is not a requirement for joining the team at this time, though we highly encourage it!
Cost: $300/month
Practice Times: Tuesday 4:30 – 6:30pm, Friday 4:30 – 6:30pm (practice times may change during summer)
More information: Please reach out to Asaf at asaf.yanay@boulderingproject.com.
JAB Team
The SBP Climbing Team is a community of athletes committed to the process of becoming better climbers, competitors, and individuals. Our coaches support athletes through the process of personal mastery by instilling self-discipline and perseverance with an emphasis on developing technique, strength, flexibility, and complex problem solving skills. With a priority on fun, exploration, and hard-work, our athletes push their limits and grow.
Requirements: At least 6 months of climbing experience and a strong interest in developing as a competitive athlete. Athletes are required to participate in at least 2 bouldering competitions per season.
Competing or practicing rope climbing (top rope or lead) is not a requirement for joining the team at this time, though we highly encourage it!
Cost: $375/month
Practice Times: Monday 4:30 – 7:00pm, Wednesday 4:30 – 7:00pm, Friday 4:30 – 7:00pm (practice times may change during summer)
More information: Please reach out to Asaf at asaf.yanay@boulderingproject.com.
Birthday Parties
2.5 hour birthday event. With fun, games, climbing in the party space and much more! For booking, contact Youth Programs Manager at the gym at 202-667-2404.
Kids' Academy
After School program that is open to all beginner and advanced youth climbers!
Adventure Day!
Find an engaging experience of for kids age 5-12, running from 9am-3:30pm on selected days/ weeks when DC Public Schools are closed.
Youth Teams
Our youth team is a competitive climbing team for kids from 8 to 18. Broken into teams based on age and ability, our team practices multiple times every week with the goal of getting climbers ready for competition. We build skills to improve climbing ability as well as providing a positive environment for young athletes.
Our competitive teams hold tryouts twice per year. If you are interested in learning more, please contact our Head Coach, Brooks Norton at Brooks.Norton@boulderingproject.com.
Youth Safety Tips and Rules
Bouldering is an exciting and fun sport—but it does come with risks. Highly-attentive adult supervision is crucial for the safety of youth and other climbers. Here are a few tips:
- The gym is a busy place. Be cautious as you explore.
- Our rule of thumb is treat the gym like a busy street. You need to look both ways before you cross, be sure not to run ahead, and be aware of your surroundings—including whatever or whoever might be above you!
- Never climb above, near, or below another climber.
- There’s a lot going on around you when you’re climbing. Make sure to pay attention to all the people climbing around you, and give them space. Make sure to look left, right, up, AND sometimes even down before you start your climb.
- No running, yelling, horseplay, or gymnastics.
- We want the gym to be a fun place, but to keep everyone safe, it’s important that no one runs or engages in horseplay or gymnastics…especially on the mats.
Have questions about bouldering, the facility, or safety?
Ask our staff—we are here to help you stay safe.