Youth Recreational Programs

Throughout the school year we offer after-school and weekend climbing classes to help youth (ages 4-16) learn fundamental physical literacy skills, improve their climbing, and build friendships.

Learn. Train. Grow.

Our youth recreational programs allow young climbers to build their climbing in their own direction facilitated with respect to the Long Term Athlete Development model. They can pursue climbing as a social activity through fundamentals, a career in outdoor or indoor climbing, or as a competitive athlete.

Our Youth Program Curriculum and Achievement System provides a solid foundation plus a 6-level structure, assessing comprehension and abilities in 6 different areas. This program structure encourages kids to explore realms of their strengths, while also giving them the tools they need to train their weaknesses. Kids work through the curriculum at their own pace, in cooperation with instructors and their peers.

All program prices include the cost of rental shoes and rental harnesses.
All Participants under 19 MUST have a WAIVER completed by a parent/legal guardian.

A Note on Youth Rec Programs

We run three terms per year:

– Fall (Sep-Dec): registration opens June 15
– Winter (Jan-Mar): registration opens Oct 1
– Spring (Apr-Jun): registration opens January 31

You can register for each term right here, or by calling in or stopping by the front desk. If your preferred day of the week is full, you can contact the front desk () and ask to be added to the waiting list.

If you have any questions, please email Program Director, Meris at

Looking for Support?

Ground Up is associated with KidSport BC through Sport Climbing BC. This means our kids are eligible to apply for grants to help make our programs more accessible!

Important Information

Please review the following information before registering for a Ground Up Climbing program.

Safety & Risks
All participants are expected to recognize and accept the risks inherently involved in the activity of climbing. Part of the risk involved in undertaking any activity or program is relative to the participant’s own state of health (physical, mental or emotional) and the awareness, care and skill with which the participant conducts themselves in that activity or program. The specific risks vary from one activity to another. All participation in programs and services is voluntary and each participant knowingly assumes all risks associated with his or her own participation. IN CASE OF PERSONAL INJURY OR ACCIDENT, CONTACT A STAFF MEMBER IMMEDIATELY. For life threatening circumstances contact 911 directly.

Cancellation
Classes are occasionally cancelled on holidays or because of special events. Please check our calendar to see when classes may be cancelled.

Refund Policy or Withdrawals
Camps and Youth Recreational Programs: Refund requested 7 days before the beginning of the session receive a 100% refund. In less than 7 days before the beginning of session, the refund amount is 50%. If cancellation is within the session, it is 50% of the remaining days.

Program Cancellation & Low Enrollment
Ground Up Climbing reserves the right to cancel a program due to low enrollment. Classes may be combined if enrollment is low.

Alergies & Medical Conditions
If your child has allergies or any medical conditions that we should be aware of, please let us know at the time of registration. Please also speak with your child’s instructor about any conditions that could impact your child’s safety. In the event of an emergency, we will make every attempt to contact the parent(s) or guardian(s) listed on the account. If we are unable to reach the parent(s) or guardian(s), we will contact the person listed as the alternate emergency contact. Please keep the contact information (home phone, cell phone or work phone) current on your family account. Call us at 604 567 8850 to update your account.

Sick Children – When to Stay Home
A sick child can infect other participants as well as staff and runs a greater risk of injury in sport and recreation programs. If your child has any of these symptoms within 24 hours of his/her scheduled program, please keep them at home:
– Fever
– Diarrhea
– Vomiting
– Rash or other skin infection (persistent itching or scratching)
– Coughing, wheezing or a runny nose