Kids Rock Climbing Camp (Ages 6-8)
Our youth camps (Kids, Tween and Teen) are offered on the same weeks* and duration to make it easier on parents and guardians of children of multiple ages when it comes to transportation and drop-off/pick-up times. Each age group will have separate instructors who teach age and skill-appropriate curriculum, and often go to different locations. We may separate the participants within each age group according to ability and goals. Of course, there will also be plenty of opportunities to socialize and have fun with friends of differing abilities.
*The Kids Camp (ages 6-8) only runs the second and third week of the four-week Youth Climbing Camp series.
Course Dates
- Jun 23-27, 2025 (Monday-Friday)
- Aug 4-8, 2025 (Monday-Friday)
Kids are naturally drawn to climbing. UMA’s rock climbing camp for 6 to 8-year-old climbers gets youngsters out on real rock, building confidence by learning movement, safety and rope skills. The instructor will teach knots, top-roping, belay commands, lowering and rappelling, and keep kids having fun on the Wasatch rock. Kids may climb a mix of quartzite, granite and limestone to introduce students to a variety of rock types and cragging areas.
Depending on maturity and interest, students may learn to clip and clean bolts and bolted anchors, place stoppers and cams, and equalize natural-protection anchors. Multi-pitch may be included, if appropriate for participants.
Parent(s) or guardian(s) will drop off and pick up kids, generally at Big Cottonwood Park & Ride, each morning at 10 am and pick up at 4 pm. Kids need rock climbing shoes. Other climbing gear is provided.
Kid’s Rock Climbing Camp Objectives
- Tying knots and rope handling
- Belaying
- Use and recognition of handholds and footholds
- Overcoming the fear of being lowered
- Multi-pitch climbing (if appropriate for skill level)
- Rappelling
- Having fun with other kids and making friends
Camp dates don’t fit your schedule?
Any of our pre-scheduled courses and camps can be run as custom outings. If you’re interested in a course but the dates don’t fit your schedule, please check out our private guiding options.
Course Prerequisites
- No climbing experience necessary.
Skill Level
- This is a camp for climbers of all levels.
This camp is taught in the field; expect to be doing ground work and climbing outdoors. You can plan on a 6-hour day from the time you meet your guide to the time you finish at the Park & Ride or return to the base of the trailhead. Bring snacks, lunch and water (1-2 liters). Food and personal equipment need to fit entirely inside a pack so that young climbers can safely hike/scramble up to the crags without carrying anything in their arms.
Schedule
Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm
Location
These camps take place in Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Salt Lake City area (exact location varies). Typically, guests meet at the Park & Ride or a trailhead. We will send you all the information you need — including meet-up location, required equipment, your guide’s name and other important information — after you register for the course.
How To Register
- Register Online
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at [email protected]
KIDS CAMP ROCK CLIMBING EQUIPMENT LIST
- Climbing pants or shorts
- Climbing shirt (collared T-shirt and/or hoody recommended)
- Houdini or other windshirt (optional)
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (we recommend putting it on in advance so hands are not greasy)
- 1-2 liters of water
- Lunch and quick energy snacks
- Approach shoes (sandals not recommended)
- Rock climbing shoes
- Backpack
- Harness
- Helmet
- Belay/rappel device (ATC Guide/Reverso) or assisted locking device (GRIGRI)
- Pear-shaped locking carabiner
Food and personal equipment need to fit entirely inside a pack so that young climbers can safely hike/scramble up to the crags without carrying anything in their arms.
Please see our Rock Climbing Gear List & Rentals page for information on the items UMA provides and local shops where you can rent or purchase gear.
Please see our main FAQ page for general questions or for anything not covered below.
How tight should rock shoes fit?
For learning and climbing moderate routes, get a half-size bigger shoe than the sales or rental clerk recommends. Toes do not need to be crushed inside the shoe. Nothing spoils the fun like foot pain! UMA has a limited selection of kid rock shoes to loan.
Should my child wear pants or shorts?
Shorts are nicer for warm days, but long pants will protect their legs from abrasive rock. If shorts are preferred, they should be long enough to go under the leg loops of the harness.
Does the course include climbing equipment?
UMA provides helmets, harnesses, locking carabiners and belay devices to each participant if they don’t have their own. UMA has a limited selection of rock climbing shoes, but we recommend you rent shoes at a shop to ensure a proper fit. Please sign up for the items you need in your portal. The guides will bring participant equipment as well as all the group climbing gear.
What happens on rainy days or during thunderstorms?
If a day is forecast for conditions deemed unclimbable by the guide service, the day may be cancelled. If the climbing day has started and retreat is necessary for safety (from thunderstorms or other), our guides will take the kids to a safe location near the base and work on skills until the 4 pm pick up time. Parents will be informed of any change of location.
Where do I meet my guide?
The guide will arrange a specific meeting location and time with you. Most commonly, this location is the Big Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride lot.
