Chipmunks

Parent Requirements

To help your child have the best possible experience, parents are active participants throughout the program.

• Stay engaged during class. 
  Parents are expected to participate alongside their child during each session. Your instructor will demonstrate the best ways to support, encourage, and safely assist your young climber.
  
  
• Auto-Belay Certification (by Class #2).
  At least one participating parent must be certified to use our auto-belays before the second class. This certification is free, takes just a few minutes, and can be completed anytime with our front desk staff—no appointment necessary. We recommend completing it immediately after your child's first class.
  
  
• Belay Certification (by Class #3).
  At least one participating parent must earn a top-rope belay certification before the third class. Your Chipmunks registration includes our Learn to Belay course at no additional cost. Simply reserve a spot in any available Learn to Belay class before your third Chipmunks session.
  
  
• Discounted Parent Climbing Sessions.
  Parents may climb during Chipmunks classes at the discounted participant rate. To receive this pricing, book your reservation as a ÜG Member and answer "Yes, my child is currently enrolled in a Chipmunks class" when prompted during registration. If this question is skipped, the standard climbing fee ($36) may be charged at check-in.

What to Expect

• Small class sizes.
  We maintain a 3:1 child-to-instructor ratio so every climber receives plenty of individual attention.
• Check in at the front desk.
  Your Chipmunk can borrow a pair of climbing shoes at no additional cost, if they'd like. Climbing shoes are optional—many young climbers prefer to wear their own closed-toe athletic shoes.
• Meet your instructor.
  At the start of class, your instructor will gather everyone at the front desk and lead the group to our climbing area with routes ideal for youth.
• 45 minutes of climbing fun.
  Each class is carefully structured to keep young climbers engaged through movement and exploration.
• Every class is different.
  Depending on the day's activities, your child may climb on auto-belays, bouldering walls, traverse walls, or participate in ground-based games and skill-building exercises. Not every class includes ropes.
• Learning through movement.
  Activities are designed to build balance, coordination, body awareness, motor skills, confidence, and problem-solving in a fun, supportive environment

Parents Participate Too!

One of the things that makes climbing so special is that you get to be part of the adventure. Parents are expected to stay engaged throughout class, and your instructor will show you how to encourage, spot, and support your child in a safe and positive way.

Parents are encouraged to climb with their kids outside of class - it's one of the reasons we let kids 5 and under climb for free with a paid adult. Children gain confidence by watching the important adults in their lives try new things. You don't have to be an experienced climber—or even make it to the top of the wall! When your child sees you challenge yourself, celebrate small victories, and have fun, they'll be inspired to do the same.

Unlike many youth sports where parents watch from the sidelines, climbing is something your family can enjoy together. Our goal is to help your whole family build skills, confidence, and memories that last long after the class ends.

Chipmunk Waitlist:

• Because this isn’t a regularly scheduled class we offer, we’ll be working with you and other families to find a class time that is best for you all.
• Please add youself and your young climber to our Waitlist here: CHIPMUNK WAITLIST
• If you have any questions, please reach out to use at youth.cr@ugclimbing.com