Are Rock Climbing Camps Safe for Kids?

Here's a bold statement: sending your kid to a rock climbing camp is one of the safest options you could choose. We make this claim based on the extensive safety measures, staff training, and protocols that rock climbing gyms have in place. But, in good conscience, we'll back up our statement with supporting evidence to ensure you understand the truth behind the claim.

Because of the sport's inherent high level of risk, rock climbing gyms that facilitate climbing camps have numerous safety protocols, staff training, and systems to keep your kid(s) safe. Yes, you must sign a waiver acknowledging that your child may still get hurt despite the gym's best efforts (but that's all standard insurance protocols). Your child is more likely to get injured playing in the backyard than at a rock climbing camp.

You can hear ten times how safe your kid will be, but that may not stop your worrying. You'll likely want concrete examples of how a rock climbing camp operates, with child safety paramount. Here's a breakdown of universal safety procedures implemented at rock climbing camps or any climbing program involving children.

Identifying the Safety Measures at Rock Climbing Camp

1. Trained Staff or Partnerships with Trained Guides

The staff or counselors selected to run the rock climbing camp receive adequate training ahead of time. Their training likely includes mandatory CPR/First Aid Training (if not already a hiring requirement), detailed outlines of daily activities and emergency contacts, and belay and instructor certifications. Additionally, there is usually a lead counselor who has worked at the camp in the past. They are not just a senior staff member, but a dedicated safety officer. They oversee any junior or new counselors and are responsible for ensuring the upholding of safety procedures by all other camp staff.

Some rock climbing camps will take field trips to an outdoor climbing location. Setting up outdoor top-ropes and the ensuing safety checks differ from indoor gyms. If the rock gym’s counselors do not have the necessary outdoor qualifications, the gym will partner with an outdoor climbing organization that can provide trained guides.

2. Safety Lessons

On the first day of each new camp session, the counselors will review gym etiquette and climbing safety with the campers. That includes teaching those who are old enough or experienced enough how to belay and going over general rules such as:

●     No climbing without counselor supervision

●     No running in the gym or walking under the ropes

●     No climbing on rope walls without tying in and having a counselor check

●     Only using auto belays if an adult clips them in

●     Proper falling technique on boulders

●     Being aware of their surroundings when bouldering.

3. Adequate Staff-Camper Ratio

In addition to well-trained staff, rock climbing camps usually have a cap on campers per session. The cap ensures that the camper-to-counselor ratio remains low (i.e., in the range of 4-7:1). A low ratio enables the counselors to account for every kid throughout the week.

4. Staff Belays

Older or experienced campers can take a belay test to climb without direct counselor supervision. Younger or new climbers will only climb when the staff checks their harnesses are on correctly, ties them to the rope, and belays them. If a camper has learned to belay during the week and passes the test, most climbing gyms will still require a counselor to watch them belay the entire time.

5. Helmets for Outdoor Climbing

Many rock climbing camps take an outdoor climbing field trip to change the camp scenery. While helmets are not required inside, the kids are given a helmet and must wear it when climbing or sitting near the rock face.

In fair warning, your child will likely come home from rock climbing camp with tired muscles, callouses on their hands, stinky feet, and fun stories. But injuries? Highly unlikely. Your biggest worry will be securing your kid’s spot at camp for next summer. If you have any other questions about the safety of a summer camp you’re looking into, reach out to the youth programs director for that specific gym. They’ll be more than happy to talk over your concerns and help you feel confident that signing the kiddos up for rock climbing camp is a fantastic and safe choice! Feel free to leave any other related comments or questions below!