FUN AT THE ROCK CLIMBING WALL

Kids are natural climbers,

so the growing sport of

indoor rock climbing

carries a lot of allure for

the younger set.

Many rock gyms have

classes for kids as

young as four, and it’s

a super way to spend

time as a family.

Sign everyone up for a

seminar or training

course and get started

with the right technique

and knowledge of

safety basics.

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT

Rock climbing offers kids amazing opportunities for

individual achievement, and it’s exciting to master new maneuvers and improve on speed, agility and

fundamental climbing moves.

It’s a great way for kids to challenge themselves and

overcome fears in a safe, supervised environment.

For youngsters who aren’t interested in team sports,

rock climbing offers a more individual athletic pursuit

that can also be done as a group.

Because climbing often involves a climber and a

belayer, it’s also a social sport.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL SKILLS

Hanging onto tiny

toe holds and

moving upward

quickly develops

strength and agility.

Rock climbing

isn’t just a physical

challenge; it also

requires a lot of

mental exercise,

planning and

anticipating each

move to get to

the top.

It’s good to look up

and scope out a

route ahead of time

so you can get in

position to make

the right moves.

SAFETY CHECKS

Always climb safely and be

sure your kids know the basic

safety and courtesy rules at

the rock gym.

Climbers should always make

sure knots are tied properly,

their harness is buckled and

double-backed…

… and the rope is securely

strung through the connection

points of the harness.

The belayer needs to make

sure the harness is buckled and

double-backed, the carabiner

is locked and the rope is

exiting the belay device tail-

side down.

LOOK OUT BELOW

When you take your kids climbing, it can be helpful

to do a bit of coaching from below.

You can suggest where to put hands or feet next,

unless you youngster prefers to do it all on his own.

It’s also a good idea to tell your kids to give you a heads-up if they’re starting to fall by calling out

“falling” as a warning to the belayer.

POWERS OF OBSERVATION

Rock gyms are full of all levels of

climber, and a great way for

kids to improve their own

technique is by watching others

and making mental notes.

By observing and practicing

new climbing techniques,

youngsters develop the muscle

memory that pushes skills to a

new level.

Also, the more you climb, the

better your balance, speed

and forearm strength become.

SAVING STRENGTH

Generally, the legs are stronger than

the arms, so conserving forearm

strength is important in climbing.

Climbers should try to keep weight

carried mostly by the legs, using arms

for balance and shifting weight.

Moves requiring a lot of upper body

movement should be

accomplished as quickly as possible

to conserve arm strength.

BASIC GEAR

When your kids first start rock

climbing, rent equipment at the

gym for the first few times to make

sure they’re interested to warrant investing in gear of their own.

Basic equipment consists of a

climbing harness, a rocking carabiner

to attach a belay device to the

harness, and chalk to keep fingers and palms dry to minimize slipping.

Like all climbers, kids should rent

shoes for a while until they get to

know they type of shoe that suits

their climbing style.

From birthday parties to family outings and an afternoon with pals at the rock gym, this amazing

sport is ideal for kids of all ages …

… and a great way to keep the kids active and off the couch this winter!

Join them and you just might find yourself addicted to this growing fitness trend.

Let your kids enjoy the rock climbing experience at

Maplewood Summer Day Camp.

Experienced staff will keep your

child both safe and busy with arts

and crafts, games, water sports,

gymnastics and more.

Visit the site at

http://www.maplewoodyearround.com

MAPLEWOOD COUNTRY DAY CAMP

AND ENRICHMENT CENTER 150 Foundry St. (Route 106)

PO Box 88 (Mailing)

South Easton, MA 02375

Email: info@maplewoodyearround.com

Telephone: (508) 238-2387

FAX: (508) 238-1154