Youth Climbing
Alongside the Village’s amazing Climbing facilities, YMCA runs a number of purpose-designed Climbing sessions for young people of all abilities. All sessions are supervised by qualified YMCA staff, here to keep you safe and help you have fun while reaching your goals!
What’s on for young people
WILD Climbers
Climbing sessions designed for children aged 5-7, with the goal of introducing them to the NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme) while having fun and exploring the climbing environment in an adventure-packed session. The sessions focus on developing key skills such as agility, balance, coordination, and teamwork. Sessions are 1 hour long and can be booked as a term (in line with the school calendar). Progress sticker books are available for £15 to track their progress. Look out for our WILD Taster Sessions during the school holidays.
NICAS Level 1-5
The National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (Nicas) is a fun and educational way to introduce 8-18-year-olds to climbing. Our Nicas Level 1-5 sessions are designed to help young climbers progress through the levels and improve their skills. Sessions are 2 hours long and can be booked as a term (in line with the school calendar). Log books are available for £9 to track their progress and award each level attained. Look out for our NICAS Taster Sessions during the school holidays.
Youth Climbing
Our Youth Climbing sessions are perfect for youths aged 11-17 who are keen to try climbing for the first time. We offer Taster Sessions as part of our Villager Youth membership offer, which is a great way to learn basic climbing skills and get a taste of what climbing is all about. These sessions are also available for ages 8-10 year olds as pay as you go members.
Open Climbing
If you’re under 18 and want to climb at our facility, you can attend our Open Climbing sessions as long as you’re accompanied by a ‘competent’ climber parent or guardian who has completed a novice supervision induction (waiver). This ensures that our young climbers are safe while they climb. The supervising parent is responsible for belaying their children, and can supervise a maximum of two under 18’s.
Climbing Pricing
For everyone aged 4+
Clip ‘n Climb is a fun and thrilling climbing experience loved by millions, and now with a home at YMCA Village.
With 15 exciting climbing challenges Clip ‘n Climb is for everyone, regardless of climbing ability!
How to book
For regular 75 minute sessions of up to 14 people, simply click on the button below to book online, or give Reception a call.
Available:
Monday – Friday
4:30 – 5:45pm
5:45 to 7pm
Saturday
9:15- 10.30am
10:30- 11.45am
11:45m – 1pm
1.30-2:45pm
2.45-4pm
4:30-5:45pm
Sunday
10:30-11:45am
11:45am – 1:00pm
1:30-2:45pm
2:45-4:00pm
Group Sessions and Party Packages
Whatever the occasion, if you’re looking for a fun an active way to get together- both Clip ‘n Climb and our climbing wall provide an exciting and memorable way to celebrate any occasion, from birthday parties to schools and business team building days.
Experience the different activities a climbing wall has to offer with our 90-minute coach guided climbing session for those aged 6+
- Prices start at £99 for every 8 climbers
Take on our fun climbing challenges that our clip n climb has to offer with exclusive use of the space in a 75-minute, coach supported session for up to 14 climbers aged 4+
- Prices start from £120 for off peak
Additionally, there is the opportunity to include food packages and refreshments from our café to make your time with us even more memorable.
Acknowledgement of risk forms
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Parental Consent
Must be completed by parent/ legal guardian only
*This needs including for clip n climb and nicas or any other session
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Unsupervised Climber 18+
For any competent adult climber who knows how to belay and is booking an open climbing session
For any adult climber who will be rope climbing in an open session
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Unsupervised Bouldering and auto belay only 18+
Unsupervised Bouldering and auto belay only 18+
For any competent adult climber who knows how to boulder and/or use the auto belay and is booking an open climbing session
FAQs
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What is the focus of YMCA’s Youth Climbing programs?
YMCA offers purpose-designed climbing sessions for young people of all abilities. These sessions aim to keep participants safe while helping them have fun and be awarded their climbing goals.
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What age groups are covered in the Youth Climbing programs?
The programs cater to various age groups:
NICAS Wild Climbers: Ages 5-7
NICAS Level 1-4: Ages 8-18
Youth Climbing sessions: Ages 11-17 (also available for 8-10 year olds as pay-as-you-go members)
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What is NICAS Wild Climbers?
This program is designed for children aged 5-7. It introduces them to the NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme) while focusing on key skills like agility, balance, coordination, and teamwork. Sessions are 1 hour long and held throughout the week. Progress sticker books are available for £15.
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What is NICAS Level 1-4?
NICAS Level 1-4 is aimed at 8-18-year-olds. It helps young climbers progress through levels and improve their skills. Once climbers are awarded levels 1-3, they can join the Level 4 program, designed for 12-18-year-olds who want to advance their climbing skills.
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What are the Youth Climbing sessions?
These sessions are perfect for youths aged 11-17 who are keen to try climbing for the first time. Taster Sessions are offered as part of the Villager Youth membership, which is a great way to learn basic climbing skills.
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Can young people climb without supervision?
Young people under 18 can attend Open Climbing sessions but must be accompanied by a ‘competent’ climber parent or guardian who has completed a novice supervision induction.
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What are the pricing options?
Pricing varies based on the program and membership type:
Wild Climbers: £60 for a 6-week block with membership, £70 without.
NICAS: £50 for a 6-week block with Villager Youth membership, £90 with Supporter membership, £115 without.
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Are there any group sessions or party packages?
Both Clip ‘n Climb and the climbing wall offer group sessions and party packages for various occasions. Prices start at £99 for every 8 climbers.