Introduction to Organized Youth Climbing (ages 6-8)

Any gear not listed here will be provided to participants for no additional charge. If you have your own climbing gear that isn't listed here, you are encouraged to bring it.

• Athletic clothes you can move and stretch in
• Water and snacks

If a practice is missed, participants may make it up during their current enrollment period. Make-up practices take place during our regular Youth Trial/drop-in sessions. To schedule a make-up, please contact the front desk at Sportrock Lorton (7035631750) or submit a ticket through the SR Portal at least 48 hours in advance. Make-up sessions are offered as a courtesy and are subject to availability, as space depends on existing group sessions.

Participants may make up a maximum of three missed practices per session. After that, no additional make-ups or prorated fees will be offered. We encourage attending all scheduled practices to get the most out of each training block.

Thank you for your understanding and support!

In order to receive a full refund to the card used for initial payment, cancellations must be made at least 10 days prior to the first day of your program. Any cancellations made between 5 days and 10 days prior to the first day will receive a credit for the full value of the class to use towards future bookings at Sportrock. Any cancellations made after 5 days prior will receive no refund. Rescheduling for a different time is always allowed.

Welcome to the World of Climbing!

Our Intro to Organized Youth Climbing (IOYC) course is the starting point for young climbers at Sportrock. Think of it as Youth Climbing 101—a fun and structured introduction to the sport.

Over the course of 8 weeks, kids will learn the essentials: gym etiquette and awareness, core safety skills, basic movement and technique on the wall, and an introduction to ropes, bouldering, and projecting. They’ll also get a feel for what it’s like to be part of a climbing team.

If your child is brand new to climbing or has only a little experience, this is the perfect place to begin. All gear is provided—just come ready to learn and climb. Our instructors focus on building confidence while teaching and reinforcing key skills, safety, and technique in a supportive environment.

What’s next?

After completing IOYC, climbers move on to one of three pathways:

Recreational Climbing Club – A fun, social space to keep climbing and building skills.

S1 Team – A more structured program for kids who want to progress with coaching and possibly try competitions.

Teen Climbing Crew – A peer-led option for older youth who want to climb socially once or twice a week.

Throughout the course, our instructors will help you identify the best next step for your child based on their interests and progress. After enrolling in IOYC, you’ll receive links to register for Rec Club or S1 when the time is right.

This course is the foundation for a long runway of growth at Sportrock, and we’re excited to help your child begin their climbing journey.

For any questions, please reach out to our Youth Programs Coordinator, Corvin Lazar, at Clazar@sportrock.com