Youth Climbing

At Peregrine, we believe that climbing for kids develops confidence, coordination, respect for the environment and leadership in a unique way. We focus on building these using different programs designed for specific age groups:

Pika Skills (level 1 and level 2: ages 8-12)

Mountain Goat Skills (level 1 and 2: ages 13-16)

Peregrine Skills (level 2: ages 11 -16)

Each of these focuses on the skills needed to become confident and competent climbers.    All courses start and end in front of Back Country Essentials in Bellingham from 8 am to 4 pm.

2012 Summer Programs

One-day Rock (ages 8-13) – $130

Dates – April(spring break) 2; 6; May 28 (Memorial Day); July 9; 12; 23 August 20; 22; 27; 31 September 1; 2

One full day on the rock at scenic Mt Erie, Washington

students will learn -

  • rappelling
  • movement on rock
  • basic knots

Two-day Rock (ages 8-13) – $230

2011 dates:  April 2-3 (spring break); July 5,6; August 2,3; September 1,2

For some kids, two days on the rock is just perfect. For others, this will just the beginning of their love of climbing. Treat your kids to a taste of just how much fun growing up in the Northwest can be!

Students will learn:

  • basic knots
  • rappelling
  • movement on the rock
  • belaying
  • intro to climbing equipment
  • intro to crack, friction and face climbing

Five Day Pikas Rock Course (ages 10-13) – $460
2011 dates: April 2-6 (spring break); July 9 – 13; August 20-24 ; September 1-5

This week-long rock adventure proves to be a challenging, fun and exceptionally rewarding experience that will never be forgotten. During the first two days students will find their pace on the rock. They can expect to become comfortable with basic knots and rock movement. On day three we begin building on technical skills by examining rock anchors, placing rock gear, and an introduction to rock rescue. On the last two days students will experience an increased trust in the system and their own skills. By this time movement on the rock becomes more fluid and comfortable, and students will get the opportunity to climb multi-pitch routes (a climb consisting of more than one rope length).

Reserve Space

Orienteering (ages 10-13) – $85
2011 dates: August 23; September 4 Orienteering is both a mental and a physical exercise and should be part of the foundation of a solid mountain education. These fun-filled one-day courses will be spent learning the fundamentals of map and compass use, practicing these skills using fun and engaging orienteering projects. By the end of the course the students will get the opportunity to experiment with a GPS.  

Mountain Goat Skills** (ages 13 – 16):

Two-day rock – $230
2011 dates: August 16 and 17 For some, two days on the rock is just perfect, for others this is just the beginning. Give your son or daughter an opportunity to pick up this healthy lifelong addiction.
Students will learn: basic knots, rappelling, movement on the rock, belaying and an intro to climbing equipment.

Five-Day Rock – $460
2011 dates: July 12-16; August 16-20 We spend the first few days becoming comfortable with the foundational skills of rock craft.  From there, we start to build by challenging and helping students develop their technical and movement skills, as all participants show up with different natural instincts.  By the end of the week, students will be able to understand and practice rope rescue and in some cases we will have climbed multi-pitch routes (a climb consisting of more than one rope length).
Mountain Goat skills include:

  • identifying traditional rock climbing gear
  • setting traditional rock anchors
  • following a traditional climbing pitch
  • climbing movement skills: Center Of Mass; Power vs. Strength; Static vs. dynamic movement
  • basic mental skills of control on the rock, along with techniques used to dissipate the effects of stress
  • multi-pitch climbing systems
  • partner rescue

 

Alpine Climbing – $410
2011 dates: July 23-25; August 13-15

Using the glacier peaks of the North Cascades, adolescents learn to trust themselves and work towards a common goal on a bigger scale. The skills in this course translate into skills and confidence that can be used throughout life. This course covers:

  • back-country camping skills
  • basic rock systems and movement skills
  • multi-pitch climbing
  • mountain navigation, route planning and time management
  • mountain fitness, nutrition, and training
  • movement on steep snow and ice
  • glacier travel and crevasse rescue
  • technical snow systems
  • how to put it all together!

 

 

 

 

 

*The pika, is a cousin of the rabbit with short limbs, rounded ears, and short tail. Pikas are also called rock rabbits or coneys. They are also known as the “whistling hare” due to their high-pitched alarm call when diving into its burrow. Most species live on rocky mountainsides. Human activity appears to be pushing the American pika population to ever-higher altitudes and thus possibly toward extinction. A percentage of profits generated by the pika program will be donated to help the Pika.

 

 

** The Mountain Goat resides at high elevations and is a sure-footed climber, often resting on rocky cliffs that predators cannot reach. Any ledge or rocky terrain can easily be claimed by these creatures. Mountain goats have seen a decline of nearly 90% in the Skagit and Darrington regions of the Washington Cascades, meaning they could use some help to secure their future.  A percentage of profits generated by the mountain goat program will be donated to help the NW mountain goat.