Every parent goes through the stage when they’re trying to stop their kid from climbing on everything, but what if there was an avenue that encouraged them to climb, safely? Insert rock climbing for kids! Studies show climbing is linked to physical, mental, and social benefits. Why not give it a try?
Improve Problem Solving Skills
When climbing, a child uses problem solving skills to correctly position their body and anticipate their next move. It’s just as much a mental sport as it is a physical sport. All of these decisions are completely up to the climber, so the child learns to keep trying, even if their first attempt doesn’t work.
Every route is different and gives the climber a new problem to solve. These problem-solving skills translate to a child’s success in the real world, where so many choices are thrown their way on a daily basis.
Cultivate Confidence
There aren’t many things as fulfilling to a child as being able to do something they thought was hard. With rock climbing, a child is constantly pushing their limits and achieving new goals! This fuels their confidence and makes them feel like they can tackle anything.Â
Climbing and overcoming fears, such as the fear of heights, boosts self-esteem and empowers children to overcome physical and mental struggles in day-to-day life.Â
Strengthen Motor Skills
Children are notoriously clumsy and for a good reason. They are constantly learning how to handle their growing bodies! There is no better place or activity to help children improve their hand, foot, and eye coordination than rock climbing. Rock climbing has also been found to increase balance, flexibility, and agility in children and adults.
When climbing, a child must figure out how to position their feet and hands on the holds along with balancing and looking for their next move. When using both hands and feet on varying inclines and routes, it greatly increases a child’s perception.
Increase Endurance and Strength
Rock climbing is incredibly fulfilling and fun, while simultaneously being a great workout! However, unlike other sports, rock climbing is a sport everyone can succeed in. You grow at your own pace, which is surprisingly fast with climbing. Rock climbing is a high endurance sport, which teaches children to never give up, even when they are tired. Climbing up 40+ feet in one push is not an easy feat.Â
Just like any other sport or activity that is physically demanding, your body releases endorphins that make you feel great. Children thrive off of these endorphins and fall in love with climbing.
Alta Climbing for Kids
Alta Climbing offers summer camps, after-school programs, climbing classes, and recreational and competitive teams. Programs are available for children and teens ages 3-18 with varying curriculum for ages. Sign your kids up today!
