Get a Grip

Rock Climbing

The Get a Grip program has become one of our most popular programs since it’s introduction back in 2015. Get a Grip gives a comprehensive introduction to both indoor and outdoor climbing.

This program runs for 4 weeks in May and June.

Who it’s for

Youth 12 – 18 years old who want to learn to climb, belay, and explore both indoor climbing and outdoor climbing.

What to expect

With the support of our Program Leads, participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of belaying, communication, and terminology, developing these skills throughout the program.

As the program progresses, basic movement lessons are provided to help each participant improve their technique and build confidence on the wall, both in rope climbing and bouldering. The indoor climbing gym is a great location to learn and practice new skills in a controlled environment. At the climbing gym, each participant can progress at their own pace and challenge themselves with a variety of different routes in the gym, before we head outdoors to the Skaha Bluffs.

What you’ll learn

Each week of the program has a different theme to help prepare the participants to better face the challenges that both life and climbing will bring. By the end of the program, participants will have gained experience in: 

  • How to tie a figure 8 follow through knot and safely belay 
  • Rope climbing and bouldering skills
  • How to use trust, teamwork, and communication to connect with peers and become a part of the climbing community

Getting there

In an effort to make the sport more accessible, Elevation Outdoors provides transportation from 4 central meeting locations in Kelowna and West Kelowna to make it easier for participants to join us.

Dates

Indoor Climbs:
Tuesday & Thursday evenings in May at Beyond the Crux Climbing Gym.

2026 Get a Grip dates are TBD.

Outdoor Climbs:
2 Saturdays (full days) at Skaha Bluffs

Cost

Spots are available on scholarship for youth that meet our eligibility criteria. Scholarships cover 100% of the costs to participate.

Partial funding may be available for families that do not meet scholarship criteria but still face financial barriers.

Limited paid spots are available, at a cost of $375 per spot.

Presenting Sponsor

We are currently looking for a presenting sponsor to help us make this program possible.  If you or your company would like to support this program please contact our Executive Director at mike@elevationoutdoors.ca to have a conversation and help us change the lives of local youth.

Scholarship Seat Sponsors

Thank you to these great organizations for their support in helping us break down barriers to participation.

Product Sponsors

A big THANK YOU to the following Organization Sponsors who contribute in a wide array of manners to help us have the impact we do in our community.

Central Okanagan Food Bank Logo
City of Kelowna Logo
Central Okanagan Foundation Logo

We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

Ce projet a été rendu possible grâce au gouvernement du Canada par l’entremise de
l’initiative Le sport communautaire pour tous. Éliminer les obstacles et augmenter les taux de participation au sport chez les populations
sous-représentées sont en tête des priorités du gouvernement du Canada.

Pour plus d’informations sur nos programmes en français, envoie un courriel à programs@elevationoutdoors.ca

Interested in volunteering?