For climbers ages 8–17 who are looking to grow in the sport, build confidence, and become more involved in climbing—whether recreationally or competitively—Rock Haven offers structured Youth Team programs designed to support every level of progression.

Our teams focus on developing strong fundamentals, improving technique, and building strength, while creating a fun, supportive, and motivating environment. Athletes will gain confidence on the wall, learn how to project climbs, and develop problem-solving skills that translate both in and out of the gym.

Is your child or teen interested in Climbing Team? We’re hosting Trial Days this August, two afternoons for any youth ages 8-17 to try climbing and experience what team practices are all about. See our link below to register!

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Designed for younger climbers ages 8–12, the Development Team is a great introduction to structured training and team-based climbing.

Practices are held Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30–6:00 PM during the school year. Each session includes warm-ups, skill-building drills, climbing technique, and supervised projecting. Fun climbing games are incorporated into every practice to keep athletes engaged and excited while they learn.

As our Development Team is geared toward youth climbers with less experience but also looking for moderate to intensive practices, you may sign up throughout the school year (competition season), which runs September through June. In order to benefit from the team experience, we ask that youth plan to participate for a minimum of three months from when they sign up. Registration for Dev Team requires coach approval. 

COMPETITIVE TEAM

For climbers ages 10–18 who are ready for more focused training, the Competitive Team provides a higher level of coaching and commitment.

Practices are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00–7:00 PM and include structured warm-ups, strength and conditioning, advanced drills, and projecting. While competing is not required, athletes are strongly encouraged to participate in youth competitions to further develop their skills and experience.

The Comp Team is targeted toward youth who are interested in and committed to improving their climbing, whether that is to compete in USAC events or other competitions, or to take the sport more seriously and climb regularly in gyms and/or outdoors. Registration for our Comp Team requires coach approval and must be for the entirety of Fall, Winter and/or Spring. No mid-season registrations will be allowed (exceptions may apply if a youth is coming from another climbing team). 

Registration periods are as follows:

• Fall 2026 – must register by Sept 15, 2026 and commit to the time period September-December.
• Winter 2027 – must register by Jan 10, 2027 and commit to the time period January-March.
• Spring 2027 – must register by April 10, 2027 and commit to April – June, or longer if the team member is in competition and goes to Divisionals or Nationals.

YOUTH COMPETITIONS

Rock Haven proudly supports youth competition climbing through USA Climbing (https://usaclimbing.org/), the national governing body for the sport.

Each season, Rock Haven hosts a youth qualifying event, along with other local climbing gyms in the region. These events are a great way for athletes to challenge themselves, meet other climbers, and experience the excitement of competition.

We also welcome community involvement—volunteers are always needed, so keep an eye on emails or ask our staff in the gym if you’d like to help.

GET STARTED

The best way to learn more about our climbing teams is to try a practice with us! Email Ben (contact info below) or call the gym at 503-512-5511 to schedule an afternoon for your child or teen to try a practice session.

Other questions? Email our Head Coach Ben at ben@rockhavenclimbing.com.