fun at the rock climbing wall tips and tricks
DESCRIPTION
Maplewood Country Day Camp & Enrichment Center in Easton Ma is a fun and exciting place for preschool to 9th grade kids. Their mission is to create a warm, welcoming, creative environment year ‘round that makes everyone feel like family. With caring counselors and specialists, children are guided as they take on new challenges in every step of the way. For further information visit: http://www.maplewoodyearround.com/TRANSCRIPT
FUN AT THE ROCK CLIMBING WALL
Kids are natural climbers,
so the growing sport of
indoor rock climbing
carries a lot of allure for
the younger set.
Many rock gyms have
classes for kids as
young as four, and it’s
a super way to spend
time as a family.
Sign everyone up for a
seminar or training
course and get started
with the right technique
and knowledge of
safety basics.
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT
Rock climbing offers kids amazing opportunities for
individual achievement, and it’s exciting to master new maneuvers and improve on speed, agility and
fundamental climbing moves.
It’s a great way for kids to challenge themselves and
overcome fears in a safe, supervised environment.
For youngsters who aren’t interested in team sports,
rock climbing offers a more individual athletic pursuit
that can also be done as a group.
Because climbing often involves a climber and a
belayer, it’s also a social sport.
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL SKILLS
Hanging onto tiny
toe holds and
moving upward
quickly develops
strength and agility.
Rock climbing
isn’t just a physical
challenge; it also
requires a lot of
mental exercise,
planning and
anticipating each
move to get to
the top.
It’s good to look up
and scope out a
route ahead of time
so you can get in
position to make
the right moves.
SAFETY CHECKS
Always climb safely and be
sure your kids know the basic
safety and courtesy rules at
the rock gym.
Climbers should always make
sure knots are tied properly,
their harness is buckled and
double-backed…
… and the rope is securely
strung through the connection
points of the harness.
The belayer needs to make
sure the harness is buckled and
double-backed, the carabiner
is locked and the rope is
exiting the belay device tail-
side down.
LOOK OUT BELOW
When you take your kids climbing, it can be helpful
to do a bit of coaching from below.
You can suggest where to put hands or feet next,
unless you youngster prefers to do it all on his own.
It’s also a good idea to tell your kids to give you a heads-up if they’re starting to fall by calling out
“falling” as a warning to the belayer.
POWERS OF OBSERVATION
Rock gyms are full of all levels of
climber, and a great way for
kids to improve their own
technique is by watching others
and making mental notes.
By observing and practicing
new climbing techniques,
youngsters develop the muscle
memory that pushes skills to a
new level.
Also, the more you climb, the
better your balance, speed
and forearm strength become.
SAVING STRENGTH
Generally, the legs are stronger than
the arms, so conserving forearm
strength is important in climbing.
Climbers should try to keep weight
carried mostly by the legs, using arms
for balance and shifting weight.
Moves requiring a lot of upper body
movement should be
accomplished as quickly as possible
to conserve arm strength.
BASIC GEAR
When your kids first start rock
climbing, rent equipment at the
gym for the first few times to make
sure they’re interested to warrant investing in gear of their own.
Basic equipment consists of a
climbing harness, a rocking carabiner
to attach a belay device to the
harness, and chalk to keep fingers and palms dry to minimize slipping.
Like all climbers, kids should rent
shoes for a while until they get to
know they type of shoe that suits
their climbing style.
From birthday parties to family outings and an afternoon with pals at the rock gym, this amazing
sport is ideal for kids of all ages …
… and a great way to keep the kids active and off the couch this winter!
Join them and you just might find yourself addicted to this growing fitness trend.
Let your kids enjoy the rock climbing experience at
Maplewood Summer Day Camp.
Experienced staff will keep your
child both safe and busy with arts
and crafts, games, water sports,
gymnastics and more.
Visit the site at
http://www.maplewoodyearround.com
MAPLEWOOD COUNTRY DAY CAMP
AND ENRICHMENT CENTER 150 Foundry St. (Route 106)
PO Box 88 (Mailing)
South Easton, MA 02375
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (508) 238-2387
FAX: (508) 238-1154