Development Programs

If your child is passionate about rock climbing and has experience, then our youth development program can help your child take their rock climbing and/or bouldering to the next level. One of the main benefits of our rock climbing youth development programs in Ontario is that they help young people develop confidence and self-esteem. Conquering a difficult rock face can give a real sense of achievement, and the sense of camaraderie within the group can be very supportive. These indoor rock climbing programs can also help to improve physical fitness and coordination. Plus, rock climbing is a life-long skill that your child can perfect and take to whatever level they desire. To learn more and get started, contact us today!

Our development program is focused towards youth who are interested in improving as climbers with the potential to enter the competitive stream or simply progress through the sport as passionate lifelong climbers. This program is not geared towards first-time climbers. The program sessions are divided by age, based on competitive climbing categories determined by birth year, and ability, as explained below.

Funding may be available for low-income families to cover the cost of our climbing programs. Please view our Funding Resources page for more information.

Questions about our programs? Email Program Manager Alana Stevenson: alana@junctionclimbing.com.

Available Development Classes

Lemurs (formerly E/F age categories)

This age group is for kids born 2016-2019.

Session Details:

  • September-December session runs September 20-December 5

  • No class during the week of Thanksgiving (Oct 11-17)

  • Level 1 - Fridays at 6:15pm

  • Level 2 - Tuesdays at 6:15pm

  • Level 3 - Wednesdays at 6:15pm

Duration/Price (September-December 2024 session):

  • 10x 60-minute classes @ $330.00 per child (includes HST)

    • $6.00 from every registration goes into our youth scholarship fund to help eliminate financial barriers to climbing

  • Includes harness/climbing shoe rentals during class time

  • Optional membership add-on for $90.00 so your child(ren) can climb outside of class time

    • This membership is valid from your child’s first day of class until their last day of class

    • Can add unlimited gear rental to this membership for $52.00 in lieu of renting a harness & shoes each visit

Chimpanzees (formerly C/D age categories)

This age group is for kids born 2012-2015.

Session Details:

  • September-December session runs September 20-December 5

    • Thursdays will go until December 12

  • No class during the week of Thanksgiving (Oct 11-17), or Halloween (Oct 31)

  • Level 1 - Tuesdays at 7:45pm (60 minutes)

  • Level 2 - Mondays at 6:15pm (75 minutes)

  • Level 3 - Thursdays at 6:15pm (75 minutes)

Duration/Price (September-December 2024 session):

  • 10x 60-minute classes @ $330.00 per child (includes HST)

  • 10x 75-minute classes @ $400.00 per child (includes HST)

    • $6.00 from every registration goes into our youth scholarship fund to help eliminate financial barriers to climbing

  • Includes harness/climbing shoe rentals during class time

  • Optional membership add-on for $90.00 so your child(ren) can climb outside of class time

    • This membership is valid from your child’s first day of class until their last day of class

    • Can add unlimited gear rental to this membership for $52.00 in lieu of renting a harness & shoes each visit

Gorillas (formerly A/B age categories)

This age group is for kids born 2008-2011.

Session Details:

  • September-December session runs September 20-December 5

  • No class during the week of Thanksgiving (Oct 11-17)

    • Thursdays will go until December 12

  • No class during the week of Thanksgiving (Oct 11-17), or Halloween (Oct 31)

  • Level 1 - Wednesdays at 7:45pm (60 minutes)

  • Level 2 - Tuesdays at 8:00pm (75 minutes)

  • Level 3 - Thursdays at 8:00pm (75 minutes)

Duration/Price (September-December 2024 session):

  • 10x 60-minute classes @ $330.00 per child (includes HST)

  • 10x 75-minute classes @ 400.00 per child (includes HST)

    • $6.00 from every registration goes into our youth scholarship fund to help eliminate financial barriers to climbing

  • Includes harness/climbing shoe rentals during class time

  • Optional membership add-on for $90.00 so your child(ren) can climb outside of class time

    • This membership is valid from your child’s first day of class until their last day of class

    • Can add unlimited gear rental to this membership for $52.00 in lieu of renting a harness & shoes each visit

Program Policies - Please Read Before You Book:

  • Deposit and Cancellation: At the time of registration, you will be required to pay the entire cost. 50% of this cost will be considered a deposit in case of cancellation. Cancellations of any booking must be submitted in writing to alana@junctionclimbing.com two weeks before the first class to receive a full refund. Cancellations inside of two weeks will receive a Junction gift card for the amount paid, less 50% of the total cost which is considered the deposit. If minimum participant numbers have not been reached two weeks prior to the start of the program, you will be notified (via the email provided at the time of booking) that the program will be canceled, and the amount paid will be refunded in full via the method of payment used on registration. In the event of a mandated closure of the business due to a public health order (or similar circumstance), refunds will be issued for the prorated amount for the days missed, less 50% of the total cost which is considered the deposit. Exceptions to the above are wholly and entirely at the Junction's discretion. Junction's desk staff do not have the ability or authority to process refunds for lessons, programs, or camps. All inquiries for these should go to alana@junctionclimbing.com.

  • Class Dates: Registration for programs is limited to the specific day chosen. It is your responsibility to attend your selected program and alternate make-up days will not be provided.

  • Development Program Skill Levels: The Development Program is designed to have skill-based levels per age category and placement will be determined by our instructors. Any child new to our youth programming must start at level 1. Our instructors reserve the right to move your child into a higher or lower level based on their climbing development and/or if they believe your child would perform better in a different level. Since this may involve switching class days, you will be contacted before any changes are made.

  • Inclement Weather: If an evening of classes needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather (such as blowing snow, ice, road conditions, storms, or power outages), we will contact you via the email address provided by 4:00pm on the day. We will be taking cues from Environment Canada, the Thames Valley District School Board, Western University, and Fanshawe College about the cancellation of evening classes. Please note that weather and road conditions locally may be different from your area. There will be no makeup classes or refunds in the event of inclement weather.