The Benefits of Rock Climbing for Kids

Rock climbing helps kids move their bodies, focus their minds, and believe in themselves. Coach Michelle Mitchel shares what makes Sender One’s climbing camps a launchpad for lifelong skills.

PHOTO FROM SENDER ONE

Rock climbing may look like an individual sport, but ask any parent who has watched their child scale a wall for the first time, it's so much more. At Sender One Climbing Gym, kids are learning how to move, how to think, and how to push past fear, one foothold at a time.

We sat down with Michelle Mitchel, a longtime coach and instructor, to talk about the benefits of climbing for kids. With over a decade of experience coaching both soccer and climbing, Michelle shared her thoughts on everything from confidence-building to fear management, and what a typical day looks like inside Sender One’s popular youth programs.

Getting Started with Kids in Climbing

Outdoor Dad: How did you get started in coaching kids?
Michelle Mitchel: I started as a youth soccer coach. I’ve always loved working with kids and helping them gain confidence through movement. Eventually, I transitioned into climbing and never looked back.

Is Climbing Safe for Kids?

OD: A lot of parents ask — is climbing dangerous?
MM: Climbing is inherently risky, but if you learn how to do it safely, it becomes really fun. We teach kids how to use harnesses and belays properly, and we always supervise closely. Safety is the foundation of every lesson.

Helping Kids Overcome Fear

OD: How do you help kids who are afraid of heights?
MM: We start with small wins. At Sender City, kids use auto belays so they can climb as high as they feel comfortable. We usually start them around six feet off the ground, just to get used to the feeling. Once they realize it feels the same whether they’re six feet or 20 feet up, their confidence starts to grow. Over time, that fear melts away.

Why Climbing is So Good for Kids

OD: What are the short and long-term benefits of climbing for kids?
MM: In the short term, climbing gets kids moving, which is more important than ever. But the long-term benefits are what make climbing so special. It teaches problem-solving, emotional regulation, and resilience. Sometimes they get stuck or frustrated — and that’s when they learn to take a breath, think it through, and try again. Those lessons carry into school, friendships, and other sports.

OD: Do you see their self-confidence grow?
MM: Absolutely. You can see it happen in real time when they reach the top of a route they thought was too hard for them. That sense of accomplishment stays with them.

Inside the Sender One Kids Camp Experience

OD: What’s a typical day like at Sender One’s kids camps?
MM: Any child can join — no prior experience needed. We start the day by getting everyone comfortable in the space. Then we go over the rules, teach basic climbing skills, and mix in games and free climbing time.

Throughout the week, we introduce new activities like the giant swing, zip line, slack line, bouldering, top roping, and Sender City. The camps are designed to keep things fun and challenging. We recommend kids be at least six or seven to join. Camps go up to age 13.

Final Thoughts

Climbing gives kids more than just stronger arms. It gives them the chance to move their bodies, trust themselves, and support each other. Whether they’re just scrambling up six feet or tackling a top rope for the first time, the process teaches them something real.

If your child is curious about climbing, Sender One is a great place to start.

📍 Learn More

Visit Sender One Climbing for more about their youth programs and camps.