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The Guelph Grotto is situated on the territories of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and Mississauga. Guelph’s colonial borders also hold history of the Haldimand Treaty of 1784, Treaty 3 of 1792, and Anishinaabe language. The Guelph Grotto profits and operates on land that we acknowledge and respect as Indigenous to what is currently Canada.
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
CLASSES, CAMPS, AND MORE!
JUST CLIMB
JUST CLIMB
AN HOUR OF FUSS-FREE CLIMBING
JUST CLIMB
JUST CLIMB
JUST CLIMB
ALL AGES
The Guelph Grotto offers a variety of climbing experiences and lessons available for all skills levels. The Just Climb package is a great way to get into climbing, and is perfect for getting family and friends together - we handle the ropes, you do the climbing! If you're new to climbing and looking for a way to try it out before jumping in head-first, our Just Climb package is perfect for you. We'll pair you (and your friends, family, etc.!) up with a staff belayer, who will handle the ropes and offer you tips throughout an hour of climbing.
Our Just Climb packages can be booked privately or are available for larger groups, and are tailored by the instructors to meet the needs and experience of the participants.
Harness rental included.
At least 72 hours notice needed to make a booking.
For bookings of 10+, please call for availability.
YOUTH STREAMS
YOUTH STREAMS
YOUTH STREAMS
STAGES A & B OF OUR PROGRESSIVE PROGRAMMING
A
A
IS FOR ALPINE
ALPINE STREAM
ALPINE STREAM
SOCIALIZING MADE EASY
The Guelph Grotto's Alpine Stream groups kids into similar age brackets, to create a setting that naturally fosters friendship and socialization through activities and games. The Alpine stream is broken into four programs:
Approach (Ages 6-8): Our Approach program is for children who are not as familiar with climbing gyms. Participants will play climbing games and become more knowledgeable with the basics - how to put on their harness, basic technique, and climbing terms, but ultimately, the focus is on the social aspects of climbing.
Crag (Ages 8-10): Climbers in this program may or may not have had experiences in a climbing gym setting. Participants will play rock climbing games and will learn foundational tools for their rock climbing journey, such as how to put on a harness, tie knots, and belay, but ultimately, the focus is on the social aspects of climbing.
Crux (Ages 10-13): Climbers with minimal climbing experiences will be introduced to more intermediate concepts and skills. Participants will play climbing games and be faced with unique challenges. Along with the basics, Crux climbers will learn to belay, ascend and use an ATC, but ultimately, the focus is on the social aspects of climbing.
Anchors (Ages 13+): The Anchors program caters to those with a basic understanding of how climbing works, though no experience is necessary. This program offers activities to encourage climbers to work together to solve problems. Those in the Anchors program will learn some advanced skills unsuitable for younger climbers, but ultimately, the focus is on the social aspects of climbing.
BETA STREAM
BETA STREAM
LESSON BASED SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Each course in the Beta stream is designed to teach kids different skills based on their experience, as opposed to solely their age. We offer four courses based on different ages and experience levels:
Guppies (Ages 6-8): This program improves basic skills and abilities. Participants get to learn the basics of rock climbing while playing interactive climbing games, reaching personal goals, and learning to safely navigate the climbing gym. Lesson topics include boulder etiquette, fundamental climbing techniques, and gym navigation.
Spotters (Ages 8-11): The Spotters program puts an emphasis on improving skills and abilities. Participants will learn the basics of climbing while enriching their knowledge base with lessons covering topics such as weight distribution and climbing techniques. This program is for those with little to no experience.
Whippers (Ages 9-13): The Whippers program puts an emphasis on creating high-level skills and abilities. Participants will learn the basics of climbing while enriching their knowledge base with lessons covering topics such as injury prevention, and using an ATC. This program is for those with more experience.
Leaders (Ages 12+): The Leaders program puts an emphasis on fine-tuning skills and understanding how to navigate the gym safely around adults. Climbers will have lessons covering topics such as problem setting (making their own climbing wall problems) and mock lead climbing.
B
B
IS FOR BETA
COMPETITIVE TEAMS
COMPETITIVE TEAMS
COMPETITIVE TEAMS
STAGE C OF OUR PROGRESSIVE PROGRAMMING
C
C
IS FOR COMPETITIVE
COMPETITIVE STREAM
COMPETITIVE STREAM
END THE DAY ON TOP OF THE PODIUM
The Guelph Grotto's Competitive Stream is for those looking to take the next step in their climbing journey, and place even more intentionality around skill development and personal improvement. The Competitive Stream is broken into two teams:
Development Team (Ages 9-12): The Development Team is designed to train competitive athletes. Climbers will spend two hours, twice per week, training for competitions while also finding the best version of themselves. Climbers on the Development Team are encouraged to compete in regional competitions. Climbers exiting our Guppies program (who are 9+ years old) or our Beta Stream (and in the age range of the Development Team) may join our Development Team.
Competitive Team (Ages 11+): The Grotto Climbing Team is dedicated, first and foremost, to self-improvement in climbing. Training is split into a number of phases that range from strengthening core muscle groups, to energy saving and mental techniques, all designed to take a climber to the next level. Climbers must compete in regional competitions to join the Competitive Team. Climbers who are of age may try out to join the Competitive Team (tryouts held in September and January each year). Training is 3 semesters per year, Jan-Apr, May-Aug, and Sept-Dec.
Competitive Team Head Coach: Julia Bunko
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
THE MOST UNIQUE PARTY VENUE IN TOWN
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
ALL AGES
Rock climbing offers a rewarding, physical activity for kids both young and old, and the Grotto's birthday party packages let you focus on the climbing and celebrating, while our staff takes care of the rest!
You and your guests will get 1 hour of vertically challenging fun in our gym, with help from our qualified belay staff, followed by 45 minutes in our air-conditioned party room to refuel.
We provide tables, chairs, plates, napkins, cups, cutlery, water, pizza (your choice of pepperoni or cheese), candles, lighter, and knife. You bring your own cake, snacks, and other party goodies.
My First Send
My First Send
START YOUR KID'S CLIMBING JOURNEY
My First Send
MY FIRST SEND
MY FIRST SEND
AGES 4 - 6
Hosted by a Grotto staff and their 4-year-old child, this drop-in style program is designed for parents/guardians who want to help foster their child's love for climbing, who are looking for an active way for their child to spend their weekends, or to just simply have fun!
A parent/guardian must accompany the child attending this program
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