Washington County Community College Offers Youth Climbing Program

February 2, 2017

If you have or know a child or adolescent in the Calais area with an interest in learning how to climb, Washington County Community College [WCCC] is now offering a youth climbing program for exactly that purpose. Youths between the grades of 3-8 are invited to come and join in the weekly classes, which will run from January 31st to March 24th.

While Outdoor Adventure Center [OAC] director Scott Fraser says that the “emphasis is on fun”, participants will be given formal lessons by the staff of the WCCC Rock Wall, all of whom are Adventure Recreation students certified through the Professional Climbing Instructors Association. After each lesson, participants will have ample climbing time to practice what they have learned.

“Our goal is to get kids to have a fun recreational experience and include some educational programming to learn about knots and ropes and climbing techniques,” Fraser said. The classes will cover a range of basic concepts, including belay techniques, movement over rock, and equipment care and use

There will be three groups of classes divided by grade with each group held at a different time. Grades 3-4 will have their classes on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30, grades 5-6 will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30, and grades 7-8 will be held on Wednesdays from 7-8. The schedule was designed around the recreational basketball schedule to enable youths that participate in both basketball and climbing.

There is a cost of $40 for each youth for the entire seven-week program with a 20 percent discount given to families with at least one family member holding a military ID. Registration is limited to twelve youths in each group and pre-registration is recommended if possible. To register, visit www.wccc.me.edu/oac. To learn more, go to www.facebook.com/WCCCOAC or call 454-1060.