Climbing for Families

The mission of Climbing for Families is to utilize the fun and challenge of climbing to build stronger families.

This mission is grounded in the fact that climbing creates a powerful context, which facilitates…

  • A deepened awareness of mind, body and spirit
  • A strong bond of trust and confidence
  • Careful practice of clear and open communication

Climbing for Families provides a context in which greater understanding of self, confidence and trust in one’s partner, and communication about one’s own needs is fostered. In Climbing for Families, application of these same skills and experiences to enhance everyday family relationships will be discussed and modeled.

SESSION 1

Session I is designed for novice and beginning climbers and includes a basic introduction to climbing and communication techniques as follows:

Climbing Skills

  • Centered Climber techniques
  • Basic rope handling, knots, belaying, and careful
    progression of climbs develop trust and confidence

Communication Skills

  • Interpersonal contracts
  • Personal growth contracts
  • Risk Assessment Model
  • Personal Assessment Models
  • Post-event Processing Model

Dates and Times
June 5 (6:00-8:00 pm)
June 6-8 (4:30-8:30)

June 26 (6:00-8:00 pm)
June 27-29 (8:30-4:30)

July 10 (6:00-8:00 pm)
July 11-13 (8:30-4:30)

July 24 (6:00-8:00 pm)
July 25-27 (8:30-4:30)

Climbing Locations Include:
Eldorado Canyon, Flatirons, and Boulder Canyon

SESSION II

Session II is designed to build upon skills
introduced in Session I in order to progress to
an intermediate-level of climbing including the
following:

Climbing Skills

  • Introduction to protection and anchor systems and multi-pitch climbing
  • Rappelling
  • A culminating multi-pitch climb

Communication Skills

  • Continued application of techniques introduced in Session I

Dates and Times
July 31 (6:00-8:00 pm)
August 1-3 (8:30-4:30)

August 7 (6:00-8:00 pm)
August 8-10 (8:30-4:30)

August 21 (6:00-8:00 pm)
August 22-24 (8:30-4:30)

Session II dates may be used for Session I
courses based on enrollment requests

Climbing Locations Include:
Eldorado Canyon, Flatirons, and Boulder Canyon

PROGRAM LOGISTICS

  • Sessions operate with 3-4 pairs to form 6-8
    person teams
  • Pairs can be any combination such as father-son,
    father-daughter, mother-son, or with uncles,
    aunts, big brothers or sisters, mentors, etc.
  • Build your own team and the team leader will
    receive a tuition discount or we will coordinate
    a team for you
  • Custom sessions for smaller groups or entire
    families are available upon request (see OLTS
    web site for other program offerings)
  • Sessions for dates other than those listed are
    available upon request

PROGRAM COSTS

  • Session I, $495 per pair
  • Session II, $495 per pair
  • Team leaders pay $450 per pair

All participants must rent climbing shoes for each of the three field days. Local climbing stores rent shoes for $5-$10 per day. Be sure to reserve shoes at least a week in advance.

All other climbing equipment will be provided.

Sign Up:

To further discuss Climbing for Families or to receive registration materials contact Program Director, John P. Engel, at 303-919-5580 or Contact Us Form.