A few weeks back we were lucky to host another fantastic community group at our Great Western Power Co. gym and we just heard back from the group that came. The group, OASES is a community group that has a clear mission to "empower youth who have limited resources, particularly those in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities of Oakland, to maximize their potential through educational services and social support. "

They came to our GWPC location for a day of climbing and fun and by the sounds of things, both of those goals were completely met, and surpassed. Here's what they had to say back to us:

Thank you, Great Western Power Company for helping to organize and facilitate such a wonderful Rock Climbing adventure for our girls sports program at OASES! The gym staff was incredibly welcoming, patient, and supportive working with the girls. Of the 18 girls who climbed, only a few had experienced rock-climbing before. In the days leading up to the fieldtrip, there was a huge range of emotions within our group: some girls were so excited and counted down the days, while others grew more and more afraid and intimidated. Even though many girls were frightened, the atmosphere of the gym was laid-back enough that all of the girls felt confident to climb a few routes, and many made it to the top! By the end, all of the girls wanted to stay longer, especially those who had been the most afraid!

The fieldtrip to GWPC was the highlight of our semester working with girls in sports. It offered our students a chance to succeed individually and to be supportive as a team. For our students who rarely venture outside of Oakland Chinatown, going to a rock-climbing gym is a unique opportunity that we are all grateful to be a part of.

In our students’ words:

“It was the best part when I reach to the top.” -Tina, 3rd grade

“People inspired me to go higher and I did.” -Hillari, 5th grade

“It was pretty scary when I touched the rocks, but I wasn’t so scared after I tried it.” -Theresa, 4th grade

“The best part is climbing the rock.” -- Cecilia, 3rd grade.

Thank you GWPC!!!

Thank You everyone at OASES. We hope you continue to make us part of your progam's future plans!

Labels: Community Group, Great Western Power Co., kids, OASES, Testimonial

Welcome back to the work week. Monday kicks off with Sacramento Pipeworks getting a great testimonial from a community group they recently hosted in their gym. Looks like everyone had a great time and most importantly, a whole lot was learned by all.

The group, called SKYLAB, is a community group that strives to better the lives of youth by giving them a safe harbor to figure out exactly who they are. According to the testimonial they sent, SKYLAB "believes that youth are valuable assets with important ideas, and therefore seeks to provide a safe, creative, nurturing space in which children can pursue their own interests as well as work together to ask questions and present creative solutions to community problems." We couldn't agree more and all of us at Touchstone Climbing agree that children are the most valuable assets. At any rate, here's what some of the kids had to say:

• Christina (11, first time going) said: “Rock climbing was perfect and interesting. I was surprised when I got further past the green and pink rock than I thought that I could. I felt safe, supported and not gonna fall.”
• Dale (9) “I went mostly on all of the walls. When I felt most scared I remembered my past good experiences rock climbing.”
• Mikael (first time going) “I didn’t like the harness but I liked the climbing rope [exercise rope].”
• Jasmine (8) “I had fun. When I was scared I got over the fear by pushing on.”
• Emma (18, Student Intern) “I saw all of the kids finish the day going twice as high as they were in the morning. It was really neat to see.”

Thanks again for a great time and we're looking forward to working with you more in the upcoming future!

Labels: climbing, Community Group, kids, Sacramento Pipeworks, SKYLAB

The end of March brought a great event into our Berkeley Ironworks location. We're still waiting on an official testimonial from the group, but nevertheless, by the looks of the photo and hearing from those that were at the event, it was both educational and extremely fun.

At any rate, on March 29th, 18 teenagers from a group called "Next Generation Scholars," stopped by for a day out. During their visit to Berkeley Ironworks they learned to both climb, and belay for the very first time. "Next Generation Scholars" is an organization that serves underprivileged college-bound Marin-based high school students. Megan, the Program Coordinator, was quick to describe the event and the day they spent with us as "rewarding" and that she looks "forward to working with you again in the future."

Thanks for hosting your event with us, we can't wait to have you back and look forward to hearing

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, community, Community Group, kids, Next Generation Scholars

At our Mission Cliffs gym recently, we were lucky enough to play host to a great community group that actually has close ties to Touchstone Climbing. Kent Schmitz, a part-time course setter for us in the summer and employee of Touchstone Climbing for over a decade brought by his 5th Grade class from Guadalupe Elementary School to do some climbing and enjoy a day in the gym.

Everything went great and it looks like a good time was had by all. Here's a bit of what Kent had to say about their day in Mission Cliffs:

"Indoor Climbing is such a unique experience for the students of Guadalupe Elementary. Most of my students would have had difficult time experiencing climbing at Mission cliffs without your donation. Almost all of the students that Guadalupe Elementary serves qualify for the state’s free lunch program. Without your help, I think that indoor rock climbing would not be affordable for the families of my students.

I was able to share my love for climbing with 31 of my students and 2 parents. Every one of my students tried their best and even the parents got to attempt climbing. Indoor rock climbing is valuable experiential learning for any child. It is lots of fun and helps to teach self-confidence, goal acquisition, and helps the students to conquer their fears.

I have been climbing for many years and this trip is a way for my students to experience what their teacher makes references to throughout the year. I find that success in climbing is analogous to success in many aspects of life. Therefore, when I teach, I often refer to climbing in my daily lessons. I believe that my students’ climbing experience at Mission Cliffs helps them to understand that with self-confidence and hard work, they will succeed at what ever they try.

In addition, and the part I believe is the most valuable, is that these students face their fear of heights. Facing one’s fears is an extremely important lesson for success in school and in life. When a student successfully faces their fear and succeeds, the life lesson is extremely valuable. They realize that with effort, hard work, and trust anything is possible.

On a personal level, I enjoy being remembered by my students as the 5th grade teacher who took them rock climbing. I have heard more then once from my students that the Mission Cliffs field trip was the “best field trip” they had ever been on. This is a field trip that my students will remember the rest of their life.

My students and I had a wonderful time. Thanks!"

Head over and check out the photo gallery from their day. Thanks again everyone involved, we're looking forward to your next visit!

Labels: Community Group, Events, Guadalupe Elementary School, kids, mission cliffs

Diablo Rock Gym recently saw a community group come through it's doors and by all accounts it looks like everything went perfectly. The group was called RES Success, or Redefining Educational Services and after their visit they were nice enough to send over a few photos and a card. We were lucky to have you guys.

Here's a little bit more about RES Success:

For close to two decades, RES SUCCESS (Redefining Educational Services) has provided developmentally disabled individuals with a safe, supportive, and beautiful environment in which to learn and grow. We believe passionately that every person, regardless of how they were born, deserves to lead a fulfilling life and reach their own personal potential.

Our multiple locations in Northern California provide specially-designed behavioral modification and community inclusion programs in an exceptional environment. Students in our day programs participate in a variety of enriching experiences, such as attending classes at Diablo Valley College, preparing for meaningful employment, and participating in some of the diverse activities that the Bay Area has to offer like the Museum of Modern Art, the local farmer's market, or a game of bocce ball.

RES SUCCESS uses a clinically proven model of care that helps students work towards a common goal of independence and self reliance. Our successful approach also provides significant savings to the State of California.

Thanks again to everyone, we hope to have you again in the future!

Labels: Community Group, Diablo Rock Gym, Groups, kids, RES Success, Testimonial

Here's a quick one about a recent community group that we were lucky enough to spend the day with at our Great Western Power Co. location, the Davis Street Family Resource Center. In the first year of opening, GWPC has actually invited a number of community groups that are based in and around the Oakland area to visit the gym at a reduced rate. Doing this, has allowed many underprivileged and at-risk kids to experience climbing for the first time. A few weeks ago, the Davis Street Family Resource Center stopped in and had an event and a great time.

After their visit, they were nice enough to send back a little letter about the time they spent in our gym, and as always, we love hearing back from the groups we host. Here's what Alicia Ohs, their Lead Prevention Specialist had to say:

"At Davis Street Family Resource Center, we've taken two field trips to Great Western Power Company. As part of our Alcohol and Drug Prevention Programs, climbing gives our students a lesson in trust and respect that they don't learn anywhere else. It's an amazing opportunity to try on a new 'high' that offers communication, teamwork, adrenaline, and fun. GWPC has been unbelievably supportive and helpful in this process to expose a new generation of youth to the benefits of climbing." - Alicia Ohs Lead Prevention Specialist

Thanks again, and we hope to see you again sometime in the future!

Labels: Community Group, Great Western Power Co., GWPC, kids, Testimonial

At the beginning of February at our Great Western Power Co. location, we were lucky enough to play host to yet another great youth organization. We hosted some kids from the Seneca Center for a day of climbing, challenges and problem solving opportunities that helped them build trust, courage and climbing skills.

Recently, we heard back from one of the leaders at the Seneca Center, Emily McMane and she sent us a great testimonial to how the experience affected each of the children chosen to come and climb. Check out their words:

"Mouths gaped, eyes widened, and the room became a fluttering sound of "Whoaaaas!" and "Cooooools!", as they entered the room. Six children from Seneca Center's San Leandro After School Program visited GWPC's climbing gym in Oakland for the first time on February 6th. The expectation for staff and kids alike had been simply to climb, but the experience lived up to so much more. For two hours we supported kids, ranging in age from 8 to 13, in climbing, laughing, learning, and challenging themselves through new experiences. The GWPC staff was so helpful and accommodating to our group's needs, and the gym itself had a perfect array of climbing routes to suit children of varying ages and abilities. Thanks to GWPC for this great opportunity to help us build trust and courage within our kids, and offering not only the chance to climb, but the chance to cheer each other on as well. This was invaluable experience for our program. Our kids are still talking about it. Thanks again!"

Thank you, and we hope to see you back again sometime!

Labels: Charity, Children, Events, Great Western Power Co., kids, Seneca Center

Four Touchstone Members on the Zero Gravity Climbing Team competed in the Youth World Championships in Sydney, Australia this past month. Josh Levin and Cicada Jenerik Podiumed. Josh had the best overall showing with a Bronze Medal in Speed and a 7th place in difficulty. Cicada also scored a Bronze in Speed and was absolutely crushing in Semifinals until her foot unexpectedly popped. She ended up 14th. Gabi Masse and Scott Cory were also in first heading into Semis but ended up 21st and 14th.

Next years Youth World Championships will be in France.

Gabi, Cicada, Scott, Josh and Scot Jenerik (coach) would like to give a huge thanks to everyone at Touchstone who supported the team by buying raffle tickets.

Labels: Cicada Jenerik, climbing, comps, kids, Scott Cory, Zero Gravity

The Touchstone youth on the Zero Gravity Climbing Team have had an amazing season this year. The team easily swept the top spots at the USA Climbing Northern California Regional Championships in May, which was hosted by Touchstone at the Great Western Power Company in Oakland. Zero Gravity were Regional Champions for the third straight year and the entire team qualified for the Division 1 Championships in Salt Lake City in June. Division 1 is easily the strongest division in the country and though a few kids were dropped there, ZG had multiple podiums and 10 of the team members qualified for Nationals, 9 in difficulty and 7 in speed.

At the National Championships the weekend of July 11-13 in Sunnyvale, CA seven of the nine made finals in difficulty. Zero Gravity placed 2nd in the country for Difficulty in the team scoring. Cicada Jenerik (4th) , Joshua Levin (2nd difficulty, National Champion in Speed) and Scott Cory (3rd) were all selected for the US National Team and will be competing in Sydney Australia at the end of August along with their Canadian National Teammate Gabi Masse. Eric Sanchez (4th) and Hannah Le (5th) both missed the team selection by 1 place. Nick Bradley (7th), Sera Busse, Yolan Caballero and Dakota Schwartz also competed.

Full results can be found at http://www.scsnationals.org/details/index.htm

Zero Gravity will be hosting a raffle at Mission Cliffs starting the first week of August to help the team travel to Sydney, Australia for the Youth World Championships (August 27-31) Please help them out and you may win some great gear from Madrock, PMI, Pranah, and more.

Labels: Cicada Jenerik, climbing, comps, kids, Scott Cory, Zero Gravity

Do you have a rambunctious youngster at home with an upcoming birthday? Then you should sign up to host your next festive event at a Touchstone Gym. Kids love nothing more than to climb over every and anything making the safe environment of our gyms a great place to let kids be kids. Call your local gym for details or to check the schedule. You can find the contact information here.

Labels: kids

Tired of your little monkey climbing all over the house? Then sign them up for a week of rock climbing. Summer camps are help at Berkeley Ironworks, San Francisco's Mission Cliffs, Oakland's Great Western Power Company, Concord's Diablo Rock Gym, or Sacramento's Pipeworks. Camps usually run M-F from 9am to noon beginning in June and running through August. Check with your local gym for times and specific details.

Campers will learn how to climb and belay in a supportive, fun, and safe environment. They will also try their hand at rappelling, ascending, slack-lining and playing many climbing games. Rock climbing emphasizes life skills such as confidence-building, self-esteem and goal-setting and is a great way to get kids to be active. Safety and having fun are our top priorities. Sign your kids up today!

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, climbing, concord, Diablo Rock Gym, Great Western Power Co., kids, mission cliffs, oakland, Sacramento Pipeworks

This past Saturday Diablo Rock Gym hosted a local red point rope climbing competition as part of the USA Climbing Sport Climbing Series. It was a window into the future of climbing with most of the 60 competitors under the age of 19 and as young as 8 years old. To view results please visit the competition page and to see photos visit the online gallery. Wish them all luck for the duration of the season and at the upcoming Northern California Regional On-sight competition on May 17th at the Great Western Power Company.

Labels: comps, concord, Diablo Rock Gym, kids

One advantage to Great Western Power Company's urban location is its proximity to a number of schools. It is not uncommon on weekdays to find a group of kids experiencing their first taste of climbing on the walls of GWPC. To further Touchstone's commitment to serving underprivileged kids, GWPC provides indoor climbing experiences to kids who otherwise would never know that such an activity exists. Often these kids walk away with a great sense of accomplishment and increased confidence in their ability to face a new challenge. And as this picture attests, the staff has a great time with the kids, too!

Labels: community, Great Western Power Co., kids, oakland

Why aren’t there more parents with kids climbing at the cliff and at the gym? In Europe, climbing is a family affair. The whole clan packs up, heads to the cliff, and makes a day of it. But here, people are surprised to see mom or dad, not just belaying the kids in a birthday party, but actually climbing together with them. Kids are naturals for the activity, and with its safer and more convenient environment, the gym is the perfect place. So here’s the beta.

Number one mistake? Some adult trying to talk (or worse, yell) the kid through every move. But no one learns to climb by listening to the backseat climber on the ground, and no one enjoys it more because someone was blathering on about where your left hand needs to be and all. Net net: except for the occasional ‘great job!’ or ‘wow, look at you!’, ‘rents really must shut up.

Two, don’t push them too hard. Let them go as high as they want (or don’t want), and then let them down when they want down. They’ll warm up to it and develop more courage with familiarity and practice.

Three, make it into a game. Their favorite cartoon character is stranded at the top of the wall and needs to be rescued (Dora the Explorer and her friend Diego are perfect for this), or maybe you can put a prize on the top hold, or have them ring a bell suspended from the top.

Four, adapt, adapt, adapt. You won’t have the big blocks of uninterrupted workout time to yourself that you once did when the kids weren’t around. But if you give them their turns, and if you are prepared to scrap the outing on an occasional bad day, or take advantage of the opportunity when the kids are cooperating, you can still get all the workout you need albeit at a different rate and in a different format.

Five, when you’ve got kids to share it with, bouldering is nearly the perfect form of climbing. You’re close to the ground. You can supervise them closely. Attempts on your boulder problem only take a few seconds. They can easily jump in. And you’ll get sick finger power.

Labels: climbing, kids

Goat Rock isn't exactly the most alluring of names for an outdoor bouldering destination, but as a contingent of Teen Team members discovered, there's some good climbing on those rocks. Other than running afoul of a few patches of poison oak growing in the area, everyone enjoyed an idyllic day with great weather, beautiful vistas of the ocean, good company and fun bouldering.

Labels: climbing, concord, Diablo Rock Gym, kids

It's almost a wrap for the USA Climbing season, so Concord members Evan Cronin, Gregor Peirce, Troy Gibb, Scott Cory, Gabe Matson and Wes Miraglio (not pictured) made the trek to Portland, Oregon for Divisionals. All did well in their categories, with Scott, Gabe, Gregor and Troy climbing well enough to be invited to Nationals taking place in Ann Arbor, Michigan on July 6-8. It's great to have this group of teens representing Touchstone! We want to with them the best of luck this weekend in Michigan.

Picture by Tom Cronin.

Labels: climbing, comps, concord, Diablo Rock Gym, kids, members, Scott Cory

Touchstone Concord is offering summer rock climbing camps for kids ages 6 to 14. Camp runs M-F from 9am to noon beginning the week of June 18.
Campers will learn how to climb and belay in a supportive, fun environment. They will also try their hand at rappelling, ascending, slack-lining and playing many climbing games. Rock climbing emphasizes life skills such as confidence-building, self-esteem and goal-setting and is a great way to get kids to be active. Safety and having fun are our top priorities. Sign your kids up today! Questions? Call the gym and our friendly front desk staff will be happy to assist you.

Labels: climbing, concord, Diablo Rock Gym, kids

Two of Sacramento Pipeworks youngest members, brothers Gary (7 years) and Grant Johnson (9 yrs), have been climbing at Pipeworks for less than two years but have just recently begun participating in local climbing comps. They may be small in stature (Gary is 50” tall and 50 lbs, Grant 53” and 65 lbs) but they haven’t let their youth and relative inexperience prevent them from killing in the competitive climbing scene.

Grants’ debut competition was January 28th in Davis where he took first place. He then moved on to a competition in Fremont where he again placed first in his age group while brother Gary took fourth. The diffident duo then traveled to Reno, NV where they placed first and second respectively. From there it was back to Davis for the boys to participate in their first USA Climbing sanctioned competition, with Grant placing first and Gary taking sixth. The boy’s second USAC comp was held at Touchstone Concord and again Grant and Gary did very well, placing both second and third overall and second and fourth in the speed climbing portion of the comp.

When asked about the brother’s meteoric rise on the competition scene, their father Tom said “They trained for 18 months before even considering competing. I finally found something that they LOVE – and I owe it all to this gym!”

Sacramento Pipeworks is happy to be the home gym of Gary and Grant and we expect that this won’t be the last we hear from these young rock stars of the future. We wish them the best of luck at the USAC Divisional competition in Tigard, OR on June 8th.

Labels: climbing, comps, kids, Sacramento Pipeworks

It was May 2005 and Touchstone Concord was hosting the USAC Regional Competition. The gym was abuzz with 81 competitors from 11 different teams and a large crowd of spectators watching the kids vie for an invitation to Nationals. Competition climbing looked to be on track to become the next Little League, gaining in popularity and participation.

Fast forward two years. Touchstone course setters have once again put up National-level routes in preparation for a strong field of junior competitors, but this year the crowds and excitement never materialized. A precipitous drop in the number of competitors, 30% fewer, begs the question: is there a future for competition rope climbing in the U.S.?

The answer is a resounding yes, if Scott Jenerik, Northern California Regional coordinator of USA Climbing has anything to say about it. Scott has immersed himself in many aspects of the competition scene. He coaches a highly successful youth team out of the Touchstone gyms, sets routes for Touchstone (including setting for the regionals), and of course volunteers much of his time coordinating for the national USAC organization. Given the energy expended by individuals like Scott and the support of gyms like Touchstone who put a considerable amount of time and money into hosting competitions, chances are good that this year's low turnout is a fluke and we'll see even more kids psyched about competition climbing in the coming years.

Although most of the Touchstone gyms did not send Teen Team members to this competition, kids affiliated with Touchstone gyms did incredibly well, taking first in six of the nine divisions. To see final comp results go to USA Climbing's web site. Of particular note were Concord members Gregor Peirce taking first in Male Youth B, Dakota Schwartz taking third in Female Youth C, and Scott Cory taking second in Male Youth A.

Labels: climbing, comps, concord, Diablo Rock Gym, kids, Scott Cory

On Saturday, May 12, Touchstone Concord is proud to host the USA Climbing Northern California Regionals. Everyone is welcome to compete, no pre-qualification necessary. (There is an entrance fee of $35 for USA Climbing members, $40 for non-members.) Doing well at this competition may qualify Juniors to attend the Divisional Championships in Tigard, Oregon in June.

The bouldering area will be closed during this event and there will be limited rope-climbing available since most of the gym will be in use for the competition. However, people are encouraged to come out as spectators to enjoy world-class climbing, a $3 lunch and an entertaining speed climbing event. Or, for anyone interested in lending a hand, volunteers are needed to run the isolation area and help in other ways. Call Touchstone Concord at 925-602-1000 to get more information and sign up!

Labels: climbing, comps, concord, Diablo Rock Gym, kids

Parents with growing children will be excited to hear that Touchstone has added a new Forum to their website just for you.

Kids out grow their shoes at a phenomenal rate, but now you can post online to find, swap or buy shoes. Have a perfectly good pair of size 3 shoes, but junior needs a size 4 now? Now these shoes won’t go to waste, they can be recycled back into the kid shoe stream.

As more parents get involved, everyone can potentially save a lot and still keep their kids on the walls. Click here, to check out this new forum.

Labels: climbing, kids

On a recent Saturday night more than 20 members of the Sacramento Pipeworks youth climbing team, their friends, coaches and even some parents spent an entire night in the gym rock climbing and playing teambuilding games. The overnighter was dreamed up by team coaches Scott Kugler, Sean Wilkenfeld and Sadie Rex. “We just wanted something out of the ordinary and thought this would be a fun way for the kids to bond as a group. Everyone had a blast and got to know each other better” said coach Wilkenfeld. There were an array of teambuilding games, a potluck dinner, a dodge ball tournament, a zip line (the crowd favorite) and of course everyone climbed to exhaustion. Each person brought pajamas and a sleeping bag, with most kids eventually getting a few hours sleep while some managed to stay up all night. Thanks to an overwhelmingly positive reaction, our coaches say that overnighters such as this are destined to become an annual event for the team. To learn more about the youth climbing team, overnighters, teambuilding or other special programs at Sacramento Pipeworks call 916-341-0100.

Labels: climbing, kids, Sacramento Pipeworks

Due to popular demand, Class 5 is adding a new 4 week after-school camp from November 28 through December 19th.

Running Tuesdays only, this all ages camp will give kids who just can’t get enough climbing, ascending and fun to wait until January.

Instructors will be working with each individual child to insure they are building skills, confidence and strength will having a great time.

Winter 2006 Camp November 19, December 5, 12, 19 from 4-6pm
Cost $100

For more information call Class 5 at 415-485-6931

Labels: class 5, climbing, kids

Dakota Schwartz is one of Touchstone Concord's rising star youth climbers. Having recently taken first place in the Intermediate Category at the Concord Rope Competition in September, it should be no surprise to see her photo in the 2007 Kids of Climbing calendar. A great photo of Dakota bouldering in an area near Santa Barbara can be found by flipping to June. The quote from Dakota expresses how many of us feel about climbing: "Climbing is like a state of mind - where I am happy, focused and flowing right along doing what I love." It's a privilege for Touchstone Concord to be a place where kids and adults alike can discover their love for our awesome sport. And it's a huge pleasure to see our members take center stage as inspirations for the climbing community as a whole. Congratulations Dakota!

Labels: climbing, concord, Diablo Rock Gym, kids

Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club members Bruce and Tawni Parr are proud to introduce their newest addition to the Touchstone family: Madeline Olson Parr. Born August 8th and weighing in at 6 lbs 14 oz, daddy Bruce promises “We'll have her on a bike and leading club rides in no time.” Tawni, a long-time Sacramento Pipeworks cycling instructor adds: “Maddie is going to be disappointed that she can't join you on the All Club Ride - she's been looking forward to showing off her new Touchstone kit!”

Labels: cycling, kids, Sacramento Pipeworks, Touchstone Bike Club

Nearly 200 competitors from California, the Pacific Northwest, Montana and some from as far away as Alaska gathered in Sacramento over two days, June 10th and 11th for the Youth Sport Climbing Divisional Championships. The top finishers moved on to compete in the National Championship to be held next month in Tigard Oregon. Competition was fierce on the first day as 200 climbers were slowly pared down to the strongest 100. The end of the second day featured a thrilling head to head tie breaking super-final route between Scott Cory and Simon Benkert. Cory, who climbed first, came off the 5.13A route only three holds from the finish. Benkert, climbing second, managed to flash the difficult route to cheers from the very large crowd. Check our online gallery for more photos from this contest.

Labels: climbing, comps, event, kids, Sacramento Pipeworks, Scott Cory

Touchstone weekly summer camps are in full swing. In Concord, we have an energetic group of five novice climbers, who in their first 3 days of camp have learned to belay, rope climb, boulder, ascend and rappel as well as some hand and foot technique. Pretty impressive for never having rock climbed before Monday morning!

The Concord camp director, Tracy Tamura, has worked with kids for many years through her non-profit that teaches kids reading, math and life skills. She has brought her love of climbing and an emphasis on creating a safe, stimulating environment to the camp. The kids have learned to take risks, set goals and feel confident in their climbing abilities. Even though most of the kids didn't know each other before the first day of camp, you'd never be able to tell with all the cheering and encouragement this group gives each other.

All the Touchstone gyms offer camps throughout the summer. Most camps runs from 9am to noon, M-F, and are open to kids of all climbing abilities, ages 6 to 14+. Call your local gyms for more details.

Labels: climbing, concord, Diablo Rock Gym, kids, touchstone

On June 10th and 11th, Sacramento Pipeworks will hold the Divison 1 Sport Climbing & Speed Divisonal Championship. This comp serves as a qualifier for Nationals in Oregon this July. This is a great chance to check out the future stars of climbing. To learn more about this comp or USA Climbing, check out the USAC website.

Labels: climbing, event, kids, Sacramento Pipeworks

On May 19th, Mission Cliffs hosted 29 5th graders from Guadalupe Elementary School for their class field trip. For most of the kids this was their first opportunity to try rock climbing and provided them with an opportunity they otherwise would not have. The trip was organized by their teacher, long time member and part time course setter, Kent Schmitz. Kent has over the last several years brought his classes from both Guadalupe and Treasure Island elementary schools for field trips to Mission Cliffs.


This trip was donated by Touchstone, as part of our effort to continually outreach into the community.

Labels: climbing, community, kids, mission cliffs

In addition to the Monday and Wednesday lunchtime childcare, Pipeworks will now offer childcare on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Let us keep your children entertained in a controlled environment while you work out, climb or take one of our spin or yoga classes. Best of all, this service is free for all members!

Labels: kids, Sacramento Pipeworks, Yoga