YOUTH PROGRAMS

Fostering growth and a love of climbing at all stages of development.

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We offer youth programming that is tailored to a wide range of ages and experience levels, from first timers, to national level competitors! 

 

All of our programming reflects the framework provided by Climbing Escalade Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development Model.

 

Programming is offered at both our Bayers Lake and Dartmouth locations. We offer PD Days, Summer Camps, 3 month Recreational Classes, and full year Development and Competitive programs. Our athletes have represented Nova Scotia at National events and are training towards the 2027 Canada Winter Games where Sport Climbing will make its debut!

Recreational Program Semesters
Fall: September-December
Winter: January-March
Spring: April-June

Registration for each semester opens one month before classes begin.

Please note that our programs fill up fast- sign up for our Youth Mailing List to stay up to date with the most recent registration dates and programs!

For any additional questions, please reach out to our Youth Program Coordinator, Kenzie at [email protected].

YOUTH MAILING LIST SIGN UP

REC TEAM (8-12)

The 8-12 year old recreation classes are geared towards our youngest climbers. Lessons will be structured around a mix of games, technique lessons, and of course, a lot of time on the wall!

 

New climbers will learn the basics of technique and foot work, gym safety and etiquette, and the terminology of climbing. Returning athletes will get to build upon their skills, progressing through a developed lesson plan focused on creating well-rounded climbers. Emphasis will be placed on exploration of movement and fostering an enjoyment of the sport. 

 

Requirements:

All experience levels are welcome.

No tryouts necessary. Registration will be held on a first come first served basis. 

An enthusiasm for climbing is a must!

  • AGE: 8-12
  • RATIO: 5 athletes / coach
  • LOCATION: Bayers Lake and Dartmouth
  • Times and Dates: 10 classes 1 hour 15 minutes, 1 day/week
  • Sundays at Bayers Lake: 
  • Tuesdays at Dartmouth: 
  • ​Membership: Included for all Seven Bays locations. Each semster offers 4 months of registration, climbers who take classes for all 3 seasons will have 1 year of membership
  • PRICE / SEMESTER: $390 + tax

REC TEAM (13+)

The 13+ recreation group is a great fit for teens who are looking to explore the sport of climbing and an introduction to exercise in a welcoming environment. Lessons will center around a mix of technique lessons, group activities and lots of time on the wall.

 

New climbers will learn the basics of technique and foot work, gym safety and etiquette, and the terminology of climbing. Returning athletes will get to build upon their skills, progressing through a developed lesson plan focused on creating well-rounded climbers. Athletes are also introduced to off wall exercises and the basic mechanisms of movement. 

 

Requirements:

All experience levels are welcome.

No tryouts necessary. Registration will be held on a first come first served basis. 

An enthusiasm for climbing is a must!

  • AGE: 13+
  • RATIO: 5 athletes / coach
  • LOCATION: Bayers Lake and Dartmouth
  • Times and Dates: 10 classes 1 hour 45 minutes, 1 day / week
  • Sundays at Bayers Lake:
  • Tuesdays at Dartmouth:
  • MEMBERSHIP: Included for all Seven Bays locations. Each semester offers 4 months of registration, climbers who take classes for all 3 seasons will have 1 year of membership
  • PRICE / SEMESTER: $390 + tax
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PRE, JR DEVELOPEMENT & SR DEVELOPMENT

Our Development stream brings together motivated climbers who are ready to push themselves and train in a more structured way. Climbers may choose to compete, but are not required to.

 

Our Pre Development Team targets the Learn to Train stage outlined in the CEC’s Athlete Development Model. These climbers compete in the D category.

 

These athletes are devoted young climbers who will develop their skills in a longer class each week. Focus on projecting and increasing their physical and technical vocabulary. These climbers will be introduced to the idea of competitive climbing, with opportunities to practice different types of competition, but are not required to go to actual events. Climbers focus on personal development and growing their connection to the sport. 

 

Our Jr Development Team targets the Learn to Train and Train to Train outlined stage in the CEC’s Athlete Development Model. These climbers compete in the C category. 

 

These athletes will continue to hone their skills on the wall and will be pushed further to develop their versatility. Some off- wall training is introduced at this stage, including a broad range of bodyweight exercises, basic strength training, polymetrics, and mobility work in order to build a solid foundation of physical competencies. Climbers at this stage  benefit from an approach that prioritizes athletic and personal development over competitive performance. 

 

Our Sr Development Team targets the TRain to Train/ Train to Compete and Active for Life stages of the CEC’s Long Term Athlete Development Model. These climbers compete in B, A, and Jr Category. 

 

These athletes will continue to fine tune their climbing technique and continue to develop their off wall movement. Some supplemental exercises will include generalized strength training, plyometrics, and mobility. Climbers at this stage are encouraged to set their own goals which will inform their training, climbing, and personal development. 

 

Requirements:

  • Must have completed at least one year of our Recreational program (or equivalent)
  • Shows focus and dedication during class
  • Can demonstrate fundamental climbing techniques on the wall
  • Must have a thorough understanding of the sport (terminology, movement vocabulary)
  • For Pre Dev, the season is broken up into two seasons (September-to support multi-sport athletes. Commitment for the entire year is encouraged

​

 

 

  • AGE: 10+
  • RATIO: 5 athletes / coach
  • LOCATION: Bayers Lake
  • TRAINING SCHEDULE: 1-2 days / week
    • Pre & Jr: Tuesday 5:15pm-7:30pm
    • Sr: Wednesday 5:00pm-7:30pm
    • Jr & Sr: Saturday 10:00am-12:00pm
  • MEMBERSHIP: Included for all Seven Bays locations for the duration of the semester for EFT members, and for the year for Prepaid members on the Jr/Sr Development teams and for the duration of the semester (Fall: Sept-Dec, Winter: Jan-May) for Pre Development teams.
  • TRY OUTS: June. Please reach out to our program coordinator Kenzie to find out more at: [email protected]
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COMPETITIVE TEAM

Our competitive team brings together athletes that show a high level of dedication and motivation. A well rounded approach will focus on the mental, physical and technical aspects of the sport. An emphasis on expanding the athlete’s versatility and vocabulary of movement.

 

Climbers are expected to compete at local competition (Atlantic region), and may get the chance to qualify for Regional and National level events. We have had athletes represent our gym and province at both for over 5 years. This year, our athletes will also be training to try out for the very first provincial team of Sport Climbing, representing Team Nova Scotia at the 2027 Canada Winter Games in Quebec City. 

 

Our highly trained and experienced coaching staff, some who have also competed at national and international competitions, use their experience to create a focused, fun, and dedicated atmosphere. All coaches are certified in the NCCP Safe Sport and Concussion Protocols. We are proud to announce the Nova Scotia Canada Winter Games coaching team is made up of Seven Bays coaches!

 

Requirements

  • Shows focus and dedication in and outside class
  • Consistently demonstrates fundamental and advanced climbing techniques on the wall
  • Must have a thorough understanding of the sport (terminology, movement vocabulary)
  • Participation in local competitions is mandatory
  • Commitment to the entire year (September- May) is expected
  • AGE: 13+
  • RATIO: 5 athletes / coach
  • LOCATION: Bayers Lake
  • TRAINING SCHEDULE: 2-3 days / week
    • Monday 5:00pm-7:30pm
    • Wednesday (optional) 5:00pm-7:30pm
    • Saturday 9:00am-12:00pm
  • MEMBERSHIP: Included for all Seven Bays locations for the duration of the semester for EFT members, and for the year for Prepaid members.
  • DURATION: September-May commitment expected
  • TRY OUTS: June. Please reachout to our program coordinator Kenzie to find out more at: [email protected]
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SUMMER CAMPS

We’re offering week-long day camps throughout July for ages 8-13. Whether your child is a first-time climber or a seasoned participant in our Rec program, our camps are designed for all skill levels.

 

Small Group Size: We cap each camp at just 10 participants per week to ensure personalized attention with a 5:1 supervision ratio.

 

Balanced Schedule: To protect young climbers’ fingers, each day includes a maximum of 2 hours of wall time.

 

Variety of Activities: In addition to climbing, participants will learn about routesetting, where they’ll design and create a boulder problem that will be put up for members to try! Climbers will also have age appropriate drills, tailored coaching, and support with projecting. 

 

Fun Beyond Climbing: Campers will enjoy team-building games, arts and crafts, mobility training, and more to keep them active and engaged throughout the week.

 

A Typical Day at Camp:

 

9:00 AM: Drop-off begins

9:30 AM: Warm-up, Routesetting, Climbing games

12:00 PM: Lunch and team-building activities

1:00 PM: Technique drills, arts and crafts, and free climbing

3:30 PM: Cool down and wrap up

4:00 PM: Pick-up begins

  • LOCATION: Dartmouth
  • CAMP SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday
    • Drop-off: 9:00am
    • Pick-up: 4:30pm
    • Extended Hours Available: Early drop-off (8:30-9:00am) & late pick-up (4:30-5:00pm)
  • AGE & DATES: 8-10, July 6-10 & July 20-24
  • AGE & DATES: 11-13, July 13-17 & July 27-31
  • PRICE: $350 + Tax per week (includes rentals and a 1-month membership starting the week of camp). $300 for year-long Rec team climbers.
  • EXTENDED HOURS PRICE: $50 per week for early drop-off (8:30-9:00am) or late pick-up (4:30-5:00pm), or $100 for both.