A parent of two fantastic NICAS students explains why climbing is their new found sport, what NICAS entails, and the range of benefits it provides for her children.
My son (age 13) was introduced to the NICAS climbing course at Summit Up in Oldham by a friend. After a half term block, I decided that my younger daughter (age 12) might also like to join.
She’s a dancer and very flexible so she took to climbing instantly. We come every Monday from 6-8pm.
There is a cycle of different instructors but they are all really friendly and great with my children. Safety is really important it the instructors also make the sessions fun.
I’m really impressed with this new found sport. Not only is it physically demanding, it also develops resilience, problem solving skills, determination and trust in your partner.
The instructors supervise diligently teaching knots, rope techniques and belaying skills. They offer support when needed and use specific praise so that my children know how to improve.
The children get a log book to record their climbs and the instructors tick off skills as they have been achieved. My children have both received their Level 1 NICAS certificates and are working towards Level 2.
My son is working towards the bronze Duke of Edinburgh and this climbing course counts as the Physical component.
Both children look forward to coming each week and have made friends within the group. I enjoy sitting with a coffee and a book whilst they climb!
Take advantage of the schools being shut and enjoy a great family day out at Clip 'n Climb Oldham with a HUGE 20% off for early bird bookings!
These sessions are an ideal chance to experience outdoor climbing under the careful guidance of our instructors.
Summit Up is looking for local volunteers to support our disability-inclusive climbing and bouldering sessions for disabled children and young people. We want to make sure climbing and bouldering are activities that are accessible and inclusive: to do that, we need your help!
