The Next Rockstar

ZX and I brought Bielet to her first ever rock climbing experience last Sunday. She was really excited about running around the super huge gym, clambering up and down the mattresses and doing stairs training on the many surrounding flights of stairs. But climbing? Not really. Simply prodded some of the handholds and kicked at the footholds. Then she settled down and joined me in what I do best - spectator sport. (I climbed a grand total of four routes while ZX and our climbing friend YY blazed through more than 10 each, I think. But I must claim credit for babysitting Bielet and running after her up and down the gym. That was quite a workout too!)

To be fair to Bielet, here's evidence that she tried to be a team player. Here she is trying to help Papa belay Uncle YY ;) Doesn't she look like a big kid already? She's so tall that it's hard to believe that she's not even two yet!

Seeing as her first foray into climbing didn't go as expected, ZX figured that we need to wait a few more years before her climbing itch starts. If the age restrictions in the local climbing gyms are any indication, the earliest she can start climbing is at four. That's still really far away!

For those interested, here are 5 climbing gyms which have programmes / workshops for little ones :)

1. Kinetics
One of two gyms which cater to kids as young as four. Kinetics has two teams - Rugrats Climbing Team (aged 4 - 7) and Kinetics Junior Climbing Team (aged 7 - 13).

(Source: Kinetics)

"The Rugrats and Kinetics Junior Climbing Team are a great way for kids to get started in the unique and awesomely fun sport of rock climbing. Our mission is to not only impart climbing techniques, agility and strength but also creativity, problem solving and persistence. Team members are sure to enjoy climbing, make many new friends, and learn something about both climbing and themselves. One thing’s for sure, it’s more fun than tuition!" Check out their website for more details.

And, guess what? Bielet has been to Kinetics before! Nope, it wasn't for last Sunday's climb session but for our very first family photoshoot ;) The gym had just opened then, and the people were kind enough to accommodate our silly request (that ZX knows them helps too!). Some pics from way back when Bielet was around 6 months?

That's us with ZX's friends :))

And some of our personal shots. ZX always beams so widely when he takes photos with Bielet. How come not with me?!?!?!?!

2. The Rock School

The first climbing centre dedicated to kids! There are various programmes which cater to kids from 4 - 14, as well as parent-child climbs.

(Source: The Rock School)

"The Rock School is Singapore’s first climbing centre designed, constructed and dedicated to kids of ages 4 to 14 years old. We aim to promote the sport of Rock Climbing in a fun and safe environment. Besides training kids to rock climb in a safe and fun environment, educational elements are also included in activities and programmes. In addition, time for family bonding is a significant part of The Rock School focus." Check out their website for their programmes and timetable.

Soon to come, they will be hosting The Rock Challenge and Carnival from 21 - 22 July 2012! Children who want to try their hand at climbing can join the carnival - Pebbles (4 - 9), Stones (10 - 12) and Rocks (13 - 18), or just hang around to gawk at spider kids perform seemingly impossible feats during the competition. 

"On top of the carnival and competition, supporting activities like balloon sculpting and try-outs for other sports will ensure a fun-filled afternoon for the little ones as well as siblings too young to climb. Parents are not forgotten too—with free parent-child climbs, parenting talks and booths peddling fun, innovative products for both parent and children. There will also be a mini competition starring allied teams, made up of volunteers and special needs students." More info can be found here. Let's see if I can get ZX and Bielet interested enough to go check it out!

3. Climb Asia

One of the first climbing gyms to be established in Singapore, these guys have been a stalwart in the local climbing scene since 2002. Children from 5 to 12 can join their Just For Kids workshop.

(Source: Climb Asia)

"Come join us at this free and easy rock climbing session where your kids get to enjoy the thrill of climbing at their own leisure, under the supervision of experienced instructors. In order to ensure that your kids enjoy their climb, we have specially selected instructors who are great with kids. Instructors will cheer, encourage and guide your kids to push their limits to reach greater heights. This 2 hour session has been tailored especially for kids between the ages of 5 and 12 years of age. We’ll provide the gear, the guidance and the rope-management; all you have to do is just bring the kids!" Check out rates at their website.

4. Onsight Climbing Gym

This is the biggest indoor climbing gym in Singapore, and also where we went for our climb last Sunday! There are plenty of walls (whether climbing or bouldering) and routes for everyone. New Kids on the Bloc is open to kids from 5 - 12.

(Source: Onsight Climbing Gym)

"Has your kid ever told you that he or she wants to be like Spiderman? Yes? Then rock climbing is the sport for you and your child! Rock climbing helps improve and develop your child’s psychomotor cognitive and affective skills. All this, in a fun and enjoyable way! Plus, our kid-loving professional trainers will ensure 100% safety." More information on their website!

5. SAFRA Adventure Sports Centre

From the cornucopia of activities at this country club, children aged 6 and onwards can choose to scale new heights on the towering climbing walls and duplex bouldering facility.

(Source: SAFRA)

While I couldn't find any workshops catering to children, there are a couple of interesting nuggets I wanted to include from my search:

- Ongoing 1-for-1 indoor bouldering gym (1 parent + 1 child) promo, valid till 31 July 2012. Child must be at least 6 years old.

- Cool venue for Rock! Birthday Party where you can invite a maximum of 30 participants, although you have to settle cake, food and beverages yourself

Comprehensive descriptions of their facilities and promotions can be found on their website.

***

So, at the end of this lengthy post, I conclude that we must build our own wall at home to groom the next rockstar :))