KOMOAAP Youth Programs & Suggestions

UIAA YOUTH COMMISSION

The UIAA Youth Commission promotes climbing and mountaineering as activities which give young people around the world an opportunity to experience adventure and develop socially and educationally. Today’s children are the future of our sport and must be a priority.

The Commission assists member federations in establishing youth programmes and supporting existing ones. It helps with the training and developing of youth leaders by organisinginternational seminars and training courses. It produces guidelines which member federations can use to develop their own courses. The Youth Commission functions as a forum for the exchange of information on good practices, ideas and experience regarding youth and mountaineering.

There are many ways for a young person to start climbing, hill walking or mountaineering.

Traditionally many young people have started climbing, hill walking or mountaineering within the family or with a friend of the family.  It is not unknown, for instance, for a parent to take up one of these activities because their child has, or children have, expressed an interest. However, if that avenue is not available then you can follow the training programs of the Cyprus mountaineering & climbing federation.

Local climbing walls in Cyprus by the supervision of KOMOAAP

Climbing walls offer introductory and progressive classes at the weekend and on weekday evenings for under18 year olds with some walls offering sessions suitable for 5 year olds.  The sessions are led by qualified instructors, and most walls will hire out equipment such as harnesses or rock shoes.  For those who wish to there will often the chance to enter competitions or to proress through the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme or National Indoor Bouldering Award Scheme

They’re also a great place to meet friends and other parents. Check for a wall near you.

KOMOAAP Affiliated Clubs

KOMOAAP Affiliated Clubs are accepting young members.   Some clubs will require that you have prior experience of hill walking or climbing, others will be happy for you to join with nothing more that enthusiasm to learn.  Young people are often taken out by experienced and competent but not necessarily qualified club members. Normally a parental visit to the club will be necessary and attendance at one or several meets.

Schools

An increasing number of schools have a climbing or bouldering as a club activity and are able to offer climbing training to pupils.  Many schools still offer pupils the chance to go on a residential stay at an outdoor centre offering experiences in mountaineering activities and many other outdoor sports.

Youth and community groups, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Scouting and Guiding.