Email us at ychallenge@seattleymca.org or fill out the inquiry form. We usually respond within 48 hours.

For open climb reservations or to sign up for climbing classes or clinics, use the links above to register, visit your local Y, or call (206) 382-5022.

• Open climb reservations open two days prior.
• Registration opens seasonally for climbing classes and clinics. Learn more about program registration and timelines here >>
• To book a challenge program, please fill out the inquiry form above, or email ychallenge@seattleymca.org.

Our climbing classes and open climb reservations occur during local Y operating hours at their respective locations. You can expect afternoon or evening programs during the week and daytime programs during the weekend. 

Check our Print at Home PDF Schedules here >>

Challenge programs and climbing tower rentals can be booked on a custom schedule if it does not conflict with already scheduled programs.
Ground-Based Teambuilding can be booked on a custom schedule and location.

Outdoor Locations: Operate April 1– October 31

• Northshore Y
• Auburn Valley Y
• YMCA Camp Terry
• Odyssey Course at Cottage Lake Park

Indoor Locations: Operate Year-Round

• Matt Griffin Y
• Dale Turner Family Y
   

Our instructors are ACCT (Association of Challenge Course Technology) trained facilitators with an enthusiasm for safety and customer experience. They are excited to work with groups and ages of all abilities to take you to the next level, or to just help you have some fun! All our instructors are CPR and First Aid certified.  

As you might guess, difficulty and challenges vary depending on who you are. No matter what, every location has a challenge level appropriate for you. Our instructors are skilled in matching the challenge level to fit your needs and comfort. 

The Y will provide all necessary safety gear for your program, including your own harness and helmet.   Please do not bring your own safety gear. 

Please bring the following: 

• Closed-toed shoes
• Water bottle
• Comfortable athletic clothing. Dress for the weather if you program is outside. 
• Any snacks that you may want during your program. 

At the Auburn Valley,  Dale Turner Family, Matt Griffin, and Northshore YMCAs, please check-in at the front desk of the Y facility before proceeding to the climbing or challenge course area.

At Camp Terry or the Odyssey Course, park and proceed directly to the program area. 

There is nothing more important to us than the safety of you, our members, our staff, and our volunteers.

• Staff Training: All staff are trained to ACCT (Association of Challenge Course Technology) standards and must be certified before working at any of our locations. We pride ourselves on our staff's technical competency and facilitation skills.
• Inspections and Maintenance: All locations go through strict annual and periodic inspections, as well as daily pre and post inspections each time the site is used.
• Double Checks: We always double check every single person prior to engaging in climbing or challenge course activities.
• Language: We will work with each participant and group to develop specific language to use regarding safety during our programs.  
• Disinfection of Personal Gear: Items such helmets are disinfected at the end of each use.

Group sizes vary depending on program length and location. Safety and program quality are our top priorities. We maintain industry standard instructor ratios and are mindful of how many participants a location can safely handle at one time.

Auburn (Alpine Tower and Climbing Wall)

• Climbing Programs - 8 participants and 2 instructors.
• Challenge Programs - Group max size of 30. We maintain a 1:10 staff to participant ratio for challenge programs at Auburn. 

Northshore, Dale Turner, and Matt Griffin Climbing Towers

• Climbing Programs - 10 participants and 2 instructors
• Climbing Rentals - 15 participants and 2 instructors

Odyssey Course at Cottage Lake Park

• Group max size of 40 at one time. With program modifications, we can accommodate larger groups.
• We maintain a 1:10 staff to participant ratio for this location. 

 YMCA Camp Terry

• Depending on program length and activities selected, we can accommodate groups sizes up to 100 at Camp Terry. We maintain a 1:10 staff to participant ratio at this location. 

View our Facility Age Guidelines here >>. Supervising individuals are ages 14 and older and must be from the same household. 

• Climbing Classes and Open Climb Reservations (90 minutes): Supervising individuals must stay on property for the duration of the program, but do not have to stay at the program area. For example, a supervising individual may go exercise or take a class at the Y while their child is participating in a climbing class. 
• Climbing Clinics (3-6 hours): Supervising individuals may leave the property provided we have emergency contact information on hand.  
• Challenge Programs (2-6 hours):Supervising individuals do not need to stay on property for any of our challenge programs, however every group participating in a challenge program must have a chaperone or group leader with them for the duration of the program. 
   

All locations have access to water and restrooms during your program.