This is open to any 2SLGBTQIA+ people who have either never climbed before, who have climbed in a gym but want to learn about climbing outdoors, or who have indoor and outdoor experience but want to learn new styles or increase their skills.
Founded in 2021, our mentorship program has supported hundreds of participants over the four years that it's been running. Some of our mentees have even become mentors!
The VQC Summer Mentorship Program will run from June 1st, 2024 - August 31st, 2024.
Mentorship Perks:
- All mentorship participants will get access to 50% off intro courses at The Hive
- All mentorship participants can access a 3-month membership at The Hive for 50% during the program dates
- All mentorship participants get FREE gear rentals from ClimbOn Squamish
- Mentees receive $15 drop-in at The Hive & Base5 during mentorship sessions (if you don't opt for the membership)
- Mentors get FREE drop-in at The Hive & Base5 during mentorship sessions
- Learn new climbing stuff and meet other rad queer climbers!
Program Overview:
- 1 mentor is paired with 2-3 mentees to do group mentorship sessions – we're all about community!
- Groups meet 1-2 x month for 2-4hr mentorship sessions
- We host a kickoff and wrap up party for participants :)
You have the option to learn indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both. Owning gear is not required for the program and being without gear will not lessen your chances of being accepted into the program. We will accept as many mentees as we are able to with the number of mentors we have, keeping safety top of mind.
We accept mentors of almost any level so even if you've been climbing for only a year and aren't sure if you have the knowledge to share, trust in your skills. We will pair folks based on experience levels and what the mentee wants to focus on, in addition to location, schedules, and life experiences.
At its core, the VQC Climbing Mentorship program is focused on increasing climbing skills and knowledge, outlining and working towards goals, and forming a community with other 2SLGBTQIA+ climbers.
Note: We are currently only able to accept applicants 19 years of age or older for this program.