Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost anything?
Our goal is to make climbing more accessible, so mentees will be able to pay as they can, on a sliding scale between $0-$150. All proceeds will go directly to organizing climbing workshops/courses with certified guides. Mentors are asked to cover their insurance cost if it is within their means. Those who profited from the program received multiple courses with certified guides, plus many hours of peer-to-peer learning.
How do I enroll in the program?
Wait for our application opening announcement early 2025. When applications open, apply!
Do I need to be an experienced climber?
Nope. It doesn’t matter if you have climbed your whole life or are just curious to start out this year! Mentees and mentors will be matched based on their experiences, skillset and objectives.
Do I have to live in Penticton?
No! In 2023, we had participants from most towns in the region. We do our best to group participants by geographical location, however participants must be okay driving to Penticton for the majority of meetups, courses and events.
What is the time commitment?
We ask that all participants commit to attending at least 1 outing per month with their mentorship group during the time period of May through Oct 2024 (environmental factor dependent). This does not include optional instructional workshops or social climbs organized by Rock on Collective.
Will I be guaranteed a spot?
Unfortunately, no. We are hoping to accept most people who apply to the program, but the number of mentees we can accept depends on a variety of factors, including funding and the availability of mentors to show up and share their skills with newer climbers. So, if you know anyone who would be a good mentor, please send them our way!
How do I know if I am qualified to be a mentor?
If you are confident in your skills to safely manage anchor and belay systems, explain gear choices, and communicate clearly, then you already have a lot to offer to a mentee! Being a mentor is not like being a climbing guide. You don't need to sit on all the answers, but be willing to problem-solve together with the mentee. It's not about climbing hard grades, but more about sharing ethical and safe practices to minimize risks at the crag.
If you're still unsure, please feel free to send us a message and we can help guide whether you'd be a better fit as a mentor or a mentee.
What is the minimum age?
Participants must be at least 19 years of age at the start of program. There is no maximum age.
Are you a nonprofit organization?
Yes. In early 2024 we became a registered non-profit BC Society, and have a volunteer Board of Directors and volunteer operations team.
We typically make groups of 4-5 climbers, including 2 mentors and 2-3 mentees per group. If you prefer another setup (1 on 1 for example), please note that in your application and we can see what we can do.
How big are the mentorship groups?
What type of gear do I need to participate?
The minimum gear requirement for outdoor rock climbing is climbing shoes, harness and helmet. A belay device is recommended, but if you are new to the sport, you may want to try some before investing. Other gear (e.g. ropes, quickdraws, and anchor systems) are often shared between climbers.
In the application form, you can indicate what type of gear you have. If it's a financial barrier to invest in missing gear, we'll do our best to look for rental options for you.
Yes, participants in our mentorship program are insured through the Federation of Mountain Clubs of British Columbia.
Is there insurance for participants?
Does it cost anything?
Our goal is to make climbing more accessible, so mentees will be able to pay as they can, on a sliding scale between $0-$150. All proceeds will go directly to organizing climbing workshops/courses with certified guides. Mentors are asked to cover their insurance cost if it is within their means. Those who profited from the program received multiple courses with certified guides, plus many hours of peer-to-peer learning.
How do I enroll in the program?
Wait for our application opening announcement early 2025. When applications open, apply!
Do I need to be an experienced climber?
Nope. It doesn’t matter if you have climbed your whole life or are just curious to start out this year! Mentees and mentors will be matched based on their experiences, skillset and objectives.
Do I have to live in Penticton?
No! In 2023, we had participants from most towns in the region. We do our best to group participants by geographical location, however participants must be okay driving to Penticton for the majority of meetups, courses and events.
What is the time commitment?
We ask that all participants commit to attending at least 1 outing per month with their mentorship group during the time period of May through Oct 2024 (environmental factor dependent). This does not include optional instructional workshops or social climbs organized by Rock On Collective.
Will I be guaranteed a spot?
Unfortunately, no. We are hoping to accept most people who apply to the program, but the number of mentees we can accept depends on a variety of factors, including funding and the availability of mentors to show up and share their skills with newer climbers. So, if you know anyone who would be a good mentor, please send them our way!
How do I know if I am qualified to be a mentor?
If you are confident in your skills to safely manage anchor and belay systems, explain gear choices, and communicate clearly, then you already have a lot to offer to a mentee! Being a mentor is not like being a climbing guide. You don't need to sit on all the answers, but be willing to problem-solve together with the mentee. It's not about climbing hard grades, but more about sharing ethical and safe practices to minimize risks at the crag.
If you're still unsure, please feel free to send us a message and we can help guide whether you'd be a better fit as a mentor or a mentee.
What is the minimum age?
Participants must be at least 19 years of age at the start of program. There is no maximum age.
Are you a nonprofit organization?
Yes. In early 2024 we became a registered non-profit BC Society, and have a volunteer Board of Directors and volunteer operations team.
We typically make groups of 4-5 climbers, including 2 mentors and 2-3 mentees per group. If you prefer another setup (1 on 1 for example), please note that in your application and we can see what we can do.
How big are the mentorship groups?
What type of gear do I need to participate?
The minimum gear requirement for outdoor rock climbing is climbing shoes, harness and helmet. A belay device is recommended, but if you are new to the sport, you may want to try some before investing. Other gear (e.g. ropes, quickdraws, and anchor systems) are often shared between climbers.
In the application form, you can indicate what type of gear you have. If it's a financial barrier to invest in missing gear, we'll do our best to look for rental options for you.
Yes, participants in our mentorship program are insured through the Federation of Mountain Clubs of British Columbia.
Is there insurance for participants?
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Rock On Collective Climbing Association
With respect and gratitude, Rock On Collective would like to acknowledge that the land across which we live and climb is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the syilx and nlaka’pamux Peoples. Furthermore, we recognize tu?ikən (Skaha Bluffs) as a culturally and spiritually significant site for the Okanagan Nation Alliance and commit to our role in respecting and interacting in a reciprocal relationship with tmixʷ (the land and all life forms which interact on it).