Testimonials

From the mentees

"The thing that ROC has that I'm not sure other programs would have offered me is the space to be myself. In both my mentorship group and the one-off courses I attended, there was an acceptance of who I was and where I was that allowed me to let go of the anxiety of going outdoors and trying new things. Being able to turn that part of my brain off allowed me to push myself and take more risks. My knowledge, skills and comfortability with outdoor climbing has skyrocketed this season, and I don't think I could've had this kind of growth without ROC."

- Emily, Climbing mentee, 2025

"The community within ROC is special. It’s a group of people who care about you as a climber and as a person. The board members went above and beyond to organize events, coordinate meetups, host beginning and end-of-season gatherings, and even put together casual climb days just for fun. You could tell how much time and heart they put into it.

Overall, this program got me back into climbing in a way I hadn’t thought possible after feeling so discouraged. It reminded me of why I love this sport and gave me a community I genuinely belong to. I’m so grateful for the experience and absolutely hope to be part of it again next summer."

- Ariel, Climbing mentee, 2025

"This mentorship was beyond expectations! I have learned so much and couldn’t be more grateful for my wonderful mentors and the ROCK ON team!

I wouldn’t have been able to start rock climbing if not for this program. I’ve had the opportunity to attend many courses throughout the season and have met many kind and supportive people! Can’t wait for next season!"

- Karina, Climbing mentee, 2025

"I joined ROC because I was interested in meeting like-minded climbing partners who valued safety and inclusivity, while also improving my skills set. I can confidently say that ROC exceeded my expectations! The workshops were all very informative, and getting to know everyone throughout this climbing season has been very rewarding. I'm looking forward to next season!"

- Takiya, Climbing mentee, 2024

“I am certain I would not have had an opportunity to climb without this program’s clear invitation to trans and gender diverse folk. I was pulled out of a very isolated place, into a welcoming space where I was able to learn, grow and have fun. The mentors were awesome to work with. I would like to see this program grow and the community continue.”

- Climbing mentee, 2024

"Thank you to all the mentors and the ROC team. I feel like I have grown so much as a climber from what this program has offered!"

- Climbing mentee, 2024

"This program has actually been life-changing, I’ve found a love for this sport, so thank you!!"

- Climbing mentee, 2024

“As a middle aged woman, it is challenging to begin a new physically demanding sport such as outdoor rock climbing. The Babes in the Bluffs* program has created a learning environment that is inclusive, safe and welcoming. It is rare to be able to learn in a group that provides learning at multiple skill levels that is also directed at meeting each participant’s learning style and goals, successfully creating both a physical safe space and an emotional safe space for each climber, whether mentor or mentee. I have accomplished an unbelievable amount in a few short months due to the incredible people I’ve met and learned with this summer.”

- Climbing mentee, 2023

“One of my life goals has been to climb mountains. I looked up to women in the community as barrier breakers and examples of true strength. As a queer, neuro-diverse, non-binary individual, the climbing community did not feel like a super accessible place. Constant feelings of having to hide parts of myself and being misunderstood by my peers lead to lost opportunities to grow my skills or reach my goals. Babes in the Bluffs* gave me a space to be myself, make mistakes safely, find a community who understands, foster self growth, and be proud of who I am. It is a community who uplifts, supports, inspires and fulfills. Through Babes in the Bluffs, I have reached my goals, exceeded expectations of my capabilities as a climber, and built passion and the possibility to continue climbing more mountains. I have found belonging, and achieved more than I had ever imagined.”

- Climbing mentee, 2023

“This was such a great opportunity. Everybody was so encouraging and welcoming and the mentors were knowledgeable and friendly. It made it easy to learn and ask questions.”

- Climbing mentee, 2023

“Babes in the Bluffs* has done an amazing job with creating an open space to feel included not only as a climber but more importantly as a person.”

- Climbing mentee, 2023

*Babes in the Bluffs was our 2023 Pilot Program

From the mentors

"This was THE best ROC season I experienced since it started, and I joined, 3 years ago! The program keeps getting better, becoming more community and socially aware, with greater community involvement. I'm proud to be part of this awesome organization and can't wait to see what next year brings!"

- Barbara, Climbing mentor, 2025

"I had a wonderful experience with ROC this year as a first-time mentor. I joined because I’ve had a rocky relationship with climbing over the years and haven’t been able to get out much, from injuries stopping me physically to nerves making me not feel very confident in myself, it’s been a tough go and I had almost giving up on climbing entirely.

Mentoring with ROC reminded me that I did know what I was doing knowledge wise, and that I have a lot of experience I could share.... Everyone was so supportive and I made friends with people who climbed my level so I was able to get out far more often than I had in the past. I was able to go my own speed and not feel pressured in any way. The course I was able to take was incredible and I learned so many new technical safety skills that I’m grateful for. I had my best and most fun climbing season since I started 10 years ago!"

- Kenzie, Climbing mentor, 2025

"It was such an honor to be a mentor with ROC this past season. As it is for many climbers, my relationship with climbing changes often, and during a year where my personal goals were taking a backseat it was truly a blessing to see the joy and excitement light up the faces of my mentees while they experienced climbing for the first time. I also loved getting the opportunity to learn how to teach and expand on my own understanding of climbing systems! On top of climbing and making new friends, I was also stoked for the opportunity to join the extra educational events and workshops offered throughout the season. I can't wait to get back out there next year with more curious, weird, brave, and inspiring folks!"

- Kara, Climbing mentor, 2024

"Being a mentor with ROC has been such a rewarding experience. I gained so much from seeing my group of mentees grow their confidence, ability and skills throughout the season. Being part of such a supportive, caring and honest group of people has not only allowed me to help newer climbers progress but has allowed me to bring a new attitude to my own climbing. I've also been able to gain confidence in my own skills by both sharing my knowledge and taking part in the courses offered for mentors."

- Nat, Climbing mentor, 2024

“I'd been away from climbing for several years and on the lookout for a climbing community/partner(s) for some time. It couldn't be just any random group or set of climbers - they had to meet a number of criteria: above all prioritize safety, align with my climbing ethics and personal values, be supportive, have fun, and not chase grades. Climbing can be a dangerous sport, so finding the right-fit community was paramount. Stumbling across Babes in the Bluffs* in the spring was both serendipitous and meant to be. Through this group, I was introduced to a like-minded climbing community and met climbers of varying levels, experience, skills, teaching techniques and knowledge; all of this not only met, but exceeded my criteria & expectations.”

- Climbing mentor, 2023

“This program helped me to connect in a meaningful way with the climbing community, introducing me to people who genuinely care about others. I felt excited from the very first event to get out and learn from both mentors and mentees alike!”

- Climbing mentor, 2023

“Babes in the Bluffs* provided the platform and the opportunity to meet and connect with a like-minded climbing community while set in a highly safe, well organized, inclusive, and encouraging environment. Coming back to climbing after a long hiatus was not as intimidating & frightening as I had dreaded, instead it was exciting & fun with multiple learning and growth opportunities.”

- Climbing mentor, 2023

“It was incredible to see the impact that the workshops, community, and overall inclusive attitude that this organization embraced made to those who attended climbing meet-ups and community events/workshops. I can't wait to see how the impact continues to unfold and am so honoured to be a part of this integral piece of the climbing community.”

- Climbing mentor, 2023

*Babes in the Bluffs was our 2023 Pilot Program