Testimonials
From the mentees
"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
"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
From the mentees
"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
From the Mentors
"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 in 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
“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
“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
“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
Contact Us
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).