She's asked about learning to climb a couple of times, but there's always been something else we're doing. Earlier this year her science fair project involved ropes and pulleys and she declared she really, really wanted to learn to climb. Ok, ok. Fine.

It actually worked out well. We were casting around for what to get her for her birthday and what could be more perfect than a climbing helmet for your newest tween? NOTHING! (Affiliate links help support this site.) Plus it came in a Nickel/Plum color and don't you just know purple is her favorite? (Technically anything that sparkles is her favorite, but purple is often close enough.)

But a helmet without a climb is kind of lame so we also booked the kid's climbing class at the REI flagship store. She was overjoyed, but bummed we had to wait a few weeks due to demand. (Thankfully, we had the Deuter Ambassador Summit in Colorado to keep us occupied in the meantime.)

I'm sure you're wondering how I could encourage my daughter in such a risky endeavor. I've pondered risk in the outdoors a lot and written about it more than once. I'm encouraging my kids to take measured risks (like climbing with a top rope and a competent professional on belay), not tempting them to take unacceptable risks (climbing without protection because that rock over there looks neat). When it comes to the latter type, they will have to make those decisions when they're ready. For now, I accept the low risks for them.

The day of the class she was nervous, but very excited. We arrived early (I don't do late) and talked with the instructor, Dave. Lilly put on her harness and helmet and a pair of Scarpa climbing shoes. (Yes, those are on her wishlist now.)

The class was perfect for kids 8-12, which makes sense since that was the title of the class. (Don't be fooled, though. The class description reads, "Responsible adult must accompany the child," but that just means being there, not registering.) (Also, you don't really need to be a responsible adult as evidenced by Lilly's participation even though I brought her.)

They (only Lilly and three other kids) learned how to tie themselves in with a figure eight knot and the proper etiquette for climbing. Then it was up the 65 foot pinnacle. Climb up and ring the bell, simulate a fall to gain confidence, rappel down. Lilly went first and was eager to go again when the others had started.

She got three more climbs (two to the top) before our class ended. She had to climb an overhang and conquer a little bout of fear when 50 feet up. Dave had a perfect read on her and pushed her just enough to keep her going. More importantly, he had my full confidence she would be safe.

With a certificate of accomplishment in hand, we headed out. She was even more excited than when we had first arrived. "I want to go back and climb again." "I want to climb the pinnacle at the park." "I want to climb some real rock."

So now I need to learn how to climb. I have the basics thanks to my crevasse rescue training, but I can't lead or place protection or even go up actual rock. I could put it off and hope it fades away, but then Clara went on a climbing trip with her school's Outdoors Club. I don't think there's any way I'm getting out of this now.