About this Event
Consent shows up in everything we do - including climbing.
May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is Consent Belongs in Mountain Culture. Join the Canmore Young Adult Network and Harmony Project for a thoughtful and interactive Climbing & Consent session at Elevation Place.
We’ll begin with a 30-minute guided conversation led by Ren (they/them), exploring how consent shows up in climbing spaces and everyday life. Together, we’ll look at practical ways to build a culture of respect, communication, and autonomy - both on and off the wall.
Topics will include:
- Asking before entering someone’s space for safety checks
- Respecting boundaries around gear, touch, and support
- Communicating clearly throughout a climb
- Checking in about feedback, encouragement, and beta
- Respecting limits and decisions without pressure
- Consent around photos, sharing, and social media
Following the discussion, participants will move into a 1.5-hour experiential climbing session with Elevation Place staff. This is a chance to actively practice consent in a climbing environment - from belay checks to ongoing communication - with support from both instructors and Ren.
This session is open to both beginners and experienced climbers (must have passed a belay test at Elevation Place).
Together, we’ll build skills that go beyond climbing - strengthening a culture of respect, awareness, and accountability across our community.
What’s included:
- A guided, conversational session on consent
- Entry to Elevation Place climbing gym
- Shoes and harness rental (if needed)
- A guided experiential climbing session
About your facilitator
Ren (they/them) is a queer non-binary white settler who is passionate about climbing, teaching, and connecting with community through climbing. They take joy in collaborating with local organizations to offer rock climbing courses that are accessible, supportive and welcoming. They have worked with groups such as Banff Pride, Crush Collective, Rock On Collective, and The B.I.G. Initiative. Ren is an ACMG Rock Guide based out of Canmore, AB on Treaty 7 territory.
Accessibility notes
This event includes a group discussion followed by a physical climbing session. Please reach out if you have specific accessibility needs - we’ll do our best to support participation.
Questions?
Please reach out to our Programs Manager at [email protected].
Community & Inclusion
You are always welcome to attend CYAN events on your own - many people do! Our event staff are there to support you, and we often use light icebreakers to help everyone feel comfortable and included.
While CYAN’s programming is designed with young adults in mind, everyone is welcome to attend our events, except events involving alcohol, which are 18+ only.
Media Release
Photograph and video may be taken at this event. Please contact us or speak with our event staff upon arrival if you do not wish to be photographed.
Funding
Thank you Banff Canmore Foundation for supporting our Life Skills events. This event is in partnership with the Bow Valley Harmony Project.
Please register ahead
Event may be subject to cancellation if we do not receive enough registrations, so please register ahead by May 15 to secure your spot.
Weather considerations
Event will go ahead rain or shine, unless a safety risk is identified by the facilitator.
Communication
Reminder emails with important information may be sent to you through Eventbrite. Please check your inbox (including your junkmail) 48 hours prior to the event.
Refund/Cancellation Policy: Please note that all ticket sales are final. Refunds will only be issued in the event of cancellation by the organizer.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Elevation Place, 700 Railway Avenue, Canmore, Canada
CAD 0.00
