Children naturally love to climb trees. It is often their first exploration off the ground. Children will select a tree with numerous branches and take to the heights. For most, adventure is the big draw. But to others, a tree's shelter might be a place to hide and be alone.

Parents, of course, get concerned when they see their loved ones high in a tree. These first climbs made by children on their own are usually performed without the safety of tree climbing equipment. Sometimes accidents occur: bruises are common, but sometimes bones are broken. At the TCI School, no climber is without rope protection at any time. And, all climbers are required to wear helmets at all times. This makes tree climbing an extremely safe activity.

Children excel in roped tree climbing because they are low in body weight, fearless, and have an unlimited abundance of energy. Children will quickly ascend a rope, leaving their breathless parents far behind. This feels great to a kid, because here is something they can do better than their parents! Tree climbing is a great way to build a child's self-confidence!

Adults and children learn at the same pace when first learning to climb trees. There is no age bias. It's remarkable to see a seven year old child explain to their parent how to move the knots in sequence to gain height. At the tree climbing school, we encourage children to help their parents move up into a tree. Instructors are always there to give instruction, of course; but a child's encouraging words to a parent provide many positive benefits to both.

"How old must a child be to start climbing with TCI?"

A child five years old and up will find tree climbing one of the most exciting things they can do. Children under five usually have too short of an attention span to understand how to work the knots in sequence.

"Is my child safe?"

The only accidents we've seen have been a few blisters from rope abrasion (some children refuse to wear gloves) and a couple of incidents in which long hair got caught in a knot. (Climbers now pull their hair back with a band before putting on a helmet.) Again, tree climbing is an extremely safe sport.

"Is tree climbing just for boys?"

Certainly not! Girls do just as well, if not better than boys.

"Is tree climbing competitive?"

No! While most sports are very competitive, recreational tree climbing is different. Tree climbing is an activity for enjoyment. No one is racing to get to the top first. A climber might find a bottle of soap and water for blowing bubbles with others at the top of a tree, or maybe even ring a bell to let everybody know they have arrived there. Tree climbing is a sport which rewards teamwork and cooperation.

"What about fear of heights?"