Editor’s Note: This story is part of a summertime series featuring youth camps in Orange County.
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With schools out for summer break, it may feel like the kids are climbing the walls looking for activities.
At Sender One in Aliso Viejo, kids are literally climbing the walls during its Rock Climbing Camp.
The indoor climbing gym offers week-long camps for all skill levels.
Lyanna Su, 6, does a crate stacking exercise during Rock Climbing Camp at Sender One in Aliso Viejo on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Using the hand holds on the crates campers stacked them while climbing higher. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Alexander Rodas slides down a giant slide in Sender City during Rock Climbing Camp at Sender One in Aliso Viejo on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Lyanna Su, left, and Cassie Ni, brush chalk off holds during Rock Climbing Camp at Sender One in Aliso Viejo on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Campers climb three walls in Sender City during Rock Climbing Camp at Sender One in Aliso Viejo on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Alexander Rados, 11, takes a break on the boulder wall during Rock Climbing Camp at Sender One in Aliso Viejo on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Three campers do a conga line on their way to another climb during Rock Climbing Camp at Sender One in Aliso Viejo on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Pasha Omrani, 7, climbs an obstacle in Sender City during Rock Climbing Camp at Sender One in Aliso Viejo on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Campers head to the climbing walls during Rock Climbing Camp at Sender One in Aliso Viejo on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Michael Sakhnov, 11, climbs during Rock Climbing Camp at Sender One in Aliso Viejo on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Campers can top rope, where they are tied into a harness that goes through an anchor at the top of the wall and a belayer takes up the slack as they climb. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A camper practices tying into his harness during Rock Climbing Camp at Sender One in Aliso Viejo on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Cassie Ni climbs during Rock Climbing Camp at Sender One in Aliso Viejo on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Campers can top rope, where they are tied into a harness that goes through an anchor at the top of the wall and a belayer takes up the slack as they climb up to 45 feet. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Creed Howell, 7, climbs on the bouldering wall during Rock Climbing Camp at Sender One in Aliso Viejo on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Cassie Ni climbs during Rock Climbing Camp at Sender One in Aliso Viejo on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Campers can top rope, where they are tied into a harness that goes through an anchor at the top of the wall and a belayer takes up the slack as they climb up to 45 feet. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The group starts off in Sender City, a colorful, interactive area with climbing walls, but also a giant slide, climbing poles (think stair-stepping on top of vertical poles), and a trapeze-like bar.
Campers spend time in the bouldering area honing their skills and end up top roping.
See also: Summer camp guide 2026: City-run camps
In top roping, the climber is tied into a harness, and the rope goes through an anchor at the top of the wall and back down to a belayer, who takes up slack as the climber ascends.
Eleven-year-old Michael Sakhnov has been climbing for more than two years and said he likes the challenge.
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“Sometimes I want to give up, but I push myself to the limit,” he said. “When I do what I was focusing on, I’m happy that I conquered what I wanted to do so I can move on to more challenges.”
See also: Summer camp guide 2026: Academic and STEM camps
Camp Lead Kaitlyn Broersma enjoys watching the campers progress through the week, she said, being timid and nervous on Monday to climbing the 45-foot walls and cheering for each other by Friday.
“It’s great to see them walk away with skills and more confidence in themselves,” she said.
Broersma said she also teaches them gym etiquette and teamwork through group games.
Sender One has summer camps at locations in Orange and LA counties. More information can be found at senderoneclimbing.com/camps.
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