The Importance of Getting Comp Kids Outside: It’s More Than Climbing

If we want the next generation to care about access, conservation, and the future of climbing, we can’t just expect it. We have to show them. Taking comp kids outside isn’t just about making them better climbers. It’s about connecting them to the places we care about. It’s about showing them why these landscapes matter and what it means to move through them with respect. It’s about passing down the ethics and values that have defined climbing for decades. The places we climb are more than training grounds. They’re ecosystems, public lands, and shared spaces that require care and protection. Organizations like the Access Fund have spent decades working to preserve access, build sustainable trails, and protect climbing areas across the country. But that work only continues if the next generation values it too. And that kind of value doesn’t come from a gym session, it comes from experience.