Climb on, Yosemite!

You don't need to be a rock climber to enjoy this book, but you'll still appreciate it if you do!

The story engages readers in our planet's amazing outdoor world in terms kids can understand and enjoy. Along the way, the book introduces role models for aspiring young climbers!

Climb On, Yosemite! is a children's story about a family of five as they go on a great rock climbing adventure in Yosemite National Park!

Along the way, readers learn important information about rock climbing, environmental stewardship, fun facts about Yosemite, and overcoming life's obstacles.

Written and illustrated to inspire people of all ages to get out, "climb on", and protect and enjoy our beautiful landscapes all over the world.

The book introduces readers to some common rock climbing equipment, terms, and techniques for rock climbing.

But perhaps more importantly the story leads children through some common fears and excitement that can go along with trying a new sport!

This children's book is written by father and outdoor adventurer, Dan Delisle, and illustrated by the talented Portuguese artist and sculptor, Hugo Travanca.

Based on countless hours of Dan's sketches and fantastic digital artwork by Hugo, these stories are coming to life, with the sole mission to INSPIRE kids, parents, and adventurers to follow their dreams and GET OUT THERE to the gym or the great outdoors and climb!

Rock climbing teaches self-discipline, builds self-confidence, increases mental focus, problem solving abilities, and physical strength.

Self-discipline, mental focus, and believing in your abilities are the inherent traits we want our kids to acquire and be familiar with as they grow up - climbing is a fantastic way to introduce the basics of these concepts because successful climbing requires these things to succeed!

Additionally, rock climbing is safe and a lot of fun! 

This book was written to help encourage kids to try rock climbing!

There's no such thing as "texting and climbing" - because climbers are focused on either checking their knots and safety, or figuring out how to get to the next hand and foot hold.

Climbers must also always be aware of their surroundings and climbing partners at all times.

Trusting hands, feet, body, climbing gear, and a climbing partner carries valuable lessons in developing personal faith and confidence, as well as learning how to place trust in others.

Whether it's climbing rocks, trees, playground equipment, or furniture, children have a natural ability and desire to climb!

Before beginning any climb, climbing partners check each other's gear and knots to review gear safety.

Using specific technical language found only in the climbing community lexicon and a defined communication process to ensure safety and preparedness.

This is fantastic communication practice for kids!

The story incorporates introductions to climbing lingo so when kids go climb outdoors they have some basic understanding of what's being said, why it's important, and how to respond.

For instance, at the start of a climb, the following allows for clear communication between climber and belayer. Before climbing: 

Climber to belayer: "On Belay?"

Belayer: "Belay On."

Climber to belayer: "Ready to Climb."

Belayer: "Climb On!"

When the climber returns to the ground or is safely anchored at a belay station:

Climber: "Belay Off."

Belayer: "Off Belay."

A lot of climbing is difficult - it requires problem solving, falling, failing, being humbled, and learning to try again.

Learning to persevere in the face of failure is a life-lesson that will pay for itself over and over again for our young ones. 

It cannot be underestimated how critical it is for character development that kids fall down (on their ropes, of course!) and learn to get back up and try again