2026 Mentee Application Form: Rock On Collective

Rock On Collective (ROC) is now accepting applications to the 2026 climbing mentorship program. The program takes place in Okanagan, BC and is running May - October, 2026. Through peer-to-peer learning, this program aims to cultivate a space of belonging, respect and community where we engage with each other, the sport, and the land in a reciprocal way. All climbers, experienced and aspiring, gain technical skills, knowledge and confidence in an environment that promotes safety and mutual support. Our mentorship program is for people who are committed to growth and skill development and is offered to all equity-deserving genders. This includes people who identify as Two-Spirit, nonbinary, transgender, agender, genderqueer, genderfluid, other gender minorities, as well as women. Please make sure you have read and understood the program structure and time commitment (at least 1 outing/month with your group) to participate. Find helpful items on our website such as: ROC Program Info page, FAQ, Application Guide. To learn more about Rock On Collective as a whole, please see our website. Last day to fill out this application form is March 31st, 2026 at 11:59 pm. If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please feel free to send an email to info@rockoncollective.com, or send us a DM on Instagram @rock.on.collective or Facebook @rockoncollective - we would love to hear from you! Collection Notice: The personal information is collected under the authority of the British Columbia Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). Personal information is collected for the purposes of administering rock climbing programs and collecting statistics for impact reports. If you have any questions about the collection of personal information, please contact us.

What is your preferred name? (First and Last- legal name not required) *
Pronouns *
Email *
Please enter your primary email address. We will be sending out important information over email on a regular basis if accepted. Please ensure you are checking this email to keep up to date with program events and information. You will not receive marketing emails.
Date of birth? (Month-Date-Year) *
UTC
Did you apply for the 2025 Rock On Collective mentorship program? *
Yes, I was accepted
Yes, but I was not accepted
No
Have you attended any other ROC programming (community courses or community events)? *
Yes
No
What's your primary phone number? *
In what city will you be located during this program: May-October 2026 *
Do you have a car or other way to get yourself to/from climbing meet-ups? *
Yes, all the time
Sometimes
Never
What interests you about the Rock On Collective (ROC) Mentorship program? *
All participants must commit at least 1 outing per month with their mentorship group (May to October). This does not include optional workshops or social climbs organized by Rock On Collective. Do you commit to this? *
I commit to this
I can't commit to this (explain in next question)
Explain previous question if you chose that you cannot commit.
Please self-describe in regards to your racial and ethnic identity *
We strive to make climbing accessible to people facing systemic barriers and to have an anti-racist and anti-oppressive approach to our program design. By understanding the social identities of our participants, we can better design inclusive programs that are relevant for all. However, we understand that some people may not want to reveal their identities and that is totally OK - if so, just write "I rather not say."
Do you identify as a member of any of the following equity-denied groups? *
Select all that apply. We strive to make climbing accessible to people who are faced with structural barriers and to have an anti-racist and anti-oppressive approach to our program design. By understanding the social identities of the participants, we can better design inclusive programs that are relevant for all. That being said, we understand that some people may not want/feel safe to reveal their identities and that is totally OK - if so, just choose "I rather not say."
Do you experience any other barriers to learn climbing/outdoor sport that you would like us to know about? (e.g history of trauma, chronic illness, weight, mental illness, etc.)
Tell us a bit about yourself. *
Interest/background/anything else you'd like to share! Recommended 1-3 sentences. Returning mentees can write "refer to last year."
Do you hold previous knowledge about gender-inclusive language (e.g. they/them, etc.) or gender diverse experiences? *
Rock On Collective has a gender-inclusive focus and works with many people who identify outside of the gender binary (e.g. non-binary, gender queer, trans, etc.). All participants are expected to never make assumptions, and be prepared to learn and grow. If you don't have experience with this, but are willing to learn, please explain that and do your homework on pronouns, inclusive spaces and being an ally before arriving. We expect people to make mistakes (we all do!), but to rock with us you need to be willing to accept and learn from those mistakes.
How did you first hear about us? *
Word of mouth
Instagram
Facebook Ad
Facebook climbing group
Physical poster
Another organization (e.g. SOICS)
Other
How many years of climbing experience do you have? Specify indoor/outdoor/sport/bouldering/other *
If you're new to climbing, write never.
How often do you climb? Indoor/outdoor? *
If you're new to climbing, write never.
What grades do you usually climb comfortably? Specify if indoors or outdoors, leading or top-rope. *
If you're new to climbing, write n/a
How comfortable are you doing the following outdoor climbing skill: Top-rope climbing *
Don't know/Never tried
Uncomfortable
Somewhat comfortable
Comfortable
Very comfortable
How comfortable are you doing the following outdoor climbing skill: Top-rope belaying *
Don't know/Never tried
Uncomfortable
Somewhat comfortable
Comfortable
Very comfortable
How comfortable are you doing the following outdoor climbing skill: Sport lead climbing *
Don't know/Never tried
Uncomfortable
Somewhat comfortable
Comfortable
Very comfortable
How comfortable are you doing the following outdoor climbing skill: Trad lead climbing *
Don't know/Never tried
Uncomfortable
Somewhat comfortable
Comfortable
Very comfortable
How comfortable are you doing the following outdoor climbing skill: Lead belaying including catching falls *
Don't know/Never tried
Uncomfortable
Somewhat comfortable
Comfortable
Very comfortable
How comfortable are you doing the following outdoor climbing skill: Setting up a redundant top rope anchor *
Don't know/Never tried
Uncomfortable
Somewhat comfortable
Comfortable
Very comfortable
How comfortable are you doing the following outdoor climbing skill: Cleaning a top rope anchor *
Don't know/Never tried
Uncomfortable
Somewhat comfortable
Comfortable
Very comfortable
How comfortable are you doing the following outdoor climbing skill: Rappelling *
Don't know/Never tried
Uncomfortable
Somewhat comfortable
Comfortable
Very comfortable
How comfortable are you doing the following outdoor climbing skill: Multi-pitch systems *
Don't know/Never tried
Uncomfortable
Somewhat comfortable
Comfortable
Very comfortable
How comfortable are you doing the following outdoor climbing skill: Bouldering safety *
Don't know/Never tried
Uncomfortable
Somewhat comfortable
Comfortable
Very comfortable
What discipline(s) of climbing do you want to be mentored in? *
Do you have any specific goals for this climbing season? What are some skills that you would like to learn or develop? *
This doesn't have to be technical skills, but could include leadership/mental/social/other.
What does safety and ethics mean to you in regards to climbing (and/or other outdoor environments)? How will you promote safety and ethics for yourself and others? *
Returning Mentees can include anything new they learned last season.
What is important to you when being grouped with other mentors and mentees for you to feel safety and belonging? *
E.g. being grouped with people of similar experience level and/or identities, anything that makes you feel empowered.
Describe how you plan to create a foundation of trust & create psychological and physical safety with your fellow mentees and mentors, both before you head out to climb and throughout the season. *
Returning Mentees are encouraged to include anything new they learned last season.
What type of mentorship configuration would you prefer? *
Note that we can't guarantee everyone's preferences will be met.
Small-group (2 Mentors, 2-3 Mentees)
1-on-1
No preference
If you participated in last year’s program, please explain if you prefer to continue with the same mentorship group (mentors and/or mentees) if possible, or if you’d like to be with new participants.
Note that we can't guarantee everyone's preferences will be met.
Which courses/events interest you most: Outdoor ethics & ecology for climbers
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
Which courses/events interest you most: Land stewardship & Indigenous perspectives
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
Which courses/events interest you most: Intro to outdoor bouldering
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
Which courses/events interest you most: Intro to rock climbing
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
Which courses/events interest you most: Intro to lead climbing
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
Which courses/events interest you most: Intro to trad climbing
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
Which courses/events interest you most: Multi-pitch systems (sport)
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
Which courses/events interest you most: Intro to Mindset for Climbers
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
Which courses/events interest you most: Lead catching & falling (sport climbing)
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
Which courses/events interest you most: Climbing techniques (footwork, dynamic movement, etc.)
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
Which courses/events interest you most: Anchor building & cleaning
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
Which courses/events interest you most: Rock Rescue
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
Which courses/events interest you most: Boulder development
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
Which courses/events interest you most: First Aid
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
Which courses/events interest you most: Non-climbing community gatherings
Very interested
Interested
Slightly interested
Not interested
clear value
What access needs* do you have and how may we help accommodate them? What type of support would you like to fully participate in this program?
Returning mentees can write "refer to last year" if nothing has changed. *"Anything a person requires in order to fully participate in their environment or community can be considered access needs. They can be physical or emotional and may require changes to the standard practices.” (source)
Do you foresee any challenges with taking on a role as mentee with ROC?
This could be anything from safety-related worries, social aspects, time constraints or something else. Feel free to speak your mind so that we know how to be of support.
What is your typical availability: Monday
Select all that apply. Each participant is responsible to plan outings with their mentorship group (we do our best to group based on availability).
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What is your typical availability: Tuesday
Select all that apply. Each participant is responsible to plan outings with their mentorship group (we do our best to group based on availability).
clear value
What is your typical availability: Wednesday
Select all that apply. Each participant is responsible to plan outings with their mentorship group (we do our best to group based on availability).
clear value
What is your typical availability: Thursday
Select all that apply. Each participant is responsible to plan outings with their mentorship group (we do our best to group based on availability).
clear value
What is your typical availability: Friday
Select all that apply. Each participant is responsible to plan outings with their mentorship group (we do our best to group based on availability).
clear value
What is your typical availability: Saturday
Select all that apply. Each participant is responsible to plan outings with their mentorship group (we do our best to group based on availability).
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What is your typical availability: Sunday
Select all that apply. Each participant is responsible to plan outings with their mentorship group (we do our best to group based on availability).
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Any comments in regards to your availability in the previous questions?
For example, if you have a flexible or rotating schedule, or you will be away some parts of May-October, etc.
Are you in need of borrowing gear for the season?
Select all that apply. If you prefer to buy, Eskala offers a 25% discount on climbing shoes and 15% on other climbing gear for ROC Mentorship Program participants.
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If accepted, you will be asked to pay a joining fee on a sliding scale from $0 to $175. *
We want to ensure our program is accessible to anyone, regardless of financial situation, so you may choose how much to donate without financial justification or disclosure. All proceeds will go directly to insurance, plus supporting Rock On Collective and its programming. Those who immerse themselves in the program receive the opportunity to attend heavily subsidized courses with certified guides, various workshops, plus many hours of peer to peer learning.
SAVE THE DATE: If accepted, there will be a kick-off in Penticton May 2nd at 1:00pm-5:00pm. Please indicate here is you are available to attend. *
Attendance is highly encouraged, as we go over a lot of important information for the season.
Do you wish to receive newsletters from Rock On Collective? *
Is there anything else you would like to share about your application?
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