Iowa Sends

This summer, two athletes from Iowa are heading to the biggest competition of their climbing careers — the USA Climbing Youth National Championships in Salt Lake City.

Kaija and Clara, members of the Climb Iowa Youth Climbing Team, are the only two climbers from Iowa to qualify for nationals this year in their divisions. After years of training, competing, traveling, and pushing themselves physically and mentally, they’ve earned the opportunity to compete against the best youth climbers in the country.

Hosted at the USA Climbing Training Center, Youth Nationals brings together the top athletes from across the United States. Only the top competitors from each of the nine divisions qualify, with approximately 60+ athletes competing in each division. Clara will compete in the F-15 category, while Kaija will compete in the F-19 category.

For eight days, these athletes will train, compete, and represent Iowa on the national stage.

Meet Kaija

Kaija is a 17-year-old competitive rock climber who has been competing since the age of 8. Through years of hard work, discipline, and determination, she has qualified for the Youth National Championship every year, earning recognition for both her athletic ability and commitment to the sport. Climbing has taught her perseverance, focus, and resilience, qualities that she brings into every area of her life. Alongside her athletic pursuits, Kaija successfully manages a rigorous academic workload while maintaining a high GPA, demonstrating her strong time-management skills and dedication to excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Beyond her accomplishments in climbing and academics, Kaija is also an Eagle Scout, reflecting her leadership, service, and commitment to her community. She enjoys creative problem-solving and has a passion for art and design, which has inspired her dream of becoming an architect. Kaija hopes to combine her creativity with technical skill to design spaces that are both functional and inspiring. With her ambition, leadership, and determination, she looks forward to making a meaningful impact in whatever path she pursues.

Meet Clara

When Clara was seven, she climbed a rock wall on a cruise ship and proudly rang the bell at the top. Six months later, when asked what activity she wanted to try, her answer was simple: climbing. Her family knew very little about the sport, aside from the fact that Climb Iowa was nearby.

At age eight, Clara joined a Climb Iowa recreational climbing team and quickly discovered that competitions were fun! Now 13, she has become one of Iowa’s stronger youth climbers. Clara loves the community at Climb Iowa and appreciates the support of her coaches. Her favorite moves are dynos — powerful jumps from one hold to another on the wall.

Outside of climbing, Clara loves performing in show choir and is active in her church’s student ministry. She also spends a lot of time outside, building obstacle courses for her and her dog and biking to friends’ houses.

Help Send Team Iowa to Nationals

Our goal is to raise $7,500 to help cover travel, lodging, competition expenses, coaching support, and transportation for Clara, Kaija, and two coaches traveling to Salt Lake City for Nationals.

There are several ways you can support the journey:

Donate Directly

Every donation helps send these athletes to nationals and allows Iowa to be represented on one of the biggest stages in youth climbing. All donations are tax deductible through Kingdom Consulting, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner hosting this fundraiser.

Climb Iowa Nationals Fundraiser Raffle

Four Prizes | Congratulations to our Winners 🎉

🧗 3-Month Membership — Rental gear included (Value: $265) | Winner: Easton Hamilton

🧗 10-Visit Punch Card — Rental gear included (Value: $280) | Winner: Sheryl Powell

🏪 $100 Climb Iowa Gear Store Voucher — Two winners drawn (Value: $100 each) | Winners: Sheng Ly & Kyle Weuve

Iowa Sends T-Shirts

Des Moines' own Raygun has created a shirt to sponsor our athletes! “Iowa Sends” t-shirts are available direction from the Raygun website and proceeds from each sale goes towards Kaija and Clara's Trip!

Shirts are available in youth and adult sizes. Prices range from $20 - $29.95. Purchase shirts directly from Raygun.
https://www.raygunsite.com/collections/climb-iowa

Whether you climb or just want to support these athletes, every shirt helps send Team Iowa to Nationals.

Business Sponsorship Opportunities

We would love to partner with local businesses and organizations that want to support youth athletics, women in sports, and the growing climbing community in Iowa.

Any business that contributes $1,000 or more will have their logo featured on the back of all “Iowa Sends” fundraiser shirts and be added to the Climb Iowa newsletter for six (6) months. This is a unique opportunity to support two incredible athletes while helping represent Iowa on the national climbing stage. Email us at teamsorrell@gmail.com to start a business sponsorship!

Kaija and Clara wouldn't have these opportunities without the incredible team, coaches, and staff at Climb Iowa. Climb Iowa has youth programming for all ages and they work hard to create a positive and encouraging community of climbers. If you would like to find out information about their teams or camps please click the link below or send an email to Team@climbiowa.com.

Thank you for supporting Clara and Kaija as they take this next step in their climbing journey. Your encouragement, generosity, and support truly help make this opportunity possible.

Our Business Sponsors

Iowa Sends

Help Clara & Kaija represent Iowa at USA Climbing Youth Nationals