From Anxious First Steps to Triumphant High-Fives, AXL 8th Graders Discovered their Inner Strength on the Vertical Rock. Written by CI Field Instructor Shawn Heyland.
Rock climbing isn’t for the faint of heart, and Ms. E’s 8th-grade AXL CAP class showed up at school on Friday with bravery and resilience. The goal for the day was to visit Staunton State Park to embrace the vertical world of rock climbing. Students were both excited and nervous to try outdoor rock climbing for the first time. Only one student in the class had any prior rock climbing experience, and it was indoors at a gym with plastic holds.
Pulling up to the parking lot at the climbing crag and pointing up to the cliff faces, students’ eyes widened at the thought of climbing such rocks. We all geared up in the parking lot with warm clothing for any incoming weather, the sandwiches and snacks we prepared ahead of time, and an adventurous spirit. We were accompanied by volunteer staff at Staunton who welcomed our group kindly and gave us expert guidance throughout the day. They took care of the technical side of things, allowing the students to focus on the experience of climbing.
Students anxiously strapped into their harnesses, helmets, and climbing shoes in anticipation of the 50 foot-high rock face. Students could top rope (the rope was tied into them, then up into an anchor, and back down to the staff belayer) as high or as low as they wanted. Most students climbed each of the three routes set up and eagerly shared their experiences with their friends once they were back on the ground. High fives, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment were shared amongst students.
While students waited for their turn to climb, we played a few nature and team building games down below. We started with a round of Camouflage, where students learn the art of hiding like animals and sneaking up on prey as a predator would. After this, we played a few rounds of Mass Paranoia – an extremely fun, competitive, and chaotic paranoia-inducing version of tag. By this time most students had their turn at climbing, so we ate our pre-packed lunches. Every time a group of students came down – they were filled with excitement and energy.
While the last group of students were climbing, the rest of the class got a lesson on whittling sticks. They sat in their safety bubbles (aka “blood circles”) to keep a safe distance from others while they sat in a cozy spot to soak in the excitement of the day and whittle away. Before we knew it, it was time to pack up and hike back down to the parking lot. At the end of the trip, we did a “Rock and Stick” debrief – sharing something that rocked your world and something that is going to stick with you. Several students expressed gratitude for the volunteers for making them feel safe and comfortable while climbing on vertical rock for the first time.
A big thanks to the funders and supporters that make the CAP class possible, including: Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Patagonia, PeyBack Foundation, Strear Family Foundation, Thorne Nature Experience, Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program and the Xcel Energy Foundation.
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