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Parents or youth group leaders quite often are challenged to discover activities for their youngsters which are fun and different. Regardless of the nature of the organization, or the ages of it’s members. This can be especially true for clubs whose members vary in ages, abilities or gender.
My suggestion is,” Indoors climbing.” Here is a sport which can be enjoyed equally by all kids from age five to eighteen years old. It presents an appropriate challenge for each child regardless of his or her ability. Whether your group’s orientation is centered on the “Out of Doors”, “Church Activities”, or “Crocheting”, young people need a break from time to time from the ordinary and routine. With my group, I’ve found climbing to be an effective means to recharge the batteries.
Young men enjoy the physical challenge and love to help the younger kids succeed as well. Young ladies more and more are discovering the fun in challenging themselves in exacting physical sports, and the little ones just plain have a ball.
The wall provides a level playing field. When you watch a twelve-year-old confidently belay someone who is twice their age and weight, you realize that this is a sport where size and strength, while important, can be compensated by skill and technique. As the two work together you see age and size put aside to enable one to reach the top. They talk to one another as equals. They plan out how to overcome obstacles, how to help each other, and offer advice to achieve their goal. It’s quite fascinating to watch.
Adults enjoy the sport as well. It’s a sneaky way to introduce or reinforce such values as communications skills, team building, and inclusion in their groups program. Kids quickly learn that without the use of these skills, climbing can be tough. Parents or leaders can also join in with the fun. Children and adults working together in these types of activities will help to develop cohesion within the group, the benefits of which will pay dividends in the future.
Here are some points to keep in mind if this sounds like something you would like to organize for your club or group:
· Make sure the facility is geared to all ages and abilities. Some of these climbing walls are designed for the serious climber, not for recreational sport.
· Look for an instructor who works with kids. This is a plus for these gyms and should be evident in their literature.
· Visit the gym before hand and talk to the instructor and the owner/manager about their facility and the instruction given to the climbers before they are allowed on the wall.
· Ask the instructor for his qualifications.
· Provide ample information to the parents. Pickup brochures, ask about release forms, which need to be signed by the parents.
· Make sure you have plenty of adult supervision. The instructor has only two eyes and will welcome the help.
· What is the cost per person? We were charged $7.00 per person.
· Ask for help from someone familiar with the sport. A good number of people enjoy climbing today and would be all to willing to either give you advice, or go with you on your visit to the gym.
When I first considered indoor climbing for my group I thought parents would object due to the nature and possible safety concerns of the sport. However, with the proper research and a thoughtful letter, accompanied by the literature I gathered from the gym sent home, every issue was covered to their satisfaction. And after the first outing, everyone was enthusiastic when I suggested we go a second time.
So, when you’re standing in front of your group and all eyes are asking, 'what do we due now?' have this idea in your back pocket. I did and the result was new skills, enhanced confidence and adolescent boundaries between ages, gender, and abilities disappear from our group.
Give it a try and have fun!
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