I had the pleasure of working with a group of boys ranging in age from 15-17 years old from Camp Rainbow Gold at the climbing wall this summer. Many of the boys had been to camp for a number of years and had “done everything” there so the directors were looking for a new challenge for them. When the program director contacted me she said they had been having some behavioral issues with the boys and they weren’t really bonding or getting along. We decided a rock climbing session was just what they needed.
The boys arrived all excited and some even nervous at what lay before them. After teaching them how to belay each other and going over climbing safety I let them climb with their partner. For some it was enough of a challenge to just take a step or two off the ground and trust their partner to lower them safely. Words and exchanges between the boys were positive as they all decided what their challenges were and tackled them in their own manner.
One young man, named Lamar, seemed particularly determined to tackle everything the wall could put in front of him. Upon recognizing this drive I approached him and questioned him about it. My worry was that he was going to get himself into a bad situation due to perceived peer pressure that was not present. He said to me (and I’ll paraphrase this) “Kat, I’ve had cancer and because of it I have a hard time being as good as other kids in sports and physical stuff. I feel like I’m good at climbing; better than the others here so I want to do as much as I can, go as hard as I can today and prove that I can do it.” All I could do at that point was support him and cheer him on.
After most of the other boys were finished with their climbing Lamar was still working on what would be his final climb of the day. It wasn’t an easy climb for him, but his determination and the support of the crew had him trying and trying until, at last, he reached the top. At this point, not only his teammates were watching and cheering, but a small crowd had gathered on the balcony as well. Everyone erupted in cheers and clapping for Lamar-some knowing his struggle, some maybe only sensing it, but everyone was celebrating. High fives and hugs were shared within the group as we debriefed the experience and the day for each person.
A week or two later I was talking with the program director and asked how the group was doing. She said “I don’t know if you were aware that the night before coming to the Y we had to sit the boys down and talk to them regarding their attitudes and how they were interacting with each other. Since our trip to the climbing wall we haven’t had one problem with any of the boys. They’ve really stepped up as role models for the younger campers, found ways to help out at camp, and have bonded with each other. It’s like a totally new group. Thank you!”