The Power of Adventure
I stood at the base of the wall, looking up at the handholds and wondering if climbing them was a good idea. My daughter checked my knot and carabiner and then told me to say, “Climbing.” I followed directions. She replied, “Belay On.”
And that was that that.
I grabbed the first handhold and pulled myself up making sure not to look down. As I moved from molded plastic hold to molded plastic hold, my daughter coached me.
“Try to use your legs – you’ll be steadier, and you won’t get as fatigued.”
I tried to follow her advice, but knew I was failing as my forearm muscles filled with lactic acid making gripping the holds harder and harder.
About two-thirds of the way up the 40-foot route, I paused.
“I’m coming down,” I said.
“Just take a rest,” yelled my daughter. “You can make it to the top.”
I looked down. Bad mistake.
“I’m coming down,” I said again. “This is as high as I go.”
I could read my daughter’s expression. She was contemplating not letting me down.
“Tell me what to do,” I said.
“Lean back and slightly push of the wall. I’ll lower you down.”
I was not convinced. So instead of following her directions, I started to basically down-climb the route.
“Dad,” she yelled. “I’ve got you. Just let go.”
Tired and more scared than I cared to admit, I decided to trust her. I let go and she started to lower me. As I got more comfortable, I started to push myself away from the wall with my feet, slowly swinging down and feeling the joy and freedom being lost in space.
Hitting the ground, I forgot to stand up, so I fell on my backside, laughing and looking up at what I’d just done.
I felt proud and excited. Trying something new is always good for the soul.
This issue is dedicated to all things adventure, specifically camp adventure. As you all know, trying new things, getting out of your comfort zone, is the bedrock of the camp experience. I hope there are some neat ideas inside that help you offer new first experiences to your campers this summer and next.
As for me, I’ve transitioned to climbing outside. I’m currently learning to be a lead belayer and, maybe by the end of the summer, will be comfortable leading my first route. I hope so.
Have a great summer!
Rodney J. Auth
Publisher
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