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MAY 2007

Defying Gravity and Defining Myself

By Heather Maher

During the first few days of September when everyone comes back to school sun-tanned and fresh from the relaxation of summer, the first question on everyone’s mind is “What’d you do this summer?” We all expect to have had “that” summer-the one when you discover a new passion for life and the one that gives you a new sense of self-discovery. For most of us, that particular summer of growth and change comes along at some point or another. For me, that summer was the year I decided to try my hand at a sport I had always viewed as a true test of a person’s ability to deny all human instincts and the sport that is death and gravity defying. Rock Climbing. 

On my first day at Adirondack Rock and River climbing camp I knew that this week would be full of adventure that I had never dreamed of. I grew to be a true outdoor enthusiast. I learned vital climbing safety skills, how to hike with a heavy pack, and how to truly love the beauty and freedom of the undisturbed wilderness. In addition to extraordinary sunburn I gained a sense of self-accomplishment from being able to finish multi-pitch ascents with a team of other peers.

My experience with this summer camp showed me that if you give a young person the time and the freedom to explore a new interest, they might find something that will give them the motivation to pursue their interest further and develop a real passion for it. Camps are great places for young people to have the opportunity to become a new person and meet other peers that have the same interests. I have been climbing now for two years and still have some of the same friends from climbing camp. I will never forget the things I learned about this amazing sport and the valuable things I learned about myself. I know that if I hadn’t had that summer that changed my life I would have missed out on so many more life changing experiences I’ve had as a result of discovering my passion for the wilderness and rock climbing at camp.#

Heather Maher is an Intern at Education Update.

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