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.
