Break at Boston Bouldering Project
Working outdoors, there is always only one thing you can expect: the unexpected! With the increased warm weather over last weekend, the cross country ski tracks were melting away. Elevate Youth’s community partners were unfortunately unable to ski during their February break.
No fear! The Elevate Youth team proved to be flexible, resourceful, and adaptable. Harlem Lacrosse, Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester, and Crossroads embarked on a completely new and exciting trip: rock climbing at Boston Bouldering Project in Somerville!
On Tuesday, rock climbing was a new sport to many members of the Harlem Lacrosse team. They began with bouldering, which are shorter, more technical climbs that do not require a harness. Kids took turns and alternated difficulties, some beginning with easier climbs and others jumping head-first to more difficult ones. Harlem Lacrosse later enjoyed top-rope climbing and slacklining.
Our Boys and Girls Club Youthers are seasoned professionals at Rock Spot in South Boston, and Wednesday was their first venture to a different climbing gym in Somerville. While some climbers preferred top-rope climbing, including the extremely tall routes in the center of the gym, others tried their chalked-up hands at the bouldering wall.
On Thursday, we greeted our newest Youthers from Crossroads C5 Leaders. They took turns bouldering and learned how to use the auto-belay systems. They were especially intentional about challenging themselves, conquering their fears, and trying new things. We are so excited to welcome Crossroads to our Elevate Youth community!
Boston Bouldering Project (formerly Brooklyn Boulders) is one of Elevate Youth’s oldest partnerships. Their website indicates, “The Bouldering Project in Boston offers a world-class setting in an expansive facility full of smiles, friendly try-hard, and maybe the occasional flail.” They detail expansive programs for young climbers, ranging from birthday parties, to classes over holiday weekends, to a competition team. We are grateful for their community, facility, and the feedback they provide us to better improve our programming. Elevate Youth’s mission of supporting youth in high-cost barrier outdoor activities would not be possible if not for our generous, flexible partners in Boston and beyond.