Director Jud's Blog

Our teenage years are a part of the foundation that shapes the rest of our lives. The influences and experiences we have during our teenage years matter, and therefore, when we have choices; the choices we make matter. Rock climbing and all it involves, is a total teenage developmental package that can set teenagers up for success in many aspects of their life.

Therefore, rock climbing is an incredibly healthy choice, offering a little bit of everything in one experience; maximizing what you get both monetarily and experientially (total value = maximized). Rock climbing and the Stone Mountain Adventure’s rock climbing summer camp program is healthy for teenagers for the following reasons (not exhaustive):

Positive self-esteem and self-concept

• Goal setting (and achieving)
• Decision making (positive, sustainable judgement)
• Responsibility
• Trust
• Commitment
• Problem solving
• Creativity
• Improvisation

Inter-hemispheric integration (incredibly important!)

Rock climbing often requires contra-lateral movement, which induces inter-hemispheric integration, which engages the corpus collosum and means both hemispheres of your brain are freely communicating. This state often acts as a “reset” for our minds and allows us to maximize our overall potential.

Vestibular System development (balance)

Tactile System development (sensory)

Proprioception development (body awareness)

Fine and gross motor skills development

Inter-personal relationship development

• Verbal and non-verbal communication development
• Team work/building skills
• Direct communication
  
  • Comfortable and uncomfortable feedback

Intra-personal relationship development

• “Optimum performance” state aka the “flow state” or “flow”
• Self-regulation
  
  • Modifications of the levels and impact of fear
  • Stress management
  • Time management
• Mindfulness
• Self-awareness/actualization
• Locus of control

Physical exercise

• Endorphin release (feels good, relieves stress)
• Muscular toning/growth
• Joint and bone strengthening
• Promotes weight loss

Natural health benefits of being in nature (outdoor rock climbing!)

• Just being out in nature, rock climbing or not, has proven to:
  • Promote weight loss
  • Reduce arthritic pain
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Lower the risk of diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease
  • Reduce stress, anxiety, rumination and depression
  • Calm the mind
  • Improve confidence and self-esteem

Rock climbing and backcountry living hard skill acquirement (just a few examples…)

• Belaying
• Knots
• Rappelling
• Camp fire building

As you can see rock climbing is a multi-tasking, developmental, one-stop “shop” that is possibly one of the healthiest activities, sports, experiences, lifestyles that a teenager can partake in or have, ever. Regardless, if your kid is a seasoned climbing veteran, or has never even touched real rock before, Stone Mountain Adventure’s offer’s outdoor rock climbing experiences for any teen at any level. Come share a rope with us and learn some awesome rock climbing skills at Stone Mountain Adventures!

Written by –

Kyle Stapp

Head Rock Climbing Guide

AMGA SPI

Awakening Adventures PA

References:

Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation. Health Benefits of PA State Parks and Forests. Retrieved from: https://paparksandforests.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Health_Benefits.pdf 

Schoel, J., Prouty, D., Radcliffe, P. 1988. Islands of Healing: A Guide to Adventure Based Counseling. Project Adventure.

Kiley, Christie. 2015. Therapeutic Benefits of Rock Climbing. Retrieved from: http://mamaot.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-rock-climbing/