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/