Class Details
3 Hours
4th Grade to Adult
easy
What can we learn about ourselves and each other by doing challenging activities?
Students will have the opportunity to experience climbing at either the Mystical Mountain (Science Center; 29’6″) or the Taylor’s Falls (Education Building; 29′) indoor rock climbing walls. After an introductory discussion about some of the thoughts and emotions that climbing can evoke, students will learn about the equipment, techniques, and commands used by climbers and belayers. Instructors will demonstrate proper belaying techniques; students will then practice these new skills. Following a brief instructor led demonstration climb, the student climbing session will begin. During the conclusion portion of the class, the instructor will facilitate a discussion that encourages students to relate their climbing wall experiences to aspects of their everyday lives.
Concepts
- Challenges provide opportunities for learning and growth.
- Safe rock climbing experiences require the use of safety equipment and proper training.
- Problem solving, decision making, self awareness, and risk assessment are skills which empower us to reach our goals.
- Understanding and respecting others enables people to work together effectively as a community.
- Skills used to overcome a specific challenge can be applied to many situations.
Outcomes
- Set goals for an individual rock climbing experience, and identify potential challenges to those goals.
- Follow safe rock climbing practices, commands, and proper use of safety equipment.
- Recognize personal strengths, abilities, and limitations, as well as those of others.
- Actively participate in rock climbing experiences, such as climbing, belaying, encouraging and coaching others, and assisting adult supervisors.
- Understand that rock climbing experiences can apply to everyday life challenges.