“Keep going, Donovan!,” my friends, Zeph and Jacob yelled. I was hanging on for dear life, tired and exhausted, 60 feet in the air. They also helped me locate better footholds and handholds. This wasn’t my first time rock climbing, but it was my first as a senior with my crew. This trip was sponsored by New York Edge and The Outward Bound organization as a reward for perfect attendance for the month of February. I have climbed a mountain in North Carolina before, so this time I felt more confident. My instructor, (to be named later) belayed me. “Am I on belay?” I said to her, and she told me, “you’re on belay” before climbing. This simple but effective communication let me know that we’re connected and I can trust her with my life.
Ashley, our New York Edge director and Stephanie, one of our guidance counselors, accompanied 15 students to Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge facility in Long Island City. Outward Bound partners with Brooklyn Boulders to provide this team building experience. This trip was one of the several rewards for students with perfect attendance.
So far, students have experienced Movie & Treats (September), Cooking Class with Chef Thomas (October), Holiday Crafts with Ashley (November), Pizza & Chill (December), Spyscape in Midtown (January), and Bowling in White Plains (March). There are 2 trips left: Movie Day in Harlem (April) and Six Flags at Great Adventure (May).
When Zeph and Jacob reached the top, I could see the excitement and confidence in their faces. I’m sure I had the same face as well. Seeing my friends overcome their fear is something I will remember for a long time.
