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Rock Climbing in Middle Schools

Rock climbing is a past time activity that is gaining popularity with each passing day. People of all ages have fallen in love with this sport as it?s both exhilarating and fun. University student Heather Brule teaches rock climbing to middle schoolers. Brule is part of a group of University students and community members which works to run indoor rock climbing walls in Eugene public middle schools.

Thanks to funding from a grant and cooperation between the Riverhouse and the 4J school district, all the public middle schools in Eugene have indoor climbing walls where students can go after school and learn to climb. The Riverhouse is part of the City of Eugene?s Outdoor Program. It offers about two-thirds of its programs for youth and the other third for the general community. The Riverhouse also facilitates part of the city?s after-school program by providing opportunities to go rock climbing, kayaking or skateboarding.

The program focuses on the leadership and character-building aspects inherent in outdoor recreation besides focusing on the physical skills needed to participate in outdoor sports. The principle is generally called ?challenge by choice.? The participants are encouraged to take responsibility for their experience and personal growth throughout the program. They are able to push themselves in new experiences as much as they feel comfortable.