Rocking the teen climbs in Boston, Mass

[moss]

I've been running some rec climbs for urban teens in Boston this summer. Scrat from the Buzz has been very generous in helping me run a couple of these, so just wanted to say thanks to Scrat and share some photos from the climbs...

Fine white oak used for Boston climbs

First time on rope in a tree

Scrat coaching a climber on more advanced canopy movement

End of the day, Scrat keeping an eye on the last two climbers

-AJ

 

[Treezybreez]

Hey that's great Andrew, I bet everyone had a fun time. It looks like a good tree for climbing in as well.

 

[Adkpk]

That tree has climb me written all over it.

 

[Two_Stroke_Junky]

That's kewl!Glad to see some people treating some teens to tree climbing sure is better then the streets!..*high five*

 

[islandarb]

Really nice tree. What a wonderful thing to do Andrew and Scrat. Very positive, everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Climbing trees can give those young people a new perspective about our environment and a respect for nature and living things.

 

[moss]

[ QUOTE ]
That's kewl!Glad to see some people treating some teens to tree climbing sure is better then the streets!..*high five*

[/ QUOTE ]

Definitely. Amazing thing is the range of teens I run into doing this over the years. For example one young man was a star football quarterback and an excellent high school student. Another had been on the streets for two years, both parents dead, making a strong comeback though. One of the young women climbing the other day showed immediate natural climbing skill. I wanted to suggest a career in arboriculture but first I asked what her interests were. She said she was planning to be an engineer or architect, I have no doubt she will succeed in one or the other careers. I wish I had my act together as well as some of these teens when I was that age.

Point being these kids blow away negative stereotypes about urban teens who often grow up in tough neighborhoods and difficult circumstances.

Some of these kids have serious issues, that is clear. The climb is a time for them to focus on being successful in a demanding task that also relaxes them in a healthy natural environment. The climb never fails to bring smiles and sparkly eyes. At the very least they get some time out from their daily life challenges.
-AJ

 

[Adam_P]

That looks like a great time!

2000% serious if you ever need an extra hand I would be more than willing to bring all my climbing gear and help out.

 

[moss]

[ QUOTE ]
That looks like a great time!

2000% serious if you ever need an extra hand I would be more than willing to bring all my climbing gear and help out.

[/ QUOTE ]

You'd be welcome Adam. I'm done with scheduled teen climbs for the summer but I will be doing a Boston "all comers" climb for the general public in October. That's an all hands on deck type of scenario, would be great if you showed up. Don't have the date set yet but will let you know when I do.
-AJ

 

[Adam_P]

Consider me in! Shoot me a message when you have a date ironed out.