Building teamwork through climbing

7 years ago

DANFORTH, Maine — East Grand students in grades kindergarten through 12 have been busy using the school’s climbing wall over the past couple weeks during physical education and outdoor education classes.  

Middle and high school students have been involved in all phases of setting up the wall,  belaying, as well as safety checks and giving climbing commands, according to Dave Conley, outdoor education teacher at East Grand.

“Numerous students gained confidence as they push through their fear of heights and learn to trust the belayer and backup belayer with their safety,” he said. “Other beneficial aspects of climbing  include learning to teach, teamwork, goal setting, and problem solving.”

East Grand outdoor education student Isaac Crone, left, instructs fellow student Nathalie Golding on how to tie a proper climbing knot used with belaying.
(Courtesy of Dave Conley)