Rock Climbing can be an intimidating activity for some, but it’s the exhilaration and confidence gained from each line climbed that keeps Outdoors for All Participant, Courtney Holsted, coming back for more.
Courtney has weak muscle tone, including in her upper body, but has been climbing with Outdoors for All programs for five years. Not only has the activity improved her strength and balance, but rock climbing and interacting with volunteers and staff helped to bring her confidence and out of her shy shell.
“I love rock climbing and the Outdoors for All volunteers and Program Managers. They always use my name and make me feel very welcome. They encourage me and clap my hi-fives for my efforts and accomplishments.
This fun activity has made me stronger physically and mentally. My hands shake sometimes, just part of my disability. But this activity has helped so my upper body strength is better and I don’t shake as much as often. I have more self confidence and really opened up to the volunteers. We talked (hard for me) and laughed and had so much fun that the two hours go way too fast.
-Courtney Holsted
Outdoors for All Participant