Overcoming obstacles: that is what YES’s new rock climbing intensive, City Ascents, is all about. The program, led by YES Outreach Coordinator Ethan George,was developed as a way for urban youth to learn how to rock climb and develop confidence with a group of their peers.Ten students from the Josiah Quincy Upper School in Boston participated in the first pilot session.

The rock climbing intensive was five weeks long and taught students how to rappel, belay, and climb outdoors. Climbing excursions included a trip to Hammond Pond in Chestnut Hill and to the Quincy Quarries. At the end of the five weeks, Ethan reported, “The City Ascent students have really built confidence over the course of the month. Rock-climbing is a sport that challenges them both physically and mentally. We look forward to introducing urban youth into the community of Boston rock climbers through our City Ascents program.”

If you are interested in offering the City Ascents program to youth that you work with, e-mail Ethan at [email protected] for more information!