"When girls see Liz's pictures around the wall and hear her story, it sparks an idea of, 'Oh, I can do that too,'" - Katie Buckley-Jones, Senior Youth Program Director, Pearl Street Family YMCA
For many kids at the Pearl Street Family YMCA this summer, one of the most memorable parts of camp happened several feet off the ground.
The Liz Rocks Climbing wall quickly became a favorite among campers, giving kids the opportunity to learn new climbing skills, set personal goals, and encourage each other along the way. Multiple campers named the wall as one of their favorite parts of camp, according to Katie Buckley-Jones, Senior Youth Program Director at the Pearl Street Family YMCA.
Created in partnership with the Liz Rocks Foundation, the two-story wall honors Tacoma mountaineer Liz Daley and her passion for adventure. Its six belay stations and variety of routes were designed to welcome beginners while giving more experienced climbers room to continue developing their skills.
This summer offered the first opportunity to see what that could mean for local kids.
A New Experience at Day Camp
About 130 campers experienced the climbing wall through Pearl Street's specialty camps this summer. The climbing camp was offered several times throughout the season and was consistently one of the more popular specialty experiences.
For many campers, it was also their first introduction to climbing.
Before getting on the wall, kids learn about harnesses, auto belays, climbing commands, and safety. Instructors then guide them through an easier route as they become more comfortable with the equipment and the experience.
From there, Katie has watched kids surprise themselves.
"My favorite thing is watching kids that were a little bit apprehensive to even start the easiest climb, and then set a goal by the end of the summer to be able to try the most difficult route," she said.
For one camper, success might mean reaching the top. For another, it might mean getting one hold higher than they did before.
Building Confidence and Connection
That individual progress is only part of what happens around the wall.
Campers waiting for their turn cheer for the climber above them. Older and more experienced kids can help encourage younger campers, and specialty camps bring together kids outside their usual camp groups.
"Everybody likes to cheer," Katie said. "We try to get everybody involved, even the kids that are sitting and waiting their turn."
Katie has also seen campers take the confidence they gain climbing and use it to support others. Some return to their regular camp groups eager to tell their friends about what they learned or offer to help when another camp tries climbing for the first time.
The wall can offer something different for every child. Katie noted that many neurodiverse campers especially connected with climbing, where progress can be personal and there is no requirement to reach the top for an experience to be successful.
Creating a Path to Adventure
The wall also brings climbing closer to kids who may not otherwise have an easy opportunity to try it. Outdoor climbing can require travel, equipment, and experience. At Pearl Street, kids can become familiar with the sport in their own community with trained staff and equipment available.
That accessibility carries forward the vision behind the Liz Rocks Foundation and Liz Daley's legacy of adventure. Katie said sharing Liz's story can be especially meaningful for girls who see her represented around the wall.
"When girls see Liz's pictures around the wall and hear her story, it sparks an idea of, 'Oh, I can do that too,'" Katie shared.
After one summer, the impact is already extending beyond learning how to climb.
"It really helps kids to set goals and realize that they can overcome challenges, whether they're big or small," Katie said.
For the kids climbing at Pearl Street, sometimes that starts simply by reaching for the next hold.