Our SoulTrakers gathered for an exciting day of indoor climbing and brunch this Saturday. There were both new and familiar faces that came together for this outing. Everyone gathered Saturday morning in DC, then carpooled over to the climbing gym for a morning of climbing where Soul Trak offered the opportunity to either a belaying class to learn the beginning techniques of tying knots and climbing with a partner while also allowing other participants who already had adequate climbing experience to climb freely with one another without instruction. By the end everyone eventually came together and climbed as a larger group. It was a day of climbing filled with laughter, connecting, learning, and plenty of fun.
Many first time climbers in the group pushed themselves in ways that they had never done before – from facing fears of heights, trusting peers that they had just met as they climbed, or even the physical challenge it took to get up the wall itself. Many of our returning climbers enjoyed connecting with other climbers of color in the area and also mentor their newer peers who were trying it out for the first time.
After the climb we gathered around for a debriefing of the day of climbing. Everyone in the group expressed many physical achievements in the day, newfound social connections with other SoulTrakers and even set goals for our next climbing outing! There were many people who have their eyes set on routes that they are looking forward to revenging when they return.
We finished the day with an exciting brunch with delicious food and beverages prepared by a group of our amazing Soul Trak Volunteers. Of course it wouldn’t be a Soul Trak Brunch is there wasn’t a competitive game in the midst. Everyone teamed up for a nail biting game of Soul Trak Jeoprady where we tackle trivia around conservation, public lands, DC history and any other exciting topics! Everyone brought their A Game but there could only be one winner. Make sure y’all come with it next time!
Lastly, I want to also thank Sportrock Climbing Center for hosting all of our participants. It was another exciting weekend spent with our amazing members. Looking forward to next month’s fun! Make sure you join! #SoulTrak
