The Colorado Mountain School (CMS) has been very lucky to partner with an amazing organization called First Descents (FD). FD is a wonderful program that offers young adult cancer survivors a breath of fresh air, a break from their normal lives and a chance to live through the spirit of adventure. Each camp offers the opportunity for young adult survivors to share their experiences, battles and on going fight with fellow survivors. In the middle of this gathering FD and CMS offer climbing as another way to challenge the mind and spirit of the group. In April a group of CMS guides made a road trip out to Moab Utah to participate in the first two FD climbing camps of the 2011 season.
We slush in desert mud puddles and cross trickling creek beds to find our way through the slot canyon.
The FD climbing program is a great way for me to give back and to share climbing experiences with people that are so in to the present moment. These were first two of ten FD camps of the season. I can’t wait till the next one. Check back for some more climbing adventures in Estes Park this spring and summer with the Colorado Mountain School and take a minute to see all the great work First Descents is doing by jumping on their website at: www.firstdescents.org
Joey Thompson
AIARE Level 1 Instructor
AMGACertified Rock Guide
AMGA Certified SPI Program Director
jthompson@totalclimbing.com