First Ascenders

FA and DSST Mock Trial Team “Team Up”

firstascenders — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 20:42:35 +0000

After a brief hiatus, the First Ascenders team was back in action this past weekend climbing with students from the DSST:Stapleon Mock Trial team. 25 students as well as the their coaches joined the ranks of First Ascenders climbers as they persevered and conquered the crag at N. Table Mountain in Golden, CO. The one-day program was a chance for the members of the team to get to know one another and practice their verbal and physical support skills as they prepare for the grueling season of mock-trial competition ahead of them.

This group of 9th through 12th graders demonstrated excellent teamwork throughout the day and pushed themselves individually and collectively to achieve their climbing and team-building goals. Upon returning to the school after the day was done, one staff member said to the kids, “I’m so glad to see you all back in one piece – the same as when you left!” to which one of the first-time climbers responded, “I’m not the same, Ms. Williams. I left my fear up on the mountain!”

Congratulations to these students on an impressive display of character all around! See more pics of them in action on our Facebook page at www.facebo ok.com/FirstAscenders.

Planning for 2nd Annual FA Summer Expedition with Downtown Boxing begins

firstascenders — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 04:00:39 +0000

Downtown Boxing Youth Program (Detroit) and First Ascenders found great benefit from the 1st annual Summer Expedition that took place in July of 2012. Growing on strong momentum both organizations have agreed to partner again in 2013. First Ascenders will build a custom program for the graduating seniors at Downtown Boxing Youth Program. The students will visit classic climbing areas in Colorado and Wyoming where they will learn basic hiking, camping and climbing safety and techniques.

About Downtown Boxing Youth Programs

The Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program encourages the youth of Detroit to engage in a demanding physical, academic and social program in which trainers, tutors, counselors and social workers provide daily services directly at the Downtown Boxing Gym. The kids are attracted by the desire to learn to box – with the help of the Youth Program, they will stay active at the gym, in their schools and in their community.

Studies widely show that participation in sports improves both physical and academic performance among children and young adults. The Downtown Boxing Gym draws on the social, physical and competitive aspects of boxing to positively impact the lives of Detroit youth.

About First Ascenders

For many of us in Colorado the mountains are an integral part of our life. On a whim we can head up for a hike in the Indian Peaks or rock climb in South Platte. Too many high school students living in cities rarely get to experience what many of us know and love about the outdoors. By providing students with financial support and experienced mentors, First Ascenders will expose young people to the many benefits of outdoor rock climbing.

First Ascenders began with a teacher taking his students to a climbing gym. Educator Yoni Geffen eventually recruited climber friends Jonah Fruchter and Kevin Riley to help more of his students experience the sport in an authentic, outdoor setting. This first group of educators, climbers and students all saw the unique benefits that rock climbing offers involving building self-confidence, teamwork and problem solving strategies. First Ascenders currently works with Denver School of Science and Technology students to gain access to the outdoors while developing these important life skills.

In the spring, First Ascenders will manage a six week series for DSST high school students. The program takes students to different outdoor climbing destinations and utilizes curriculum designed around our four core values: Trust, Responsibility, Adventure and Discipline. Over the course of the program, our students will share experiences and lessons that they will carry with them for a lifetime.

$5,000 Grant for First Ascenders!

firstascenders — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 21:53:03 +0000

We are currently in a contest to win a $5,000 grant that would greatly expand our ability to reach students in-need. We need your help to spread the word and get the most votes for First Ascenders. If you can send the below form email to your network of contacts (the more people the better) as well as vote yourself, we stand a real chance to win. All it takes is less than a minute to vote for us by clicking on the button that says “Vote for this idea” on the link below. You can expedite the process by just clicking “connect with facebook” once you have clicked “Vote for this idea.” We are actually in first place at this time but that could change at any moment, so every vote counts!

http://outdoors.maker.good.is/projects/FirstAscenders

Thank you for taking the time to support our little organization!

Last Day of First Ascenders Summer Program

firstascenders — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 14:46:50 +0000

The First Ascenders team capped off a fantastic six weeks with a trip to the classic Castlewood Canyon, just outside of Castle Rock, CO. Showing off the skills they’ve developed over the course of this summer program, the students proved they could handle anything the rock threw at them, including lie-backs, chimneys, and crack climbs. What a tremendous amount of growth these young climbers have experienced during this short period of time!

Stay tuned to hear more about our upcoming programs for the summer and fall – plans include a camping and climbing trip as well as an extended climbing series for students!

Downtown Detroit Bicycle Scavanger Hunt

firstascenders — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 15:30:58 +0000

First Ascenders and Downtown Boxing partnered to send a group of Detroit students from Downtown Boxing to Colorado and Wyoming to climb in the Rocky Mountains this July. On June 24th we’re hosting the first ever Downtown Detroit Bicycle Scavenger Hunt in Detroit to benefit the program. There’s a $10 suggested donation.

The scavenger hunt will begin at 4:30pm at 74 Arden Park Blvd. Destinations will include bakeries, bookstores, bars, restaurants, parks and other interesting landmarks around Detroit. Participants will be paired off into groups of two. Each team will need a camera (cell phone with camera works) to document each check point.

We’ll conclude at 74 Arden Park Blvd. and enjoy beverages and pass out prizes.

Make sure to bring:

Bicycle
Camera (or cell phone)
Backpack
Water bottle
Cash ($10 suggested donation)

Contact Kevin Riley (kriley@firstascenders.org) with any questions.

First Ascenders Conquer Evergreen

firstascenders — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 22:23:50 +0000

After enduring two consecutive Saturdays of poor weather, the First Ascenders were rewarded with a gorgeous day of sun and expansive views as they climbed at magnificent Maxwell Falls in Evergreen, CO. Sending routes left and right, the First Ascenders crew climbed and belayed like experienced veterans. They wedged their way up chimneys, carefully maneuvered their feet along some tricky slab, and even took on some dynos! These climbers have shown tremendous growth in just 5 short weeks and they will cap it all off in Castlewood Canyon next Saturday on the final weekend of our summer program. Congratulations on a fabulous day of climbing and team building – see you next week!

First Ascenders at Clear Creek Canyon

firstascenders — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:48:35 +0000

For the 4th Saturday in a row, First Ascenders and the students of the Denver School of Science and Technology had a great day climbing and building community. This week, we climbed outside at the popular Cat Slab section of Clear Creek Canyon, CO. Even when the weather didn’t cooperate, the group persevered and shifted gears for a hike in Matthews/Winters Park just outside of Red Rocks. We were met with more rain and lightning there, so we improvised and ended up building some really impressive make-shift outdoor shelters. Rain can’t stop our good times! Next week, we will be climbing in Evergreen, so cross your fingers for sunshine and clear skies!

First Ascenders at Coal Creek Canyon, CO

firstascenders — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 02:24:48 +0000

First Ascenders Summer Program got outside for the first time at beautiful Camp Eden, nestled in Coal Creek Canyon, CO. With the Continental Divide in the background 14 students from Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) learned many new skills including slab technique, outdoor belaying, general outdoor safety and etiquette.

Second Day of FA’s Summer Program

firstascenders — Sun, 20 May 2012 20:08:42 +0000

Another Saturday gone, another fantastic day of climbing with the amazingly talented students of the Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST)! The weather tried to rain on our parade (literally), but our students and staff showed great positivity and flexibility shifting our plans. We were scheduled to climb in epic Eldorado Canyon, but when we came up against some nasty weather, we just moved the party inside. Huge shout-out to the folks at the Boulder Rock Club for hosting us in their fantastic facility.

After getting settled at the gyms, our 14 climbers went through a quick orientation and review of indoor climbing and then started tackling routes. The group did an impressive job sending some tough routes, including some 5.9′s and 5.10′s and even improvised a crack climb! Check out some pics below and on our facebook site to see these students in action!

Next week, First Ascenders will be heading outside (hopefully) to climb in beautiful Coal Creek Canyon. Please contact us if you’d like to volunteer for this or any upcoming events.

Finally, a big thank you to Mel, Will, and the rest of the crew of the Colorado Mountain Club for their continued support and expertise – we couldn’t do this without you!

Check out pics from Saturday’s climb and like us at our facebook page:

www.facebook.com/FirstAscenders

Opening Day of FA’s Summer Program

firstascenders — Sun, 13 May 2012 00:49:36 +0000

After months of anticipation and preparation, First Ascenders launched its 6-week climbing program today in partnership with the Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST). 15 students from both the Stapleton and Green Valley Ranch campuses in the DSST network of schools traveled to Golden, CO and spent the day building teamwork and foundational climbing skills under the guidance of the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC).

Participants navigated blind-obstacle courses, balanced their way across slacklines, and mastered the fundamentals of using their climbing gear and belaying one another on the wall at the CMC. Today was the first of six Saturdays in which students will learn to climb in some of Colorado’s most beautiful settings.

Next week, we will be taking on our first outdoor climb in epic Eldorado Canyon. Stay tuned for more updates because these fantastic teens are showing some serious skills!

Check out more pictures at www.facebook.com/FirstAscenders