We were fortunate to host two Climb for Courage (CFC) programs in Boston this year. Our second event took place this fall on October 5th with our friends at Central Rock Gym, who provided an ideal setting for kids to climb, have fun, and interact with their Navy SEAL mentors. With exciting features like a LEGO wall, an alphabet wall, and a hot pink dinosaur wall, the climbing experience was engaging and enjoyable!
We welcomed 15 kids and 12 mentors, guided by nine dedicated Team Leaders and volunteers. As the kids formed groups, they quickly came up with creative team names, such as Tinker Bell Justice Squad, the Coco Commandos, Chick-fil-A, and the Super Strong Unicorns! They had a wonderful time getting to know one another and their Navy SEAL mentors. Some young climbers eagerly tackled the rock wall right away, while others enjoyed meaningful conversations with their mentors before beginning to climb. Throughout the day, the Little Warriors took breaks to create jewelry with Kendra Scott's Kendra Cares team and build LEGO masterpieces generously donated by Needham, MA Pass the Bricks ambassador Natalia and her Needham High School club members. The delicious, boxed lunches donated by Chick-fil-A provided an opportunity for mentors and mentees to bond over a meal, allowing them to refuel and relax during a busy day of climbing.
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While many meaningful moments transpired over the course of the day, one moment was of note. One of our Little Warriors made it to the top of the wall with the support and encouragement of her mentor and in tandem with help from our friend Tim at Waypoint Adventure. As a fiercely determined young woman, she didn't let her physical disability stop her from tackling the rock wall. She started climbing halfway up the wall and then would come down, which allowed her to get more comfortable with the climbing gear – as trusting ropes can be challenging! However, after refueling with Chick-fil-A and snacks, she climbed to the top of the wall multiple times, which undoubtedly helped the younger kids in the gym feel more confident to climb higher, find assurance in the ropes, and trust their mentors. As she was coming off the wall for the last time, her father watched her and kept saying how proud of her she was. It was an incredible moment.
The feedback from families, mentors, and volunteers immediately following the climb illustrates our mission's impact. The testimonials below fortify our commitment to improving outcomes for our resilient Little Warriors with year-round support and dedication to serving the Boston area.
Testimonials
[I was] a little nervous before but extremely happy after. [I] accomplished what I wanted to do.
– Little Warrior
These events represent the best of the SEAL teams, and it does guys a lot of good to experience it for themselves.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
[I feel] spent yet ACCOMPLISHED!
– Little Warrior
[After the event my child] was so positive and felt very accomplished. The connections and sense of community were powerful.
- Parent
[Climb for Courage] was amazing!
– Little Warrior
My most memorable moment was seeing a Little Warrior overcome her fear of heights and entrusting her mentor to be there for her every step of the way!
– Team Leader
[Climb for Courage is] an incredible way to use the platform of being a SEAL to make a meaningful difference in the community.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
I had a lot of fun and I want to be a rock climber!
– Little Warrior
My girls didn't want to leave! I could see the excitement and confidence of them being successful at climbing.
– Parent
Best feeling ever.
– Little Warrior
It’s hard to find purpose in a career outside the teams, One Summit helps give guys that.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
I didn’t give up!
– Little Warrior
[These kids are] some of the few people in the world who have dealt with more adversity than Navy SEALs and it is a mutually beneficial relationship, as you will come away with as much, or more of what your mentee will walk away with.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
My little one enjoyed every moment and was happy his mentor stayed by his side helping him.
– Parent
I’m proud of myself.
– Little Warrior
We are so impressed with everything: organization, communication, mentors, support team, the care and concern for the kids, the positive energy, and your ability to individualize the experience. It was truly an incredible day, and we are very grateful!
– Parent
It is always nice to see the enjoyment the kids get, but seeing how much it means to the parents shows how impactful the program really is and that stands out.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
[Our sons] both came away with too many positive things to even begin to relay to you and your team. Your team tailored their experiences to fit their personalities and interests amazingly well. Their dad and I agreed this was the best experience with the kindest group of people we have encountered!
– Parent
On Sunday morning, we returned to the gym to host our alum program, Climb Higher, for past Climb for Courage participants. We welcomed back a wonderful group of 12 Little Warriors, six mentors, and several volunteers. The group spent a fun-filled morning climbing, building LEGOs, and making new friends! It was an excellent way to end an incredible weekend with our One Summit community.
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We owe tremendous gratitude to our sponsors, whose contributions were instrumental in making our second Climb for Courage in Boston a resounding success. The support of the Cummings Foundation, BAA Gives Back, DCU for Kids, and MathWorks was invaluable. We extend a special thank you to Joy, Julia, and Meg from Kendra Scott for their continued partnership and for providing a creative outlet for our warriors at yet another Climb for Courage. The Chick-fil-A lunches were a hit, providing much-needed nourishment during the day's activities. We also want to acknowledge the unwavering support of Central Rock Gym, whose contributions continue to play a vital role in the success of our programs in the Boston community. We also sincerely appreciate the Himmel Hospitality Group and Grill 23 & Bar for their continued generosity toward our One Summit community. Their commitment since our organization's founding has been remarkable, and we cannot thank them and their staff enough for always looking after our team and mentors. A special shoutout goes to Nick Heath, a member of our Young Professionals Board, for his exceptional photography skills, which captured so many special moments at Climb for Courage.
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Finally, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our hospital and nonprofit partners in the greater Boston area. We thank our friends at Dana-Farber's Jimmy Fund Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Lucy's Love Bus, and Boston Children's Hospital for this particular Climb for Courage program. We couldn't achieve our mission without the collaboration of hospital staff and nonprofit colleagues who help ensure our flyers and program information reach families in need. Your daily dedication to supporting patients and their families is truly appreciated.
We look forward to returning next spring, Boston!
Are you interested in participating in an upcoming Climb for Courage? Please apply on our website or email maxwell@onesummit.org for more information!
