A few weeks ago, our team continued our fall program season in Boston, where we hosted our fifth Climb for Courage (CFC) program and fifth Climb Higher (CH) program of the year. We had a very impactful weekend on our team's home turf—it was a coming together in community of folks from all over the country. We were in the company of Navy SEAL Mentors from across the Northeast, the Mid-Atlantic, and Southern CA, and Little Warrior families from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maine! On Saturday, October 25th, our Climb for Courage program welcomed 18 kids and 12 Navy SEAL Mentors.
Here's a snapshot of our participant group at CFC:
It was a day that celebrated courage in every form — from setting ambitious goals to taking that first step on the wall to cheering on siblings and new friends who reached new heights. As always, the energy inside the gym was electric as mentors and mentees met and formed their teams. Our team names once again did not disappoint. Our teams included the Red Resilient Rock Climbers, the SEAL Shark Never Give Up team, the Green Spicy Turtles, and the Sister Climbers (a team made up of two sets of sisters)! Each Little Warrior worked with their mentor to decide what they hoped to accomplish during the day, and some of those goals included:
As the pairs chased these goals, whether it was a high-five after a tough route or an encouraging shout across the mats, the bonds that formed were as powerful as the climbs themselves. Climb for Courage is about more than scaling walls; it's about building strength that lasts far beyond the gym. For many of our Little Warriors, the day is a reminder that they are never climbing alone. With every belay, every laugh, and every shared story, they're learning that courage and resilience are built one small victory at a time — together. As one mom shared,
[My daughter] came in nervous and unsure of what it was going to be like. She left with a new friend. She loved it. Honestly, it was less about the climbing and more about the relationship. I think the climbing was a great ice breaker!
– Parent
The feedback we receive from families, mentors, and volunteers immediately after the climb illustrates the impact of our mission. The testimonials below reinforce our commitment to enhancing outcomes for our resilient Little Warriors through year-round support and dedication to serving the New England area.
Testimonials
I just kept on going and never gave up.
– Little Warrior
[One Summit has] an impactful mission that aligns with the values the SEAL team demands and one that is embodied in the community. Service above self.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
[Before Climb for Courage] I didn’t want to rock climb. I love it now!
– Little Warrior
[Climb for Courage] is by far the coolest and most humbling event I have participated in as a Team guy. What could be better than giving back to those who need it most?
– Navy SEAL Mentor
[I learned from my Navy SEAL Mentor] you can go far if we work hard.
– Little Warrior
[Climb for Courage is] a meaningful opportunity to have an impact on children's lives and fosters a supportive community. [It’s an] opportunity to bring SEALs together for a good cause.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
[After doing Climb for Courage, I feel] excited! Proud!
– Little Warrior
It was exciting [for my kids] to be able to share [the experience] with a Navy SEAL, enjoy climbing with him, and feel that they can overcome their fears. We love the program 🙌
– Parent
[My most memorable moment of the day was] consoling a Little Warrior who was crying because she had so much fun she didn’t want to leave.
– Team Leader
Most memorable part of the day was when my mentee failed to make it up the wall but said to himself ‘never quit,’ tried again, and made it all the way up.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
[I learned from my Navy SEAL Mentor] don’t say ‘can’t’.
– Little Warrior
[My most memorable moment of the day was] connecting with the family after climbing with my Little Warrior and getting a sense of how appreciative and moved they were. It feels good to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
[Before Climb for Courage] I was unsure what to expect. [But now] I feel good! Glad we came!
– Little Warrior
[I learned from my Navy SEAL Mentor] to take challenges one bite at a time!
– Little Warrior
Seriously, this is probably the best run group we've ever attended for patients or siblings. My daughter really enjoyed herself and felt super special. Thank you.
– Parent
[I learned from my Navy SEAL Mentor] how to climb and be brave!
– Little Warrior
The following day, on October 26th, One Summit hosted our Climb Higher program, where nineteen returning Little Warriors reunited with mentors and volunteers to continue their growth on and off the wall. With five mentors and seven volunteers cheering them on, the gym buzzed with familiar faces, new challenges, and the confidence that comes from shared experience.
The program was a wonderful morning of community connection. Mentors reunited with their original mentees and worked together to try new and challenging routes. One family drove up to Boston from New York so their Little Warriors could find "confidence and feel connected." Sisters who participated in Climb for Courage over 6 years ago came back for their fourth CH program. Both sisters have grown into incredible climbers—scaling the walls with perseverance, poise, and precision. Watching them progress and grow over the years has been a joy for our team. Weekends like this one in Boston remind us how powerful our community is and why we climb — not just to reach the top, but to rise and grow together.
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These impactful weekends would not be possible without our incredibly generous sponsors, nonprofit partners, and corporate partners: Golf Fights Cancer, DCU for Kids, Central Rock Gym, 21st Century Concrete, Grill 23 & Bar, Kendra Scott's Kendra Cares program, Pass the Bricks, and Chick-fil-A. Thank you for making this weekend so special for our OS community.
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We would be remiss if we did not extend our heartfelt gratitude to the tireless child life specialists, social workers, nurses, and staff at the local hospitals and clinics who support our mission, help us spread the word to families, and assist families with registration. For this program in particular, we especially want to thank our friends at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, Boston Children's Hospital, and The Tomorrow Fund Clinic at Hasbro Children's. Your partnership ensures that more kids can access these resilience-building programs. To our alum families who continue to share our mission with new families in your networks — thank you for being ambassadors of our work. Your voices help us grow our community of Little Warriors in New England and beyond.
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Lastly, we are especially grateful to our Navy SEAL mentors, dedicated Team Leaders and volunteers, Young Professionals Board, and everyone in our community who comes together to make these weekends happen. We couldn't do it without you. We are already looking forward to the programs in store in Boston in 2026. See you there!
Are you interested in participating in an upcoming Climb for Courage program, or do you know someone who might be interested in joining us? Please apply on our website or email maxwell@onesummit.org for more information!
