Love 2 Serve Participants Go Rock Climbing

Love 2 Serve teamed up with Urban Blazers, an organization that runs outdoor and adventure activities for urban youth. On Monday, February 11th staff and volunteers from the program came to AAYTE to meet the L2S participants and run a team building activity leading to Wednesday's trip to GO VERTICAL in Philadelphia to go rock climbing.

“I have been waiting all day for this,” said Chad Palmer, L2S participant after he excitedly finished his homework at East Poplar Recreation Center before boarding the bus.

Upon arrival to GO VERTICAL the kids were suited up in climbing gear, briefed on safety considerations, and reached the top of the walls in no time. The excitement and determination was infectious as each L2S participant climbed encouraged by their fellow participants.

David Reuter, the founder of Urban Blazers, commented, “ I really noticed a difference from the typical groups we take from schools or other organizations, so the AAYTE program deserves credit for helping them to be this way.  It's a great thing!” Through the support of Urban Blazers we will provide future opportunities for the kids to participate in new adventures and confidence-building activities. Eric Dolaway, AAYTE Education Director notes, "Activities such as rock climbing with Urban Blazers provide our youth the opportunity to develop confidence that they can do anything they set their minds to whether it be on the rock wall, the tennis court or in the classroom."

Each Love 2 Serve participants has already begun to prepare for our next rock climbing adventure by writing goals they would like to achieve on their next trip with Urban Blazers.