CTC Leaders Reach New Heights at Looking Glass Rock

On July 2, the CTC Leaders girls climbed at the Nose on Looking Glass Rock. All of the girls climbed higher than ever before, with two of them ascending to 200 feet. On this cool summer day, everyone enjoyed hanging out under the trees, belaying one another, and encouraging fellow participants to push themselves past their perceived limits.

Many thanks to Climbmax Mountain Guides for the day of professionally guided climbing!

Climbing Toward Confidence Seeks Mentors

Climbing Toward Confidence is seeking adult female mentors for our Fall 2010 session. Climbing Toward Confidence is an empowerment program of Our VOICE that pairs 7^th and 8^th grade girls with female mentors in the community. Girls and their mentors learn to rock climb and participate in a range of activities and discussions aimed at raising awareness, improving decision-making skills, and ultimately, reducing the risk of sexual violence among young women in Buncombe County.

For more information or to request a mentor application, please call Anna at 828-252-0562 or email anna@ourvoicenc.org.

Graduation

The fourth session of CTC came to a close amidst laughter and tears on May 10, 2010. In front of an audience of friends, family, and community members, each girl bravely stood and shared a story of her experience in the program. The Leaders girls staged a short performance on their beliefs around creating a healthy and mutually respectful new girl culture. In the open climb, girls shared their new skills, belaying family and friends who got the opportunity to experience climbing for themselves.

Climbing Toward Confidence wishes all participants a great summer full of outdoor fun. We look forward to seeing many girls return next year for the CTC Leaders Program!

CTC Session 4 Outdoor Climbing at Rumbling Bald

On May 1, the girls and mentors from Climbing Toward's Confidence's fourth session reached new heights as they took part in the program's regular outdoor climbing day, held this spring at Rumbling Bald. After spending nine weeks learning to climb in the indoor gym, everyone put forth their best effort on the mountain. Cries of joy could be heard throughout the day as girls reached the top of the slab wall, calling out to their belayers about the beautiful sight of Lake Lure in the distance. The girls all displayed great maturity and confidence as they belayed their mentors and encouraged them to reach the top.

Appalachian Mountain Institute generously donated professional guiding services for the event.

CTC Session 4 Participants Take on Ropes Course, March 13, 2010

On March 13th, the CTC girls and their mentors donned rain jackets and warm clothes to explore the ropes course at the Asheville School. Despite inclement weather, the girls displayed excellent teamwork skills as they navigated obstacle courses and other challenges designed to build group cohesiveness and trust. Hail and heavy rain forced activities to move indoors, but all participants still enjoyed the adventure. Ed Maggart of the Asheville School, who graciously donated his time to facilitate the activities, complemented the girls on their great attitudes and tenacity. The girls will have a chance to get to the top of the high ropes course during the make-up day scheduled for early May.

“What I Want all Girls to Know”: Messages from CTC Leaders

Treat each other fairly and honestly. Be supportive and proud of each other. Let’s treat all girls like family.

Wear what you want. Be comfortable. Do what feels right. Express your own style.

Be comfortable with who you are. It doesn’t matter what you look like. All bodies are beautiful.

Everything that looks good is not really good.

Try new things. Explore, be adventurous. Don’t be afraid to try something new!

You’re always beautiful. Be positive. It’s what is on the inside that counts. Power to the girls!

Girls can do anything. There are girls and women doing everything!

Be what you want to be. Research it. Reach far.

The most important things are: being yourself... taking care of yourself and your health... being considerate of others... acting in a respectful way... treating each other well... being good to friends and family... listening to yourself... grades... education & future...

First CTC Leaders Program begins in March 2010

In response to ongoing interest from alumni of the previous 3 CTC sessions, the CTC Leaders Program kicked off in March 2010. Participants in this weekly program continue to develop their climbing skills while exploring self-identified topics of interest such as coping with bullying, talking about feelings and dealing with puberty. Throughout the program, the girls are endeavoring to create a “new girl culture” that operates with fairness, honesty, and inclusivity. Each week, prominent women from the Asheville community visit for dinner to talk about their teen years and how they got to be who they are now. The CTC Leaders program culminates in an overnight climbing trip that will allow the girls to experience hiking, camping, and multi-pitch climbing.