Once a week on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 at Vertical Dreams located in Nashua, New Hampshire, a fairly new club about climbing has formed and gathered many students. Climbing Club, created and directed by Nathan Warren, a social studies teacher at Hollis Brookline, is a way for students to be part of an athletic activity without having to be competitive, it is more focused towards overcoming your own personal goals. Students from all grades are able to participate in this club, allowing opportunities to meet new people and strengthen your muscles.

“It’s great! We have great students, it’s laid back and it’s fun,” Warren said after being asked about Climbing Club. As a fellow climber, Warren loves to encourage students to enjoy climbing in a relaxing, stress free environment. Rock climbing is a passion of his because it’s self paced and a challenge. He wants students to engage themselves by their own desire, and not being forced.

“It’s a fun way to see your friends and it gives me something to do in the winter,” explains Jessica Ciarcia, ‘14. Students ,like Ciarcia, that don’t play a school sport or have a winter activity enjoy being able to see their friends and participate in an athletic activity at the same time. The climbing club schedule also allows members to be more flexible with their time, if a member is unable to make it one week then it is fine and they won’t be reprimanded. This low commitment helps members not have to stress about homework, projects or other prior obligations. Club members can come and go as they please, but hope to expand the club numbers wise.