Troop 161 out of Leander combined our semi-annual ILST training with a fun and physical lock-in at Crux Climbing Gym in Pflugerville, TX. Our newly elected leaders spent the afternoon in ILST, gathered together for a pizza dinner, and then anyone else from the troop that wanted to, joined us at the climbing gym. After the educational day of ILST training, our leaders appreciated a physically challenging activity that was also a really thrilling activity with our troopmates.
At the climbing gym, the employees first took our troop through orientation, which was basically a safety briefing. This included important points like how to wear the harness, what are the starting positions, and how to dismount from climbing. Crux Climbing Gym offered two sections for climbing: Belays and Free Climbing. A belay is a rock climbing safety system that utilizes a special device and friction on the rope to catch a climber if they fall and manage slack as they move. I am not an experienced climber, so the belay system really helped build my confidence as I learned how to navigate the climb.
Climbing can put you in some interesting positions. The gym recommends climbers dress comfortably in athletic wear – nothing too tight or restrictive. No watches or jewelry because you do not want anything that could get caught on part of the climbing terrain or in belay equipment and take part of you or your clothing with it should be avoided. Closed toed shoes are a must and the gym offers first-time visitors climbing shoes for free. These are thin soled shoes specifically designed to help grip the climbing holds. I found them very helpful to make it successfully up the wall.
Once you are geared up, you attach the clip of the belay system to your harness and you can start climbing. There were approximately 10-15 auto-belays, so almost all of us could climb at once. If you want a break, or feel you are about to fall, you simply push backwards. As soon as you leave the wall, you enter a short free fall before the belay system catches you. The walls were about 30-40 feet tall but you could let go anytime you want. The first time this can be a bit terrifying, but you quickly realize the free fall is super quick and then the belay system does its job, helping you to have a controlled descent back to the ground. By the end of the night, the free fall didn’t even phase me.
Our troop climbed until well after midnight and by lights out, we were physically exhausted. I would recommend your typical overnight sleeping supplies – sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and whatever else might make you feel comfortable. Some of our troopmates thought we would sleep on the cushioned mats under the climbing walls, but instead we were in the yoga room and I really appreciated my sleeping pad.
I would definitely recommend troops considering Crux Climbing Gym for events. In the Austin area, Crux has locations in South Austin, Central Austin, and Pflugerville. Our troop found it to be challenging but fun, as well as a good setup for team bonding as we kick off the next leadership cycle. Remember to have everyone’s parents fill out their scout’s waiver beforehand so the troop can get started climbing as soon as they complete orientation!
