On August 20th, the Nor'West Outdoor Centre welcomed children and volunteers from Camp Quality for a day of games and adventures. The mission of Camp Quality, a volunteer charitable organization, is to improve the quality of life for children living with cancer through camps and year-round support programs. The Nor'West Outdoor Centre porvided a unique backdrop to adventure and excitement for all those who dared to take on the climbing wall, survivor course, low ropes course and adventure challenge course.

Ruth enlisted the help of a number of able belayers from the Alpine Club to supervise the climbing wall. Ryan, Leila, Danielle, Emma, Deb and I showed up for what would be both an amazing day of climbing but more importantlly, a day that owuld allow these children to forget about their daily struggles and have some fun.

It wasn't long after the bus arrived that the silence of that humid Wednesday morning gave way to a driveway full of marching children; loaded down with hats, backpacks and yet to be discovered...a never ending supply of energy for climbing. The first thing to meet their eyes was the climbing wall and of course, children being children, it wasn't long before the first challenge rang out..."I bet I can climb to the top before you can...no you can't...yes I can!" And so the day began.

Each was first introduced to a helmet and harness and a quick fall test to feel the security of the rope attached to them. Once the formalities were out of the way some serious climbing was to be had. We entertained two groups in the morning and another two in the afternoon. However, it all seemed to blur together as pizza and cold refreshments were served in the immediate area of the climbing wall. This lead to non stop climbing throughout lunch, where some stood still just long enough to grab a greasy slice of pizza and a cold pop. From there is was back on the wall, greasy hands and all, slipping and sliding their way to the top.

Children of all ages climbed that day, some only once, some twice and some five times in a row which was apparantly the record to beat. The day was filled with expressions and emotions that only climbers would understand and appreciate. The high pitched screeches and yelps after a big fall, eyes as wide a pie plates before the rope stretches tight, and little hands that doubled as vice grips...unable to release the top hold when they were ready to be lowered. I'm not sure if there's just one word to describe these children but here's some candidates worth mentioning...like fearless, relentless, inspiring and simply "awesome".

On behalf of my fellow belayers, I would like to thank both Ruth and those from Camp Quality for inviting us to a truly unique, eye-opening experience. See you next year!