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Program Helps Tiny Rock Climbers Reach New Heights

Gabriella De Leon

Imagine your two-year-old scaling a six-foot wall. It might not be as impossible as you would think. Rebecca Holwick of Peanut Butter and Jellyfish teaches young children in Reno to rock climb. Holwick can teach children as young as 18 months.

Many may doubt that toddlers belong on the wall due to their lack of coordination. However, Holwick is out to prove them wrong. She matches her classes to her students’ skill levels and slowly creates tiny climbers, or as she calls them, natural monkeys.

“Kids like to climb, they like to swing, they like to be upside down,” said Holwick. “We incorporate a lot of that natural movement and it gives them a safer space to play.”

 

Credit Gabriella De Leon
Aiden, 3, surpasses his fears and climbs further up the wall in search for the toy cars hidden at the top.

Beyond climbing, the children learn a wide variety of skills including fine and gross motor skills along with sharing, taking turns, sitting still, and every parent’s favorite, respecting adults.

Holwick’s biggest concern is safety and she provides multiple ways for the tots to learn about the consequences of their actions. Every year approximately 2.8 million children in the U.S. experience injuries from falling that require emergency care. She wants her students to learn safe ways to climb as well as the correct method of getting down from a difficult position.

“A typical toddler and preschool class involves a lot of listening skills,” said Holwick. “That’s actually our biggest safety skill on the wall and everywhere that we go. Listening skills are what’s really going to be the barrier between a safe day and a unsafe day.”

To achieve the tasks at hand and to motivate the toddlers, she brings along toys for the children to retrieve. She hides matchbox cars and trucks in the climbing holds along the wall for the toddlers to find as they climb up. As a reward, she brings books to read and musical instruments. Every week has a new theme to keep the toddlers on their toes and interested in rock climbing.

“My days are never boring, and they never repeat themselves especially when you’re talking about two year olds in climbing,” said Holwick. “There is never a dull moment.”

 

Credit Gabriella De Leon
Students learn to follow directions by following the colored tape on the climbing wall and asking questions when needed.

The idea for toddler rock climbing was born when Holwick realized that outdoor activities could be relaxing and useful for more than just adults. She first started Peanut Butter and Jellyfish as a swimming class; later she added yoga and finally rock climbing. In order to support her business, Holwick has taken a dramatic step.

Two years ago Holwick left the comfort of her home for a new adventure.

“Something that people might not expect from me is that I actually live in a tent in the middle of the woods,” Holwick said.

Holwick’s move has allowed her to give all her resources to the program. Instead of paying for rent, she is able to buy more equipment for Peanut Butter and Jellyfish.

This story comes to us from the NPR Next Generation Radio Boot Camp held in Reno this summer. You can view the full project and other stories here.

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