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Aiming high at Nakusp Secondary School

Ourdoor ed students behind indoor climbing wall for community use
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The junior and senior outdoor education classes were treated to a class trip to Vernon where they were able to experience the climbing wall at The Cube. (Photo submitted)

Ambitious students eager to contribute to the betterment of recreation facilities in the village are busy at work at the Nakusp Secondary School [NSS.] The Senior Outdoor Education class and their instructor, Mr. Dorian Boswell are at the forefront of the formation of a rock climbing society. Climbing enthusiasts and novices alike are invited to participate in the planning of the climbing wall set for installation in the NSS gym later this year. Their vision includes use by registered students in the school district, but also provides public access to the facility.

Close to starting work on the project, the students’ plan includes after hours use by non-students as a community-accessible facility. Liability insurance is the issue, as the current school property policy only covers registered students. To secure their funding and to be able to offer public access to the climbing wall, a separate liability coverage policy will have to be established. Students and Boswell believe the solution is to form a society or align with an existing society that has the ability to secure this type of insurance.

In a press release written by the class comprised of fourteen grade 10-12 students, they state, “We envision all schools in the district having access to the facility during school hours on school days.” Usage by groups such as the prospective climbing society and others [emergency services for training, youth groups etc.] would be able to have access to the wall outside of these times.

Equipped with plans drawn by a professional engineer, the class is now requesting community input to validate and potentially improve on the design. They are seeking feedback as to what features future users might like to see included while still in the planning stage. They have secured grants and funds estimated at $70,000 currently available for this project. Donations of building materials and labour will assist in cutting costs. They further explained, “SD [School District] 10 Senior Outdoor Education students are happy to announce that their climbing wall has been approved to be built in the Nakusp Secondary School gymnasium. Students and their fundraising partners have successfully raised $70,000 to build this wall.”

Last year the students made a gross income of $50,000 with their previous entrepreneurial project, the Triflasher fishing lures and EZ-lite fire kits. Of this, they invested $23,000 in a cargo trailer equipped with canoes, life jackets and gear as a donation for schools and the community to use. Proceeds from the 2018 season will be put toward the climbing wall project.

Liability insurance remains the final hurdle. For this, they are banking on external support. The students are appealing to community members in Nakusp and outlying areas such as New Denver, Silverton, Edgewood, Fauquier, Burton, and beyond for assistance in the formation of the society. Additionally they are open to collaborating with an existing society. They are hoping to reach those who are interested in forming a board, certified climbers, and anyone interested in climbing. Interested parties are invited to attend the open meeting on Tuesday, May 29, at 7:00 P.M. in the Nakusp Secondary School library with access through the main entry.

Under the guidance of Outdoor Ed teacher Dorian Boswell, the youth gain many real-world skills by participating in entreprenurial endeavours. He gave examples such as collaboration within the community, learning how to write grants, conducting meetings, preparing presentations and becoming aware of the many different community groups in the region.