Climbing Toward Confidence

Outdoor Day at Rumbling Bald!

2011-11-22T06:07:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, the courageous girls and mentors of CTC took a trip...over the river, and through the woods to the Family Wall at Rumbling Bald for our day of outside climbing!

The girls practically sprinted up the hill to get to the base of the climbs where we met Jason and Becca, our climbing guides for the day. They had set up two climbs and one climb/rappel (where you climb to the top and then get to rappel down). We quickly came up with names for our climbs - Ghost Bear Crack, Lady Longfeet, and the Rappel Route.

There were so many successes during the day - everyone left with something to be proud of. The pictures below do a much better job of showing what our day was about than words ever could.

Also, Monday November 28th is CTC Graduation! The ceremony starts at 7pm at ClimbMax Climbing Gym in downtown Asheville. Please join us to celebrate the accomplishments and growth of these amazing girls!

Up the initial hill, and the view from the top of the climbs - so rewarding and beautiful!

Big smiles all around!

Session Five - Halfway!

2011-10-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are at Session
Five of CTC. Halfway done already, we're not quite sure where the time has gone! Girls and mentors are getting comfortable with each other and spent time this session talking about comfort, stretch, and panic zones. How do you know you're being stretched or in panic, and what can you do?

Everyone's getting comfortable climbing and belaying, too!

This week, we rope climbed and did some media analysis in Girls' Group. Each mentor/mentee pair looked through a magazine and found one picture to present to the group and talk about what it said about how girls and women are supposed to be. These girls had a lot to say about the media!

Everyone agreed that the ads in magazines portray a very narrow idea of what girls are really like, and don't showcase the amazing talents that girls have - mostly they showcase bodies that are someone else's idea of beauty and perfection.

We wrapped up the night by talking about ways to resist the messages that don't feel true - by writing emails, choosing what to buy, talking about it, and using humor to make light of media images that don't ring true. We're all excited for these amazing conversations to continue!

Check out the pictures below from Session Five, and the surprise birthday celebration!

2011-10-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, the amazing girls and women of CTC headed out to the Asheville School Ropes Course. We started off with some games and introductions and then jumped right in.

First, Adventure Ed showed us how to use the ropes course safety systems. Being familiar with climbing equipment and gear use, everyone picked it up really fast.

There were five cards hidden in different spots on the ropes course - some on the highest level, and some on the lower level (which is still about thirty feet off the ground!). The group decided which pair would get each card. There was a lot of courage shown as girls and mentors spoke up about their fears and excitements.

And then off we went into the ropes course itself! Everyone climbed up the initial cargo net tunnel, and then departed to different sections of the course. Some highlights included a rope bridge with a missing step that took some problem solving to cross, the giant swing, the leap of faith to the trapeze bar and bell, and climbing up the cargo netting.

Back in the Lodge over a tasty dinner courtesy of Rosetta's, the girls opened up their cards to find some food for thought about the real meaning of confidence and courage. We took time to reflect on our own acts of confidence, and to appreciate what we had seen in others during the day.

Special thanks to Ed and the Asheville School staff, and to Becca and Sharlene for helping support this amazing day.

Below are some pictures, if you want to see more, 'like' us on Facebook for access to a more in depth album!

On the platform, getting ready to climb into the upper levels.

Just hanging out, waiting to head over to the swing.

Check it out - no hands!

What an amazing team!

Success and big smiles!

CTC Fall 2011!

2011-09-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

The Fall Session of CTC is up and running! We've got six amazing girls and six fantastic mentors. So far, there's been three sessions of games, initiatives, bouldering and rope climbing.

Our first session, the girls got to meet their mentors and we all started getting to know each other. We found common ground about our families, interests and lives. And we created a hand contract to symbolize the new girl culture that we're creating at CTC and talked about all the things that girls these days juggle - and manage to do so with amazing grace and style!

Session two is when we dove into things some more. We had an insightful discusison about gender stereotypes, and were so impressed with the wise input of the CTC girls. Everyone also got sized for climbing shoes and got hands on practice at the climbing gym. There's a lot of excitement about climbing in this group, as we can see in the pictures!

During our last session we learned about using some other climbing gear, and how to belay. Mentors spent time belaying girls, and girls belayed mentors. All the girls and women showed the courage and confidence to be both trusting and trustworthy - wow!

Stay tuned for updates next week, when CTC hits the ropes course at the Asheville School!

2011-03-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

On Monday, March 21 the girls and women of Climbing Toward Confidence pushed their limits at the high ropes course at the Asheville School. It was a gorgeous, sunny day to be outdoors.

To start the day, the group discussed the value of moving outside of one's comfort zone and embracing challenge. After making a strategy for completing various elements of the high ropes course, the group moved on to the challenge course, where they learned the requisite safety skills. Then they were ready to climb.

One at a time, the group members entered the ropes course through the rope ladder. Once on the initial deck, they departed in mentor pairs to complete different tasks. Nine index cards had been hidden throughout the course; the team had to collect them all to reveal a scrambled message. In some cases, the adults were more timid than the girls -- but all of the mentor pairs worked to encourage one another to meet their goals despite understandable fears. They walked across tight ropes, jumped for trapezes and flew on a massive swing through the trees. Most importantly, each person took a step outside what felt comfortable and gained new confidence in her abilities.

Just as dusk was settling in, the group completed its tasks and returned to the Lodge to eat dinner and reflect on their day. The group appreciated one another for their courage, trust, communication skills and positive attitudes. They brought their nine cards together to reveal this message:

Jump into the middle of things, get your hands dirty, fall flat on your face, and then reach for the stars!

All in all, it was a successful day! The group left tired, confident and proud! Here are some images from the day:

Introducing the Mentors

2011-03-14T05:59:00.001-07:00

Climbing Toward Confidence would not be possible without the crew of dedicated and compassionate women who volunteer to serve as mentors. Mentors commit to working one-on-one with a teen participant throughout the 3-month program to help her gain confidence and learn to speak assertively. Here are some of these fabulous women:

Leigha Dickens is a CTC mentor for the second time. Leigha chose to be a mentor again because she believes Climbing Toward Confidence is a powerful and important experience for teen girls. She likes being part of a strong community of women, and she also remembers her own struggles as an adolescent. Today, Leigha is a confident and fun-loving woman who enjoys reading and writing (especially about science), running, biking, climbing and working on wilderness trail crews. She says she's proud of her enthusiasm for "nerdy things," but we think she does cool things like working as the Green Building Coordinator at Delta Homes.

Stephanie Crosby works as a massage therapist and joined the mentor team because she wanted to do something beneficial in her spare time as well as challenge herself to try something new and difficult - learning to rock climb. She hopes to overcome her own fears and accomplish her goals while supporting a teen girl to do the same, in the hopes that it will bring about healing and empowerment. Stephanie found mentors in various places at age 13 including her French teacher, her aunt, and her younger sister, who taught her the importance of being a good role model. In her spare time, Stephanie likes to read, travel, enjoy nature, exercise and go

to concerts.

When Amy Borg thinks back to being a teenage girl, she can't recall any stand-out mentors in her life. She says that's the main reason she joined the mentor team at CTC - she wants to serve as a mentor to a girl during a time of life that was challenging for herself and when she wished she'd had a mentor. She wants to provide support to a girl who, like herself at that age, may not be able to see that life after middle school does get better! She hopes to impart in girls the knowledge that they can achieve whatever they want if they have determination. Amy is currently studying creative writing at UNC-Asheville, where she also works at the university's Unity Center. In her free time, she likes to read, write, draw and make jewelry.

Nicole Accordino already works with youth through her Americorps Project POWER position as the Volunteer & School Garden Coordinator at Vance Elementary School. Nicole says she sought out this volunteer opportunity because she believes in the power of prevention programs like Climbing Toward Confidence which support positive growth in girls. A confident woman whose passions drive her pursuits, Nicole is a great role model to encourage girls to follow their dreams. When she is not working at the Vance garden, she enjoys cooking, gardening on her own, doing embroidery, walking and reading fiction.

Angela Farnquist recalls looking up to female musicians as a teenager; today she actually sings in a band and plays guitar! Serving as a role model of a woman who has followed her dreams, Angela looks forward to lending an ear to a teen girl and enjoying the company of a great group of women and girls each week at CTC. By day, Angela works for Thermo Fisher Scientific, a medical manufacturing company, where she negotiates terms and conditions of contracts. She enjoys watching hockey, playing outside, running and doing yoga.

Courtney Johnson is a veteran of the Climbing Toward Confidence program. She was a mentor in the original session during the fall of 2008 and she served as Climbing Instructor for the program for two other sessions. She's returned as a mentor this spring because she missed the program - both because it is fun and because she knows it makes a difference in girls' lives. Courtney wants to show the girls that she believes in them, just as her sister Lori did for her when she was a teenager. Courtney spends her days tending to plants as the manager of a native plant nursery. In her free time she climbs rocks, practices yoga, makes art and crafts and works in her own garden.

CTC Session 5 Graduates!

2010-11-29T09:59:00.000-08:00

On November 22, nine girls graduated from the fifth session of Climbing Toward Confidence. Laughter and tears marked the end of an amazing eleven weeks together for participants, mentors and program directors alike. Families had a chance to come witness the girls' climbing skills and to try out their own strength on the wall while girls belayed and cheered.

Thank you to our ten awesome mentors for all you have contributed to the program! And many thanks to Climbmax Climbing Center, Climbmax Mountain Guides, Asheville City Schools, the Asheville School, and the many people who have donated time and money to the success of CTC. Our gratitude also goes out to our generous food donors: Earthfare Market & Cafe, Greenlife Grocery, Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches, Urban Burrito, Mellow Mushroom, Jersey Mike's Subs, Two Guys Hoagies and Marco's Pizza.

More adventures in climbing to come in February 2011!

Perfect Attendance and Strong Effort at an Awesome Day of Outdoor Climbing

2010-11-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

On November 6, 2010, the CTC girls and mentors loaded on the layers for their outdoor climbing day. David Sharratt of Climbmax Mountain Guides and volunteers Travis Herbert and Steve Johnson supported the group. All twenty participants climbed and rappelled at the Family Wall at Rumbling Bald. Despite chilly temperatures, everyone was in high spirits as they encouraged and helped one another reach the top. Thank you to all participants and guides for great attitudes and effort!

CTC Session 5 at Asheville School's Ropes Course

2010-10-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

On October 4, 2010, the ten CTC girls and their mentors ascended the high ropes course at the Asheville School. After exhibiting awesome teamwork skills to move through the obstacle course, mentor pairs worked together to conquer a fear of heights, solve personal challenges, support one another, and stretch themselves to new physical limits. At the end of this crisp fall day, everyone walked away satisfied at how well they did and how well they encouraged one another.

Fall 2010 Mentor Profiles

2010-09-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

Jen Pyne works at Asheville Coffee Roasters. She's into vegetable gardening, hiking with her dog, roller skating, and finding cool stuff at the Goodwill bins! She is a mentor because she thinks teens are pretty cool and that it would be fun to learn climbing together. She also remembers being under-confident and unsure of herself as a teen. Jen wishes she had had an older female role model to look up to or confide in. She looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm and sense of humor.

Vinessa Landolt is an art teacher and publicity/networking coordinator at Open Hearts Art Center. She loves hiking, berry picking, reading, yoga, running, creative projects and trying to climb. When she was 13, Vinessa found a great mentor in Amy Smith, a Young Life Coordinator. She decided to be a mentor because she wants other girls to have a similar experience. She's looking forward to having fun with the girls and learning to climb together.

Susan Smith teaches students of various ages with visual impairment and multiple physical and intellectual challenges at six schools. For fun, she likes reading, music, drums, bicycling, hiking, camping, picnicking and paddling. She has been thinking about becoming a mentor for years and is excited to have found a program that seems to fit. She is looking forward to challenging the girls, playing, climbing and learning together. At age fifteen, her mentor was her science teacher.

Diana Lynn works at Wachovia Bank. She enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, golf and reading. She has become a mentor because she has had many great mentors who have improved her life and she hopes to help improve someone else's life. She knows being a mentor will be a learning experience that will help her grow in her own life. Diana's mother was a mentor to her when she was a teenager.

Maggie Schultz is a massage therapist at The Cosmic Groove. She likes reading, yoga, hanging out with friends, gardening, playing cards and games and playing with her dog. She has become a mentor to help girls counteract the many negative messages they receive. Maggie looks forward to sharing life stories, good time, and the experience of learning to climb with the CTC girls. When she was 13 her mom and her sister were her mentors.

Sarah Danforth does outreach with mentally-ill homeless individuals for the PATH team of Homeward Bound of Asheville. She enjoys working in her ceramics studio, riding her bike, and spending time with her friends and dog. She decided to be a mentor because she likes hanging out with other women and girls doing fun, physical, empowering activities. She likes sharing her perspective with the girls. Sarah's mentor was Ms. Mary Bogrette, her 8th grade drama teacher. Sarah is serving her fourth session as a CTC mentor!

Sharlene Raines is an Asheville Police officer. She likes running and hiking. She has returned to volunteer for a second session as a mentor because she really enjoyed it the first time around. She looks forward to sharing with the girls the experience of learning to climb, team work, and positive, encouraging time together. Sharlene's grandmother was a mentor to her, even though she was 500 miles away.

Asia James is a case manager for AHOPE, a homeless shelter in Asheville. She loves rock climbing, watching movies, playing with her nieces and nephews, cooking and sewing. Asia is a mentor because she likes sharing the fun and challenge of climbing with a girl who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about herself in this way. She looks forward to sharing lots of laughs and mistakes. When Asia was 13, her three big sisters were her mentors, and she still looks to them for friendship and guidance.

Megan Donnelly studies education at UNC-Asheville and is a building supervisor at the UNC-A Health and Fitness Center. She likes to read and play, and enjoys good coffee, food and conversation. She's eager to be a mentor in order to relate to teens in a new capacity - outside the classroom. Megan admits she has a fear of heights, and looks forward to working through her fears alongside the girls. At age 13, Megan looked up to her dad's youngest sister. They share a fashion sense consisting of long floral skirts, straw hats and Dr. Marten's boots, and enjoyed discussing big issues over hot chocolate.

Ellen Bailey teaches French and Spanish at UNC-Asheville. She likes to ride her bike, hike, garden, spend time with her friends and cats, eat chocolate and swing dance. She has joined Climbing Toward Confidence in order to support a girl as she's growing up and learning about herself. She is looking forward to the challenge of being courageous and encouraging others to do so -- and to rock climbing! At age 13, Ellen looked up to her mom and a neighbor.

Fall 2010 Session Underway!

2010-09-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

Ten young women and ten adult mentors gather at their first meeting to form their hand contract -- an agreement about the type of group culture they want to create. September 13, 2010.

CTC Leaders Reach New Heights at Looking Glass Rock

2010-07-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

On July 2, the CTC Leaders girls climbed at the Nose on Looking Glass Rock. All of the girls climbed higher than ever before, with two of them ascending to 200 feet. On this cool summer day, everyone enjoyed hanging out under the trees, belaying one another, and encouraging fellow participants to push themselves past their perceived limits.

Many thanks to Climbmax Mountain Guides for the day of professionally guided climbing!

Climbing Toward Confidence Seeks Mentors

2010-07-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

Climbing Toward Confidence is seeking adult female mentors for our Fall 2010 session. Climbing Toward Confidence is an empowerment program of Our VOICE that pairs 7^th and 8^th grade girls with female mentors in the community. Girls and their mentors learn to rock climb and participate in a range of activities and discussions aimed at raising awareness, improving decision-making skills, and ultimately, reducing the risk of sexual violence among young women in Buncombe County.

For more information or to request a mentor application, please call Anna at 828-252-0562 or email anna@ourvoicenc.org.

Graduation

2010-06-21T09:37:00.001-07:00

The fourth session of CTC came to a close amidst laughter and tears on May 10, 2010. In front of an audience of friends, family, and community members, each girl bravely stood and shared a story of her experience in the program. The Leaders girls staged a short performance on their beliefs around creating a healthy and mutually respectful new girl culture. In the open climb, girls shared their new skills, belaying family and friends who got the opportunity to experience climbing for themselves.

Climbing Toward Confidence wishes all participants a great summer full of outdoor fun. We look forward to seeing many girls return next year for the CTC Leaders Program!

CTC Session 4 Outdoor Climbing at Rumbling Bald

2010-06-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

On May 1, the girls and mentors from Climbing Toward's Confidence's fourth session reached new heights as they took part in the program's regular outdoor climbing day, held this spring at Rumbling Bald. After spending nine weeks learning to climb in the indoor gym, everyone put forth their best effort on the mountain. Cries of joy could be heard throughout the day as girls reached the top of the slab wall, calling out to their belayers about the beautiful sight of Lake Lure in the distance. The girls all displayed great maturity and confidence as they belayed their mentors and encouraged them to reach the top.

Appalachian Mountain Institute generously donated professional guiding services for the event.

CTC Session 4 Participants Take on Ropes Course, March 13, 2010

2010-06-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

On March 13th, the CTC girls and their mentors donned rain jackets and warm clothes to explore the ropes course at the Asheville School. Despite inclement weather, the girls displayed excellent teamwork skills as they navigated obstacle courses and other challenges designed to build group cohesiveness and trust. Hail and heavy rain forced activities to move indoors, but all participants still enjoyed the adventure. Ed Maggart of the Asheville School, who graciously donated his time to facilitate the activities, complemented the girls on their great attitudes and tenacity. The girls will have a chance to get to the top of the high ropes course during the make-up day scheduled for early May.

“What I Want all Girls to Know”: Messages from CTC Leaders

2010-06-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

Treat each other fairly and honestly. Be supportive and proud of each other. Let’s treat all girls like family.

Wear what you want. Be comfortable. Do what feels right. Express your own style.

Be comfortable with who you are. It doesn’t matter what you look like. All bodies are beautiful.

Everything that looks good is not really good.

Try new things. Explore, be adventurous. Don’t be afraid to try something new!

You’re always beautiful. Be positive. It’s what is on the inside that counts. Power to the girls!

Girls can do anything. There are girls and women doing everything!

Be what you want to be. Research it. Reach far.

The most important things are: being yourself... taking care of yourself and your health... being considerate of others... acting in a respectful way... treating each other well... being good to friends and family... listening to yourself... grades... education & future...

First CTC Leaders Program begins in March 2010

2010-06-17T11:48:00.001-07:00

In response to ongoing interest from alumni of the previous 3 CTC sessions, the CTC Leaders Program kicked off in March 2010. Participants in this weekly program continue to develop their climbing skills while exploring self-identified topics of interest such as coping with bullying, talking about feelings and dealing with puberty. Throughout the program, the girls are endeavoring to create a “new girl culture” that operates with fairness, honesty, and inclusivity. Each week, prominent women from the Asheville community visit for dinner to talk about their teen years and how they got to be who they are now. The CTC Leaders program culminates in an overnight climbing trip that will allow the girls to experience hiking, camping, and multi-pitch climbing.

My Life As a Rock Climb...

2010-06-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

At the end of each session of CTC, as part of their reflections on their experiences in the program, each girl creates a tale using rock climbing as a metaphor for perseverance through struggles in their lives. Here are some of the stories read at graduation from the third session of CTC:

"My life is a rock climb. As I climb this everlasting rock, I notice I am not perfect, I can only be me. I fall sometimes as I make it through the rough parts reassessing. I can do it! I am me. As I climb and learn, I grow in many ways, stronger and smarter. Sometimes when I can’t find any foot or hand holds I take a deep breath and think of a different way up. I adapt. Occasionally, I rappel into the depths of the earth. I lean back and breathe, knowing how far I’ve come. Some days I say this is enough, I come down the monstrous mountain I was about to climb knowing I am only me!"

"As I start up the wall, these are my first steps. I start to get cocky so I fall but my dad down below is belaying me and my mom, the backup belayer, is there for me also. I have my cheerleaders there too-my brother and my uncle. When I get to a tricky spot it’s like a time in your life when it feels like you can’t do it. As I hear my belayer start to talk I feel like they aren’t paying attention like when you feel like the people in your life are supposed to support you and they are not. As I reach the top, it feels like I can take on the world. And that is my life as a rock climb."

"My life is like a rock climb because I go through a lot of stuff and when I fall my mom’s always there to catch me like an ATC. And my sisters are my back up belayers. I go higher and higher because first I started off as a baby child, teenager, and now a mother, and soon an adult and when I climb I reach for other rocks to pull myself up on to reach different heights. I also learn from my mistakes like when I go rock climbing I look to stick my foot in and if there’s not a hold around, next time when I rock climb I know that there’s not a rock there."

CTC's 3rd Session Conquers Looking Glass Rock

2010-06-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

On
November 7th, 2009 the CTC girls and their mentors spent the day climbing at Looking Glass Rock. Appalachian Mountain Institute generously donated the gear and recruited professional guides who volunteered to teach new skills and ensured that everyone had a safe and fun experience.
On a gorgeous fall day, the girls and mentors both faced new challenges: climbing outdoors on real rock for the first time, going higher than they had ever been, and rapelling down a part of the mountain.

Session 3 CTC at Climbmax Climbing Gym, Fall 2009

2009-10-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

This Fall's session of Climbing Toward Confidence is going well - we have a total of 18 participants and we are halfway through the session. Here are some photos of the group.

Recruiting Volunteers for Fall 2009

2009-06-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

Climbing Toward Confidence is now accepting applications for Fall 09 mentors. Click on the image to read this flier. For more information, email anna@ourvoicenc.org or call 828-252-0562.

CTC Video!

2009-05-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

Mayor Bellamy Visits CTC, April 20, 2008

2009-04-21T12:08:00.000-07:00

Transcript of Mayor Terry Bellamy's Talk:

I heard Anna’s stories from when you all started out in this program, a few weeks ago – what, six weeks ago? This is your seventh week, and already there are stories of how much you have grown.

I think life is full of stories, and I like to tell stories about my life because I think it’s important for people to know who I am, for the ladies who participate in this program. I’m a native of Asheville; this is where I grew up. This is my hometown. Who goes to Asheville Middle? You think you’re tough? Old girl used to walk down the halls of Asheville Middle, and I thought I was cute. I thought I was cute, I did. I enjoyed my time at Asheville Middle School. I talked too much. I did – and it continued over to Asheville High School.

At Asheville High, one of my worst teachers was Eulah Shaw. She’s not there; you don’t have to worry about her anymore. She was horrible. And I talked too much and I took debate. I took debate because I felt like this was my way to get out of doing a lot of work – that I could argue and not get fussed at. In debate, you argue – but you argue positions. And Miss Shaw – one day I was minding my business, talking in her class to my friend, and she interrupted my conversation in her class. How dare she? That was my time. And she said this to me, and I’ve never forgotten: Miss Whitmeyer – this was before I was married – She said, “Miss Whitmeyer, you are a diamond in the rough, and I am going to hew you out of that coal.” Okay, first she interrupted my conversation. Second, what do diamonds and coal have to do with each other? And who’s Hugh? ‘Cause I was most definitely thinking that “hew” was a person, because we had a Hugh in my class, and I was thinking, “What do I have to do with Hugh?” But what she was telling me –

Wait, quick question, folks: What’s the difference between diamonds and coal? (Girl answers) Diamonds are more special than coal? That’s true. Yes? (Girl answers) Coal is black, diamonds are shiny. Yes? (Girl answers) Coal is in it’s natural state; you don’t do anything to it. Diamonds get all fixed up. You’re all correct. But coal and diamonds come from the same place. They’re made of the same material. Whenever you mine, or “hew”, which means to dig out coal, the diamonds are coming out of the coal. But what has happened is, diamonds have been put under pressure and they become what they were meant to become. And the more pressure that’s put to a diamond, the more clarity it has and the more beautiful it is.

So, going back to Miss Shaw, this is what she was telling me: Miss Whitmeyer, I’m going to add more pressure to you, ‘cause I believe in you, and I’m going to bring out of you what’s in you. That sounded kind of cute in the middle of class, but I didn’t know what that meant she was going to do with me. In debate, you have two sides: the affirmative and the negative, and I always argued the affirmative. From that day on, I had to argue not only the affirmative; I had to argue the negative. She gave me double the work. So what that meant was, whenever an issue came up, when we had to go to a competition for debate, I was able to argue both sides. So I could anticipate what my opponent was going to say to me; I was ready. I had to do more research. I say all that to say, Miss Shaw made me a better person through added pressure. And I didn’t appreciate – I’ve gotta admit, I liked to talk and I didn’t appreciate that added challenge.

So, years later, I decided to go for my Masters at Western Carolina University. There’s no newspaper here now, so I’m going to own my truth: I was an English major, so I had to look at 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th centuries. That’s a lot of literature. From Shakespeare, Chaucer, all the way to Edgar Allen Poe – looking at all that and contemporary writers. All that was confusing me on a comprehensive exam. I had to take an exam on four centuries. I failed, too, the first time I took that. Guess where I went to get some help? I went to Miss Shaw, ‘cause one thing Miss Shaw knows is English. Not only was she a debate teacher, she was a fantastic English teacher. What I did was I went and talked to Miss Shaw and I said, “I need your assistance. You said I was a diamond in the rough, and you were going to help me.” I was still talking too much then. But I remembered her promise to make me into the diamond she said I was meant to be. So she created a curriculum for me to learn my two problem areas – 16th and 19th century literature. She did it so well that I went to take that exam again and I finished in record time and the people said, Are you sure you’re through? The people looked at my exam – the person who was proctoring the exam was an English professor and she was reading my exam, just trying to see if I knew what I was talking about and she looked, and I knew I’d passed when I saw her read over my answers. It was too easy, because Miss Shaw had created a course where I wouldn’t fail. So I walked away from Miss Shaw yet again.

But then I decided to run for office; in 1999, I decided to run for City Council, and I was one of the youngest people to ever do so. It was very intimidating. Guess who was one of first people to sign up to donate, to give me money – because that’s important if you’re going to run for office. (Girls answer: Miss Shaw. Bellamy nods.) Not only did she give me money, but she told other teachers to vote for me. When I run for re-election this fall, guess who’s helping my campaign? Miss Shaw. I ran in 2005. Guess who helped?

Sometimes in life, people put pressure on you, in a good way, to bring out who you’re supposed to be. You can’t understand that at the time. You can’t understand at the time why they want you to say, “Belay on, Belay off.” “You can do it – you can be a frog, or be a bear, and climb up there.” They may put pressure on you to read over a piece of paper and say what would you do in this scenario, and push you to come up with a response. And it may not feel comfortable at that time, but it’s all to make you the diamonds that you should be. In order to be who you’re supposed to be, I believe that God puts people in your life to add pressure.

My last story is this: If you ever need good entertainment, watch the city council – we meet on Tuesday evenings, Channel 11. I often have people who say, you know, “Mayor Bellamy, how do you deal with certain council members? How do you sit there and not want to smack them in the mouth or hit them in the head? How do you deal with that?” Those people are there, I believe, to make me a better mayor. Because while they use emotions and invoke anger sometimes in people, I use facts to make my decisions. And so they make me stronger. Sometimes it may look like a bad situation, but it can turn out alright. It’s all in your attitude. It’s all in how you see life.

My goal for you ladies is not just to enjoy climbing, but to understand that from the beginning you never thought you possibly could get to the top. I see a little frog leap to the top over there. I saw a bear climb very fast to the top. I saw somebody sprawled all over this. I want you to believe in yourself.

This is my only assignment for you, when you leave here. It’s a quote that our President uses in his book, and I often use it: “Dream big dreams.” I have a journal for myself, and in my journal I dream. And if any adult was to see my journal they would think I was certifiable because of what I believe I can do. Asheville can’t hold Terry Bellamy, for where I’m going.

I ask you to dare to dream; dream big dreams. I believe, again, that God puts people in your life to help you achieve your dreams. Ladies, you can do what you want to do. There will be resources that come. Anna is an example. Anna said, I want to do something that I think would make a difference in the lives of little girls, and something that I’m passionate about it rock climbing, and it’s an opportunity for young people to learn about their power. How many of you mentors who are here knew Anna before volunteering? (Two raise hands) How many did not know Anna? (Nine raise hands) See? Resources will come when you have a dream. They’ll just come. They’ll say, “You know, I think I’m going to help this program. I think today’s the day I’m going to help that program!” It just happens.

So my challenge to you is to go home, and get you a journal. It doesn’t have to be a big fancy one. Begin to dream. Begin to think about where you see yourself. What do you want to wear on graduation day? I said that when I was elected to Mayor, I’d wear a certain outfit. And people said to me, “Okay, you’re running against a sitting Mayor, a councilmember who’s been a dentist in this community for 40 years and you think you can be Mayor.” And I said, “Yep. Sure can.” And to the ones who said, “No you can’t,” I said, “Thanks, see you later.” And the resources will start coming….

I tell you this ladies: Your dream may sound crazy to some, and you may have to distance yourself from even those who are close to you who cannot see the potential in who you are. But I guarantee you, someone will step in to fill that void. Dream big dreams, and when you begin to put those dreams on paper and read them daily, you will achieve those. Les Brown is a motivational speaker and he says, “Most people will never achieve their dreams because they are too afraid to write them down, and those who write them down are too afraid to look at them because that puts them back in their face.”

Ladies, I’m asking you to dream big dreams. I’m asking you to step out there, and do something that hasn’t been done before. …Ladies, I am so proud of you for having the endurance to be here this long. I’m really excited about your future, and I hope you will email me from time-to-time – just check in, just holla’ at me to let me know how you’re doing. I believe in you.

Climbing Toward Confidence in WNC Woman Magazine

2009-03-31T10:32:00.000-07:00

View here in the April 2004 issue of WNC Woman Magazine

“When ‘dating’ came at me, I dropped ‘school’.” “I got hit in the head with ‘drugs’ because I wasn’t looking.” “It was so overwhelming to have all the balls going at once – I didn’t know what to do.”

It’s a wintry afternoon in February. Roughly twenty teen girls and adult women are gathered in the cavernous space of ClimbMax Indoor Climbing Center in downtown Asheville. They are participants in the spring session of Climbing Toward Confidence, a new program of Our VOICE (Buncombe County’s rape crisis center).

When asked to identify the biggest challenges in their lives, the teen girls respond: Dating. Drugs. Pregnancy. Sex. Fitting in. School. Family. Body image. The future. Each of these responses is written onto a small throw-able object, and the group is asked to literally juggle all the challenges in their lives.

For practice, the group passes just one ball back and forth across the circle –School. “Hey, Kim, here’s ‘school’.” “Thanks, Lyric. Hey, Jacque, here’s ‘school’.” They make eye contact and no one drops the ball.

In the next round, the various challenges are introduced one by one. A rubber frog comes winging its way across the circle – “Sex”. “Family” is an oversized, hard-to-catch ball. Soon, all politeness and eye contact have disappeared. Objects are tossed to and fro chaotically – whizzing past the girl they were intended for, or hitting someone else by mistake. The group erupts in shouts and laughter.

“So, what do you think that activity was about?” Everyone is quiet and still now – the objects lay scattered around on the floor.

“I think it shows you what happens in life,” one girl answers. “When you’re a kid, you just have one or two things to worry about. As you get older, there’s a lot more coming at you.”

Another young woman speaks up. “When all the balls started flying, we stopped being nice to each other. I stopped caring about whether the next person was ready to catch ‘Sex’ or ‘Dating’ – I just wanted to get rid of it. I hope I’d stick by my friends, but it seems really hard.”

“I think it says you have a lot of choices in your life,” answers a third. “Either you’re the kind of person who follows others and gets distracted by all those things, or you’re a strong person who stays focused on what she wants.”

It is well-known among women that the early-teen years are some of the hardest for girls. Think back to when you were twelve or thirteen years old. Remember the insecurity, the confusion, the competition. The yearning to be something you were not; the intense desire to be accepted. Add in problems with family; the pressure of grades and the looming future; and the huge question mark of sexuality, relationships and dating. Adolescence has always been a complicated time, for all types of girls. The age-old challenges are accelerated for youth today by mass media that portray violence as sexy and sex as violent, that print sexualized images of increasingly younger girls, and that promote sex appeal over health, happiness or intellect.

Research in girls’ development pinpoints twelve as a key pivotal age for girls – the “edge of adolescence” (Gilligan) – by which time girls have begun to step into the adult world. They’ve begun to read magazines, to pay attention to fashion, pop culture and the media, and to compare themselves to the images of women they see around them. Most will never live up to the expectations our society has for women – expectations shaped by digital manipulations more often than by images of real women. Striving to fit in, scared that they’ll be the next target of another girl’s malice, many young women learn to mute their voices, deny their intelligence, and compromise their individuality. We see this manifested in a girl who keeps her eyes downcast, who answers questions with, “I don’t know” – and who doesn’t have the courage to disagree with others or say what she thinks. It leads to girls who think it’s impolite to refuse, who stay quiet because they don’t want to cause a problem, and who think their greatest value lies in their sex appeal to males. Low self-confidence runs hand-in-hand with eating disorders, self-harming behaviors and depression.

And often left unspoken, unaddressed, is one of the greatest threats of adolescence and early adulthood for females – sexual assault. It is estimated that one of every four females will experience rape or attempted rape by the time she is 18. Here in Asheville, of 72 rapes reported during 2008, 30% of those victims were females age 13-19. An additional 13% were females age 20-24. Nationwide, females age 16-19 are at a risk four times greater than the rest of the population to be raped . Incidents of acquaintance rape outnumber stranger rapes 2:1, and drug-facilitated rape is on the rise.

Since 1974, Our VOICE has been working to raise this issue into the public consciousness. In the pursuit of a community that is free of sexual violence, Our VOICE serves all individuals in Buncombe County affected by sexual assault and abuse, through counseling, advocacy and education. We provide direct services to victims of sexual violence and to their family and friends, including medical advocacy, crisis counseling, legal case management and long-term counseling. Our education and prevention programs work to educate the community on the realities of sexual violence – to raise awareness and confront dangerous attitudes in schools and workplaces; among civic groups and service-providers. Climbing Toward Confidence is one among several programs that address the deep roots of the problem, by working with males and females to challenge social norms and create safer communities.

Climbing Toward Confidence provides an environment for young women that values effort, intelligence, courage and compassion over perfect hair, thin-ness, or any other physical attribute. The girls are encouraged to speak for themselves and to question the world around them. Through this experience, they gain confidence in their own opinions and instincts.
While participating in Climbing Toward Confidence, the girls discuss a range of topics – body image, gender stereotypes, pop culture; power in relationships, red flags, and rape myths. They participate in role plays and practice assertive communication. They take a self-defense course.
And they are paired with a volunteer mentor, who they get to know over the course of the program through paired activities, discussions and goal-setting. The mentors are adult women of all backgrounds from the community. Their role in the program is to support the young women, while also modeling examples of healthy, supportive relationships between women.
Many of the mentors have never climbed before, and side-by-side, the teens and adults face their fears on the rock. Rock climbing benefits both the physical body and the mind; it contributes to fitness, fosters body awareness, and hones problem-solving skills. Through climbing, participants develop their sense of judgment and practice setting boundaries and making decisions.

Through its various components, Climbing Toward Confidence aims to equip girls with both the practical skills to recognize and say no to risky or unwanted situations, and the confidence and conviction that they are worth protecting.

Meet Lyric
Lyric enrolled in the first ever session of Climbing Toward Confidence, this past October. As the eldest daughter in a large family, Lyric takes it upon herself to look out for her younger siblings and cousins around the neighborhood. Her parents work alternating schedules – days and nights – but on the weekends, the family finds time together. She’s currently getting good grades – almost all A’s – and she tries to stay out of trouble. Lyric has ambitions to be the first in her family to realize the dream of going to college.

Prior to the program, I visited Lyric’s family’s apartment in order to complete her paperwork and start getting to know her. We sat on the couch together, amidst the din of the television, several young children eating their supper and racing around, and adults – her parents and others – talking together. That day, Lyric appeared shy and tentative. She said she was excited to learn to rock climb, but when asked about school, hobbies and her friends she answered, “I don’t know.” Her voice was soft and her manner reserved.

Now, just six months later, Lyric has become one of the spokeswomen for Climbing Toward Confidence, sharing her opinions and reflections in public settings such as a recent fundraiser held by WNC Magazine. She still gets butterflies in her stomach, but there’s no doubt that she will speak – and that she has something to say. The following conversation has been excerpted from an interview with Lyric during January 2009.

What was your favorite part of Climbing Toward Confidence?
My favorite part of the program was the Girls Group – when we got together with the mentors and answered those questions, like if we were in a relationship and the dude was treating us badly what would we do. I liked talking about those situations in a group, and I learned how to stand up for myself.

What else did you learn from your experience in Climbing Toward Confidence?
I learned that I can get up in front of a big crowd and say a speech, without just freezing. I never thought I could do that. And I learned that I can rock climb. I learned that you don’t have to let a dude step on you just because you love him. Also, that I don’t have to listen to trash talk. I need to listen to what I think of myself, not what other people think. That’s what I mainly focused on. Climbing Toward Confidence made me a stronger person – now I can say how I feel in front of others. I know for sure I can do that now.

What did you think of rock climbing?
When I first came to the climbing gym, I was like, “Oh my god, I can’t believe I’m doing this.” I was too scared, but I did it. This is going to help me a lot in my life – Like when I have a difficult stage in my life, I can learn how to climb through it. Just get on out of it.

I learned a lot about climbing, like some different moves. What was that move called? You had to put both of your feet to one side, and have them point in one direction. Back-step; I learned how to back-step. And inside-edging, and smearing. Now I can go rock climbing outside, and I’m stronger than I thought.

At first, I really thought I wasn’t strong enough to belay someone else – But once I got to belaying, I realized I’m pretty good at it. I know I’m not going to drop nobody. I don’t know if they know that, but I know that…. My mentor said she trusted me. It felt good to have somebody trust me.

Tell me more about your mentor.
It was fun to have a mentor. We still hang out. I learned a lot about her; she learned a lot about me. I feel like I can talk to her about things and know that I’m not going to get in trouble for it. I’m not going to do nothing bad, but I know that I have somebody I can trust – someone that won’t go back and talk bad behind my back about me. That won’t turn against me or my family, or do something bad. I know that.

What is something you will never forget from CTC?
I won’t forget any of it. But one of my favorite times was when we went on the field trip to climb outdoors…. That day, I seen a big rock that I was scared to get on. But I got on it. That day was good; it was kind of cold outside, but we still climbed outside. We didn’t let nothing stop us… After climbing on the big rock, I was shaky. I was so scared. My legs were shaking while I was climbing. But I felt like I did something that I would be proud of – that I would be proud of, that my mama would be proud of, that my family would be proud of.

What are your plans for the future?
When I get out of middle school, I’m going to finish high school and I’m going to try to go to – Well, I am going to go to college. That’s on my to-do list for when I get older. I’m going to go to college and be a nurse.

I’m going to need help from my mama and my daddy and my teachers to get there. I’m going to do my work – just keep doing what I’m doing now. When it gets hard, I’m going to try to pull through it – keep working hard, studying, and just stay focused.

Photos of Climbing Toward Confidence

2009-03-12T13:39:00.001-07:00

Spring Session of CTC to begin

2009-02-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

The spring session of Climbing Toward Confidence begins today, February 23. The program has been expanded to include 11 participants and 11 mentors, and will span 10 weeks. Our VOICE will continue to partner with ClimbMax Climbing Center, the WNC Center for Self Defense, Appalachian Mountain Institute and area schools to make this program possible. Additionally, teen peer educators from Teens Taking Action (a program of Planned Parenthood) will help to facilitate the sexual violence awareness curriculum this session.

Fundraiser for Climbing Toward Confidence

2009-01-07T13:42:00.000-08:00

Announcement in this week's Mountain Xpress:

Conscious Party: Benefits & fundraisers
Here comes the bride (for a good cause)
by Hal L. Millard in Vol. 15 / Iss. 24 on 01/07/2009

An upcoming event promises to help promote local businesses amid an increasingly down economy while giving a boost to a charity that assists at-risk girls.

Hosted by WNC Magazine and Studio Flora Diva, The Bridal Party will kick off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, at Shay Brown Events (21 Wall St. in downtown Asheville. The party will raise funds for Climbing Toward Confidence, a program that targets 7th- and 8th-grade girls in an effort to reduce the risk of sexual assault. In the program, mentors utilize rock climbing as a way to build the girls’ self-esteem and to improve their confidence and communication skills.

But the event will also focus on bolstering the local wedding industry (Asheville is among the top wedding destinations in the nation, the organizers report). Brides to be can consult some of the area’s top wedding professionals; enjoy fashion shows from Terra Diva, Spiritex and Mitchell’s Tuxedos; and learn from local wedding planners, florists and event designers.

In addition, ticketholders will be eligible to win a bevy of prizes, including porcelain works from Hofman Studios, beauty consultations from Luminous You and an array of gift certificates from local businesses. Guests will also receive complimentary gift bags and be treated to appetizers, wine, martinis and entertainment.

Tickets ($20 in advance, $40 at the door) can be purchased online at http://www.wncmagazine.com

CTC at Rumbling Bald

2008-12-12T08:55:00.001-08:00

Though our outdoor climbing day was chilly and gray, spirits were high. Six girls and 5 mentors attended, testing their new skills on a slab at Rumbling Bald near Lake Lure, NC.

Upcoming: Climbing Toward Confidence Graduation

2008-12-01T09:39:00.000-08:00

You are invited to…
CTC’s Graduation!
Monday, December 8 from 7-8pm
ClimbMax Climbing Center
43 Wall Street, Asheville
252-9996

All participants will speak about their
experience in the program.

This gathering is open to the public;
family and friends are encouraged
to attend.

Please join us to celebrate the confidence
and courage these young women
have acquired and enjoy some sweets!

CTC to climb outdoors!

2008-11-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

MEDIA ADVISORY
December 3, 2008
Contact: Patrick Weaver, AMI at (828) 553-6323
Anna Sharratt, CTC at (828) 252-0562

Asheville teens to benefit from Adventure for Kids program
Climbing Toward Confidence builds self-esteem through rock-climbing

On Saturday, December 6, Brevard’s Adventure for Kids – a program of the Appalachian Mountain Institute – will provide a day of outdoor rock-climbing to participants in Asheville’s Climbing Toward Confidence program.

Climbing Toward Confidence (CTC) is an innovative new program that pairs teen girls with women mentors and—through rock-climbing—builds self-esteem, improves communication skills and reduces the risk of sexual violence. Climbing Toward Confidence is a project of Our VOICE, Buncombe County's sexual assault response center. The program is funded by a community action grant from the American Association of University Women, in-kind support from ClimbMax Climbing Center, and private donors. For more information, visit CTC on the Web at http://climbingtowardconfidence.blogspot.com or see www.ourvoicenc.org.

Adventure for Kids is the community outreach program of the Appalachian Mountain Institute (AMI). Adventure for Kids serves underprivileged youth by working with existing organizations to provide outdoor rock-climbing experiences, and to develop character, leadership and stewardship of our community. Adventure for Kids is funded by the AMI and by local donors and businesses. For more information, visit AMI on the Web at www.appalachianmountaininstitute.com or send an email to patrick@appalachianmountioninstitute.com.

Adventure for Kids guides and Climbing Toward Confidence participants will meet Saturday, December 6 for a day of outdoor rock-climbing at Rumbling Bald near Lake Lure, NC beginning at 10:00 am. This has been made possible by generous donations from Lisa Evan and the Brevard Rock Gym.

CTC on Facebook

2008-11-25T08:29:00.000-08:00

If you are a Facebook user, become a member of the Climbing Toward Confidence Group to show your support and receive periodic news. Simply search for Climbing Toward Confidence in the "Groups" section!

Climbing Toward Confidence T-shirts Available

2008-11-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

Order your Climbing Toward Confidence t-shirt today!

T-shirts are short-sleeve and come in women's and men's sizes (no XS). Choose between a sky blue or a chocolate brown shirt, with the CTC logo centered on the chest. To order, call 252-0562 or email anna@ourvoicenc.org.

CTC in the Asheville Citizen Times

2008-11-18T07:22:00.000-08:00

Program helps girls achieve confidence, courage

Dale Neal • DNeal@CITIZEN-TIMES.com • updated November 18, 2008 12:56 am

ASHEVILLE – Lebraysha Spakes, 13, scampered quickly up the plastic toeholds of the climbing wall, then made the mistake of looking down. “Oh my God,” she cried.

“Sit back,” ordered Anna Sharratt from below.

Spakes leaned back, supported by the climbing rope and her harness and slowly walked back down the wall. “I'm scared of heights,” she smiled broadly when she reached the bottom.

Spakes spends her Monday afternoons in the Climbing Toward Confidence program, sponsored by Our Voice, Buncombe County's rape response center. Each Monday, a group of nine girls in the seventh and eighth grades at Randolph Learning Center and Asheville Middle School meet with their mentors at the Climbmax Climbing Center on Wall Street, learning how to edge up tough toe holds, tie on their harnesses and safely belay their partners down the walls.

Scaling a tough climbing wall can teach young girls confidence in their abilities and courage to take on new situations, which could reduce the risk of sexual violence, Sharratt said.

The program is funded by a $10,000 grant over two years from the American Association of University Women.

Sharratt said she's been climbing herself since she was a child. “It's a passion of mine. It forces you to be honest with yourself.”

Girls at ages 12 and 13 often begin to lose confidence in themselves, worried about their body image and fitting in.

Climbing can also help young girls challenge their assumptions, said Gordon Grant, principal of Randolph Learning Center and an avid rock climber himself. “A lot of students set artificial limits for themselves, then they learn they can do more. They can take their experience from the climbing wall and apply to life,” Grant said.

Sharratt said the program runs for eight weeks. After they master basic climbing skills, the girls will have an outdoor climb, either at Rumbling Bald or Looking Glass Rock, two popular climbing spots in the area.

For more information on the Climbing Toward Confidence program, visit http://climbingtoward confidence.blogspot.com or www.ourvoicenc.org.

Mayor Bellamy to climb with Climbing Toward Confidence

2008-11-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

MEDIA ALERT

November 14, 2008

Contact: Anna Sharratt at (828) 252-0562

Mayor Bellamy to climb with innovative new program for girls

Climbing Toward Confidence builds self-esteem through rock climbing

This Monday, Nov. 17, Asheville mayor Terry Bellamy will visit Climbing Toward Confidence, an innovative new program that pairs teen girls with women mentors and—through rock-climbing—builds self-esteem, improves communication skills and reduces the risk of sexual violence.

Mayor Bellamy will climb with the girls and their mentors beginning at 4:00 p.m. at ClimbMax Climbing Center (43 Wall St. in Asheville).

Climbing Toward Confidence is a project of Our VOICE, Buncombe County's sexual assault response center. The program is funded by a community action grant from the American Association of University Women and in-kind support from ClimbMax Climbing Center.

For more information, visit CTC on the Web at http://climbingtowardconfidence.blogspot.com or see www.ourvoicenc.org.

###

Photos of Climbing Toward Confidence

2008-11-13T12:13:00.001-08:00

Images of Women in the Media

2008-11-06T09:50:00.003-08:00

On November 3, 2o08, Climbing Toward Confidence participants discussed the media's representation of girls and women. They discussed the pressures exerted on females to look and act a certain way -- expectations which are often unrealistic and impossible to achieve. The girls spoke about the effect those expectations have on their sense of self-worth and their self-confidence. They listed other ways to determine their sense of self-worth besides their physical appearance, such as their trustworthiness, honesty, friendships and other strengths.

Participants also watched a short video, Evolution, from the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, which shows all the work that goes into a billboard image of a model.

First meeting of CTC

2008-10-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

Climbing Toward Confidence has begun!

2008-10-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

The first session of CTC began on Monday, October 20 with 18 excited participants and mentors!

CTC is an empowerment program for 7th and 8th grade girls aimed at building confidence and reducing the risk of sexual violence. Through activities and discussions, girls examine and learn about healthy body image, gender stereotypes, power and relationships, boundaries, assertive communication and sexual violence. Each participant is paired with an adult female mentor, and together the two learn to rock climb. Participants will emerge from the program with increased self-confidence, heightened body awareness, improved self image, and strengthened communication skills.

This program is open to all 7th and 8th grade girls in Asheville, NC. It is a project of Our VOICE, Buncombe County's sexual assault response center, and is made possible through an Education and Equity Grant from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and generous in-kind support from ClimbMax Climbing Center. For more information, call 828-252-0562 or email anna@ourvoicenc.org.

Climbing Toward Confidence

Outdoor Day at Rumbling Bald!

Session Five - Halfway!

CTC Fall 2011!

Jump into the middle of things, get your hands dirty, fall flat on your face, and then reach for the stars!

Introducing the Mentors

More Girls Are Ready to Climb Toward Confidence!

CTC Session 5 Graduates!

Perfect Attendance and Strong Effort at an Awesome Day of Outdoor Climbing

CTC Session 5 at Asheville School's Ropes Course

Fall 2010 Mentor Profiles

Fall 2010 Session Underway!

CTC Leaders Reach New Heights at Looking Glass Rock

Climbing Toward Confidence Seeks Mentors

Graduation

CTC Session 4 Outdoor Climbing at Rumbling Bald

CTC Session 4 Participants Take on Ropes Course, March 13, 2010

“What I Want all Girls to Know”: Messages from CTC Leaders

First CTC Leaders Program begins in March 2010

My Life As a Rock Climb...

CTC's 3rd Session Conquers Looking Glass Rock

Session 3 CTC at Climbmax Climbing Gym, Fall 2009

Recruiting Volunteers for Fall 2009

CTC Video!

Mayor Bellamy Visits CTC, April 20, 2008

Climbing Toward Confidence in WNC Woman Magazine

Photos of Climbing Toward Confidence

Spring Session of CTC to begin

Fundraiser for Climbing Toward Confidence

CTC at Rumbling Bald

Upcoming: Climbing Toward Confidence Graduation

CTC to climb outdoors!

CTC on Facebook

Climbing Toward Confidence T-shirts Available

CTC in the Asheville Citizen Times

Mayor Bellamy to climb with Climbing Toward Confidence

Photos of Climbing Toward Confidence

Images of Women in the Media

First meeting of CTC

Climbing Toward Confidence has begun!