Gravity Vault keeps youngsters active
When kids have a day off from school, it can be difficult enough to keep them occupied. Make it a week off and they are sure to get restless. With a blanket of snow usually covering the ground this time of year, it is tough finding ways to appease feelings of cabin fever.
That’s why the Gravity Vault indoor rock climbing gym in Poughkeepsie hosted a spring break camp for children from March 24–30, while most local schools were dismissed for the week. A popular but weather-permitting sport in the area, the facility offers a genuine rock climbing experience for all ages. “Climbing is one of the best physical activities you can do,” climbing coach Andrew Carter said. “It is a very progressive sport because you can see yourself getting better with each climb.”
The spring break camp attracted dozens of climbers for five, three-hour sessions. Kids from five- to 13-years-old were welcome, so it was important that those with different experience levels engaged in appropriate activities. “We try to keep the courses within each climber’s level and the kids can eventually progress throughout the week,” gym manager Mike Palmieri said.
To keep things exciting, the camp featured a different theme every session. The first concentrated on understanding the basics of belaying, which is properly fastening ropes to an anchor prior to climbing. After another day of instruction on repelling down from walls, the Gravity Vault staff managed to plan activities that were focused on fun for the rest of the camp.
A rope swing with pulleys that swoops through an archway, which Palmieri referred to as the “rocket launcher,” was created for kids to use during all camps. A scavenger hunt was also made with clues on the gym walls to round out the week. This activity was intended to show children that there is more to climbing than strength. “It is just as much a mental challenge because there is problem-solving involved as you climb up each wall,” Palmieri said.
This is not the first time the Gravity Vault has offered programs for young students. Since doors opened in early 2016, discounted events have been available on most days that schools are closed. Specially-designed camps are also planned on snow days, holiday breaks, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Memorial Day, among others.
For avid climbers in the Hudson Valley that don’t want to miss a beat during winter months, the Gravity Vault has established climbing teams. Participants are placed in one of three groups, depending on an evaluation by climbing coaches: intermediate, advanced or competitive. The latter practices three times per week and travels across the New England area to compete in regional events.
The Gravity Vault, which targets millennials as its primary customer base, is excited to host a USA Climbing youth competition on Saturday, April 7. The gym has been recognized for their creative routes and will have an opportunity to send local climbers to national competitions. “We have some of the best route setters on the East Coast that design different courses every few weeks,” Carter said. “We are always keeping the gym fun, while maintaining safety as our top priority.”
