Swift Current, SK – West Bank Bible Camp is thrilled to announce the grand unveiling of its brand-new, cutting-edge climbing wall, a significant upgrade designed to elevate the camper experience and continue the tradition of exciting new developments at the camp. This impressive addition replaces an older, smaller wall and promises more adventure, skill development, and fun for every camper.
Kurt Robertson, Executive Director at West Bank Bible Camp, shared the inspiration behind this ambitious project: "Our old climbing wall was starting to get a little dated, and we decided to decommission it to build a new one for this year." The goal was clear: to create a more engaging and accessible climbing experience for a larger number of campers.
Designed for Adventure, Built for Safety
The journey to the new climbing wall involved a meticulous planning and development process. West Bank Bible Camp partnered with Challenges Unlimited, a highly respected company from Ontario, to professionally design and construct the wall. "We kind of had an idea that we wanted to have six kids being able to climb the wall and have a flat surface that was double-sided," Robertson explained. This innovative design allows six children to climb simultaneously, a significant leap from the previous two-person capacity.
Safety is paramount at West Bank Bible Camp, and the new climbing wall reflects this commitment. Every aspect of the wall's operation is designed with camper security in mind. "All of the services we use are auto-belays that are serviced every year and are designed for climbing; you'd find them at all climbing gyms," Robertson confirmed. In addition to these advanced auto-belays, campers are outfitted with harnesses and helmets, all of which undergo annual inspections. Furthermore, all West Bank Bible Camp staff operating the wall receive specialized training directly from Challenges Unlimited, ensuring they possess the highest qualifications to supervise and assist climbers.
A Progressive Path to Climbing Mastery
The new climbing wall is more than just bigger; it's designed to foster skill development for climbers of all levels. "Each lane of the six lanes kind of ranges in difficulty," Robertson noted. "The green lane is kind of the easiest lane, and it goes all the way up to a purple lane, which is like the expert lane." This thoughtful progression allows new climbers to comfortably start on easier routes, build confidence, and gradually challenge themselves on more difficult paths.
This design is a marked improvement from the old wall, where even the two lanes could be quite challenging for beginners. "Having this wall that's a little bit designed to have a progression from easy to difficult, I think will be a lot better for all the kids that come to camp to really be able to learn how to climb and develop their skills," Robertson enthusiastically stated. Campers can now truly embark on a climbing journey, honing their abilities throughout their time at West Bank.
Building on a Legacy of Excitement
The addition of the climbing wall follows the successful launch of a new basketball court two years ago, which received overwhelmingly positive feedback. "The number one feedback we got from people was just excitement to see new things getting invested in camp and just the high quality of things that we're trying to do at camp," Robertson shared. The new basketball court, built through generous donations, has become a visible symbol of West Bank's commitment to providing top-tier facilities and activities.
Robertson anticipates the climbing wall will generate similar enthusiasm. "We kind of see the same thing of just continuing to have excitement, momentum going forward in our ministry here at Camp of people excited to come see what's new at West Bank and what new activities we have, and just excitement for what's happening out here." These investments not only enhance the physical camp environment but also ignite a sense of anticipation and wonder for returning and new campers alike.
Fostering Growth: Fun, Relationships, and Faith
At its core, West Bank Bible Camp's mission extends beyond just providing fun activities. The climbing wall, like all of the camp's offerings, plays a vital role in fulfilling this broader purpose. "Our goal is we want to share the gospel with kids here at camp," Robertson explained. "What we do is we try to create a fun camp environment where the kids get to come and try different activities and try new things and learn new skills."
Through these engaging experiences, the camp creates invaluable opportunities for building relationships and sharing the love of Jesus. "That's kind of the purpose of why we do different activities and why we invest in big projects like this is to create a fun environment where kids can come, try new skills, learn new skills, and use that to also have opportunities to teach them about Jesus," Robertson concluded.
The new climbing wall stands as a testament to West Bank Bible Camp's dedication to providing an enriching, safe, and spiritually uplifting experience for every child who walks through its doors. It's more than just a wall; it's a platform for growth, adventure, and discovery.
Ready for an unforgettable summer? Learn more about West Bank Bible Camp and how your child can experience the thrill of the new climbing wall at https://westbankbiblecamp.ca/
