This is a great week for testimonials about all of our gyms, first we heard back from the Seneca Center about our Great Western Power Co. gym, and now today, we get a testimonial back from the Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) program that came to our Mission Cliffs gym with students from both the 4th and 5th grades.

BACR is an organization that "promotes the healthy development of individuals, families and communities through direct services, volunteerism, and partnerships in the San Francisco Bay Area." They brought their kids and here is what they had to say:

Mission Cliffs is fantastic for school groups. I was fortunate enough to bring 4th and 5th grade students here as a reward for homework completion and the students could not stop talking about the trip. I am always pleased to expose my students to activities which they may normally not encounter outside of school. The staff were very diligent in ensuring that the students understood the rules and also had fun in the process. I would definitely recommend this as a field trip for other school groups. Carlos Almendarez Project Director

Thanks Carlos, and we hope to see you and your students back again in the near future.

(image via BACRsf on Flickr)

Labels: BACR, Charity, Children, Events, mission cliffs, Students, Testimonial, Youth Group

At the beginning of February at our Great Western Power Co. location, we were lucky enough to play host to yet another great youth organization. We hosted some kids from the Seneca Center for a day of climbing, challenges and problem solving opportunities that helped them build trust, courage and climbing skills.

Recently, we heard back from one of the leaders at the Seneca Center, Emily McMane and she sent us a great testimonial to how the experience affected each of the children chosen to come and climb. Check out their words:

"Mouths gaped, eyes widened, and the room became a fluttering sound of "Whoaaaas!" and "Cooooools!", as they entered the room. Six children from Seneca Center's San Leandro After School Program visited GWPC's climbing gym in Oakland for the first time on February 6th. The expectation for staff and kids alike had been simply to climb, but the experience lived up to so much more. For two hours we supported kids, ranging in age from 8 to 13, in climbing, laughing, learning, and challenging themselves through new experiences. The GWPC staff was so helpful and accommodating to our group's needs, and the gym itself had a perfect array of climbing routes to suit children of varying ages and abilities. Thanks to GWPC for this great opportunity to help us build trust and courage within our kids, and offering not only the chance to climb, but the chance to cheer each other on as well. This was invaluable experience for our program. Our kids are still talking about it. Thanks again!"

Thank you, and we hope to see you back again sometime!

Labels: Charity, Children, Events, Great Western Power Co., kids, Seneca Center