Climb Every Mountain: Graland’s Upgraded Climbing Wall Inspires New Heights

The Freyer Family Climbing Wall at Graland has undergone exciting upgrades, enhancing its role as a core part of the Lower School PE experience. Thanks to the generous support of the Freyer Family and the Pam Bent Fund, the redesigned wall now offers students of all skill levels the opportunity to take on new challenges and grow both physically and mentally.

According to Graland Athletics Director Monica Johnson, “The redesigned climbing wall will inspire students to reach new heights. With a variety of climbing routes and obstacles, it fosters confidence, teamwork, and perseverance. No matter their skill level, every student can find a path to success.”

One of the most notable improvements is the addition of color-coded routes, offering different levels of difficulty. Smaller grips support younger climbers, while larger holds challenge older students. These thoughtfully designed routes ensure that climbers of all skill levels can progress at their own pace. In addition to the updated routes, the new auto-belay system allows students to climb and rappel independently. Traditional belaying, however, remains essential for teaching teamwork, trust, and communication. “The auto-belay system promotes autonomy, while traditional belaying helps students develop confidence in supporting one another,” Coach Johnson said. “This combination fosters both independence and collaboration while allowing more students to climb at once.”

To further support students in making the most of the upgraded wall, Graland’s PE teachers have completed specialized training with EP Climbing, a well-respected program from Oregon focused on best practices for student climbers. “We’ve worked hard to create a safe, inclusive space where kids can push themselves while developing important life skills,” Coach Johnson said. “The training covered safety, equipment maintenance, and creative activities to keep students engaged through the unit.”

These upgrades align with Graland’s broader commitment to fostering lifelong wellness. “Climbing is an excellent example of how physical education is evolving to cultivate healthy, active adults,” Coach Johnson said. “It’s a fun, hands-on way for students to build self-esteem that will stay with them for a lifetime.”

With these exciting enhancements, the climbing wall has become an even more valuable part of Graland’s PE program. In addition, Graland is excited to expand climbing opportunities beyond the school day by offering a new after-school climbing enrichment class for students in Kindergarten through Grade 3 next year. As Coach Johnson put it, “The wall gives every student the opportunity to grow, explore new skills, and build confidence—and that’s something we can all celebrate.” 

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