Each program week is powered by a collaborative effort including students, staff, and volunteers. This summer we experienced an amazing seven weeks of climbing, hosting fifty-four students, and seven returning Kismet graduates as staff and interns.

Program Manager Owen McAndrew led the climbing curriculum each week gradually introducing techniques starting with the primary knots, belaying, and communication, progressing to rappelling, building anchors, and ultimately, multi-pitch climbing for the older groups. When the climbing wraps up, the group circles up to reflect, often sharing the things from the day that made them feel accomplished and expressing gratitude for the peers in the group who made them feel supported.

The group then shifts gears to evening activities that include a special activity such as ice cream, star gazing, or swimming, along with a daily routine of a family-style dinner, house chores, lunch prep, one hour of phone time, and then the wind-down circle where the students discuss “Peaks and Valley’s” of the day before turning in for the night.  

The days are full, the week is fast, and the emotional growth, valuable interactions, and transformative moments are numerous. 

“Kismet is one of the best weeks I’ve had. Meeting people, learning how to climb, and the bonding in only one week is impressive.”
- 1st year student - Manchester, NH

The youth we serve represent an underserved, diverse population, with various ethnic backgrounds and gender identities. They are aged 13 to 17 and come from Fryeburg and Portland, Maine, areas around Boston, Massachusetts, and in Bartlett, Berlin, Conway, Gorham, and Manchester, New Hampshire.

Students are introduced to Kismet because they are recognized by a representative in their school system who sees a spark, a need, a special individual who will flourish when given an extraordinary opportunity. Many of the students have little exposure beyond the boundaries of school and home to explore not only an outdoor environment, but more importantly the freedom to speak freely, laugh loudly, and communicate boldly.

We visit the school and present to the students, who can then apply to be considered for a full four-year scholarship. They tell us they apply because otherwise they wouldn’t leave their house all summer, they want to learn something new, or because they want the chance to meet friends.

Once selected it is a brave endeavor…leaving home often for the first time to participate in a climbing education, in an unfamiliar town, with all new people - a bold leap into an arena often far outside the scope of something they have ever done. Within days, because of this shared experience, there is a confidence and connection that defies logic and it is felt by all involved.

Our sights are now on to the next 25 years for Kismet and staying true to the invaluable mission. We continue to develop our strategic plan and build on a trusted foundation. 

While a rock-climbing education is central to the work of Kismet, we also have opportunity to genuinely learn about each student and support their growth beyond the boundaries of their weeks at Kismet. One focus remains on providing year-round support for Kismet students to connect with the community and the sport, allowing for further growth and development opportunities. We are fully dedicated to every student involved in Kismet. We are a valuable resource to the students in their journey at home, school, and within their community. By expanding partner connections in each community we can introduce resources for our students through collaboration with other organizations.

We continue to expand our outreach efforts, to increase diversity in our donor base and incremental growth in our annual income. With this we have secured a full staff and will be increasing our summer programs to eight weeks and provide a more robust off-season program.