Rock Climbing Trolls: Photogallery

With the addition of a new bouldering wall in the DeVos Athletics and Recreation Center, students have begun to explore their personal rock climbing skills. The student-initiated club Rock Climbing Trolls, created this past February, provides an outlet for students to do just that.

The club was started by a team of students after taking the Interim course “Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing.” One of those students, KwonNeung Kim ’17 of Seoul, South Korea, took the initiative to create a group for beginner and elite climbers to learn climbing and sharpen their skills on the course. According to the mission statement, the club seeks to “encourage the confidence and possibility that God bestowed to individuals.”

“The club is for everyone,” said Director of Student Programs Troy Schemper. “One of the main goals is to build a strong climbing community on campus, so climbers of all skill levels are invited. The leadership team works to be hospitable to everyone who attends and helps to introduce the sport in a non-intimidating manner to folks who are just starting out.” 

Through Rock Climbing Trolls, students have developed their own personal climbing skills while forming relationships with one another. “I learned that there is a lot more that goes into rock climbing than just having super strong arms and hands,” said Chris Kuyvenhoven ’17 of Orland Park, Illinois.

Sara Sharik ’15 of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said, “My favorite part is the encouragement and fun that comes from having a group to climb with. Routes can be challenging at times, but you are more prone to challenge yourself and go further than you would alone when you’re with others who believe in you.”

Currently, the Rock Climbing Trolls meet twice a week in the DeVos Center to train on the fitness area’s bouldering wall. The club also plans outings to Climb On in Homewood, Illinois, once or twice a month. Kim is also hoping to put together special events for the club, such as overnight lock-ins.

“It is a fun and social way to get some exercise that not only engages your muscles but also your problem solving skills,” said Elizabeth Schutte ’17 of Grandville, Michigan.