ROCK CLIMBING NEWS ITEM

Kismet Rock Foundation Program Season Now Underway

THURSDAY, 24 JULY 2008

North Conway, NH - Kismet Rock Foundation's ninth season is now underway. The program welcomes 16 new students and 24 returning students from Boston, MA and Manchester and Bartlett, NH for its unique rock climbing-focused educational programs.

This season marks several 'firsts' for Kismet:

Alexandria Farrell, 17, a graduated Kismet student, joins the program as a staff member this summer. "Many of our graduated students have been anxiously waiting for the opportunity to return and share all that they learned during their years with us," says Ted Wroblewski, Board President. "Alexandria was here with us every summer during our first five years of existence, so it is fitting that she helps initiate our leadership program."

A first aid component is in the Kismet curriculum this year for the first time as well. "SOLO is proud to partner with Kismet to bring Wilderness Medicine education to the program," says Nickie Sekera, SOLO's Assistant Director. "SOLO will be providing volunteer, veteran instructors to teach universal first aid skills as well as specialized wilderness and leadership techniques. By becoming proficient in Wilderness First Aid, Kismet participants will be better able to take responsibility for themselves and others, whether on the granite cliffs of New Hampshire or on their home streets."

The exciting program developments come on the heels of yet more good news: the Board voted this spring for an organizational expansion process in the coming two years, which will result in doubling the number of students served by 2010. "We have hired a consultant, attained seed funding and are excited to get underway with this project," says Wroblewski.

Kismet wishes to thank the community of donors and volunteers who have generously donated resources that make these new initiatives possible.

Program updates are being posted on the Kismet news blog throughout the program season, which concludes on August 23: www.kismetrockfoundation.org.

Kismet Rock Foundation enhances the physical, intellectual, and emotional development of well-functioning but economically disadvantaged children by providing access to the immense value of a comprehensive and multi-dimensional education in technical rock climbing. To observe a program day, learn more about the plans for expansion, make a donation or to get involved as a volunteer, please email info@kismetrockfoundation.org, call 603.356.7738 or visit them online at www.kismetrockfoundation.org.