Carroll Students in their Bounders Class

On a crisp fall morning, Carroll students and their Bounders instructors gathered for a "belay school" practice lesson in their "outdoor classroom." The 7th grade students were learning how to prepare for an ascent and descent from Carroll's climbing wall. The preparations included assigning teams of students with specific responsibilities including "the belayer", "the backup belayer", "the rope tender", "the anchor" and "the climber". Their instructors reviewed the important commands to signify when the climber is ready to ascend or descend, the ways to move and hold the rope through the belay device, and more. Establishing trust between members of each team is essential. Even though the students did not lift off the ground on this morning, with more practice and review of safety procedures and rules, every child will experience an exciting climb soon.