Ivy Street School Students Climb to the Top at FitRec

The hum of treadmills, the methodic thump of feet on the upstairs track, and deep inhales before deadlifts. This is a soundtrack unique to FitRec. But this past spring, something else was audible: cheers, clapping, and the unmistakable buzz of excitement coming from a group at the climbing wall.

This year, FitRec partnered with the Ivy Street School to give their students an opportunity to use our world-class facilities. Students from Ivy Street came to FitRec once a week and were instructed on the climbing wall for an hour. The program began in the fall of 2014 and lasted until the end of the school year. The students looked forward to their time spent with the patient, experienced climbing instructors who cheered them on every step and grip of the way.

About a half mile down the road from FitRec, situated in residential Brookline, is the Ivy Street School. Since 1993, the Ivy Street School has been helping adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder, behavioral health diagnoses, and brain injuries transition into adult life. They are dedicated to giving the students at Ivy Street the necessary skills for independent, adult life. They focus on “social thinking curriculum as well as immersive therapeutic programming.”

The rock wall at FitRec, standing at 30 feet, is daunting to most. Climbing is a full body exercise, challenging every muscle. But it also is a mental challenge. Willing your body to make a move even though you are unsure is the most difficult part of climbing. Climbing is an exercise that forces one to build confidence and trust in themselves. Sean Kurnas, director of climbing at FitRec, says that this partnership was special because the benefits of climbing—while extensive—are something that not everyone has the opportunity to experience. “Climbing gives people the chance to have a goal, work hard to achieve it, sometimes fail, but to keep working to attain it. It’s a great metaphor for life, really.”

Ivy Street physical therapist, Jen Stumpf, commented, “The rock climbing experience at BU FitRec encouraged our students to challenge themselves both physically and mentally, to face their fears, and to build trust with others, all while having a whole lot of fun. We saw tremendous progress with regards to their motor planning, balance, body awareness, and overall confidence. The staff at FitRec were wonderful to our students, cheering them on every step of the way!”

At the Ivy Street School graduation in June, Ivy Street presented the Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center with an award recognizing the partnership that was very special to both the students of the Ivy Street School and the team at FitRec. Executive Director of the Boston University Department of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Tim Moore, said, “It’s an honor to work with community partners such as Ivy Street School. Not only have their students benefited from this program, our staff and students have been impacted in a positive way as well.”

Learn more about Ivy Street School