You come to college to learn, but who knew you were going to be given an opportunity to learn how to rock climb for free. Cabrini students were picked up at the Dixon center and taken to Philadelphia Rock Gym (PRG) in Oaks, Pa. on Sept. 21 Wednesday evening. This is one of Cabrini College’s many activities offered to reach out to students and faculty.
During this program, several people were in attendance and not just the Cabrini community. Parents, dates and kids were all having a good time at PRG. For beginners, trainers guided participants through their struggle. Climbers start off on the smaller wall then work their way up to the big one nearly three times the size.
The first Philadelphia Rock Gym was founded in 1994. It was built by two college friends by the names of Matt and Greg. They had a vision to bring their passion and enthusiasm for climbing back to their hometown and to make a living doing what they loved.
PRG was one of the first indoor climbing facilities in the United States. Their 7000+ square foot facility includes 1500 square feet of bouldering, over 30 top-ropes, 2000 square feet of leadable surface, indoor team-building elements, private room rentals, pro shop…everything you need for an amazing climbing experience. They have a variety of passes from daily, monthly to yearly. They also have memberships that are only $50 a month.
Students showed mixed reactions about this event. “I was terrified to even look at the giant wall; it was huge,” Alyssa Cafaro, sophomore criminology major, said. “I went in thinking me and my girls were going to have fun, but we were so nervous! It’s a lot higher then you think!”
“This wall just reminded me how scared of heights I am. I don’t know what I was thinking coming into this,” Jennifer Ciambriello, sophomore psychology major, said.
On the other hand, there were kids and students who were having plenty fun. “I love coming here, it’s a great workout.” Jake McKenna, junior criminology major, said. ” It is fun and a whole lot better than going to the gym,” “Me and my friends decided to take a night off from the gym and try something different. This was definitely a good experience and good time.”
People say how boring Cabrini is; but instead of sitting in your dorm room bored on a Wednesday night, why not go to Dixon and sign up for some fun-filled activities that you can do with your friends. You can even make some new friends in the process. Transportation is provided from the Dixon Center for students who wish to join these activities.
“I had a great time,” Dolan Ott, junior elementary education major, said. “It’s a good experience and all Cabrini students should come out and try it. It is better than just sitting around on campus. My arms are a little tired though I feel like I just came from the gym.”
