Instructors Phil Coffin and Mike Lincoln teach students techniques of using ropes when climbing the wall in the Avonworth Middle School gymnasium. Photo by Tom Steiner for The Citizen

Walls have often been the objects of symbolic significance.

In his poem, "Mending Wall," Robert Frost wrote, "…something there is about a wall that wants it down…"

Then there's Pink Floyd's wall and President Reagan's end-of-the-Cold War-cry, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall."

And so on.

But to move to a local wall, one with no literary or historical significance. However, it's not just any wall. The "rock" projections Avonworth middle schoolers will use to climb from floor to ceiling in their gym will provide stepping stones not only to building physical fitness, but also to developing "…confidence courage, and perseverance," according to computer teacher Mike Lincoln, who, with physical education instructor Phil Coffin, co-wrote the application for the Highmark Super Challenge that provided the $26,000 for construction of the wall.

Built by Redpoint Adventures of Mercer, PA, the recently completed structure covers approximately 700 square feet, took two weeks to install, and reaches a height of 28 feet. A wood-based form is covered with a texture from which simulated "rocks" project to provide footing for climbers who are equipped with safety ropes and harnesses.

Coffin said, "The addition of a climbing wall to our curriculum will help build life-long wellness by developing characteristics such as problem solving, goal setting, courage, positive risk taking, perseverance, willpower, patience and confidence."

Agreeing with Coffin, seventh grader Natalie Simmons said, "The climbing wall can impact our health in many ways. It helps us get exercise and it is fun to climb. When climbing the wall, you are not only getting a great amount of exercise that is fun but you are also able to try and reach a goal that you set for yourself."

Alex Kirsch, also in grade seven, sees the wall as helping students to build a sense of individual achievement. "Students are used to more competitive sports such as basketball or soccer. These are all enjoyable sports, although they may not appeal to everyone. Using the climbing wall is a unique way to stay healthy and fit."

Returning to the poetry of walls.

Lincoln said, "Climbing, in essence, is the ultimate metaphor about life. Through incremental risk-taking via the various wall problems, we learn to ask for help and develop trust. We accept challenge by choice, break through mental, physical and emotional barriers, and rely on personal powers to meet challenges. The educational tools that instructors employ impact how a student is influenced. Climbing influences students on a wide range of levels."