Blog

So Much To Do

• March 2011
• Hi Steph Simple Living Climb

Hi Steph,
First of all I absolutely love High Infatuation. You are amazing! I love the wilderness, and it was great to find out that other people out there feel the way I do about it.
I was wondering if you had any advice for me about sports. I’m 15, and I’ve been kickboxing for about 4 and a half years. I also run cross-country and track, take violin lessons and play in a youth symphony. All these activities have really impacted the time my parents have for other things they want to do, since they have to drive me to all my track meets and lessons. I’m trying to decide what activities I want to keep and which I’ll give up. Kickboxing is really fun, but it’s twice a week and takes up a lot of time. I also really want to try climbing, but I don’t think switching from kickboxing to climbing will help with the schedule problem. I definitely don’t want to give up skiing on the weekends. Do you have any advice?
I also really want to go to a Outward Bound climbing camp this summer, but it’s about $3000. Do you know if there are any companies or organizations that could give me a grant? I don’t think I could get that much from any kind of fundraiser, and I’m not good at fundraisers anyway.
Any advice is greatly appreciated! I think you are a great role model for any girl who loves the outdoors, and even the ones who don’t.
Eagerly awaiting your reply,
Kristin

Dear Kristin,
Thanks for writing to me!
It sounds like you have a lot on your plate, and it’s good of you to think about the time it takes your parents to drive for your activities. I think that if you have the opportunity, it’s great to try as many things as possible. At the same time, there is a limit to the hours in a day, and it sounds like you have a pretty wide range of interests. Do you feel really passionate about all the things you do? That’s usually my guide, when deciding how to juggle everything I want to do.

Going to a climbing camp would be a really good way to experience some climbing (and save your parents from having to drive!). I checked with my friend Brady Robinson, because he used to work for Outward Bound, and he sent me this link for Outward Bound scholarships. He also said that if you need any help with it, he would be happy to talk with you or email, so let me know if you’d like to get in touch with him.
🙂 Steph