Online Auction to Benefit Kismet, Ends Tomorrow


Chris McNamara and Supertopo.com have initiated twice annual online auctions to benefit various climbing-related nonprofit organizations. Yesterday Chris added Kismet to the list of nonprofit beneficiaries!
To view the current item listings, all of which close on ebay tomorrow: http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/chrismcn7
Remember, 100% of the auction purchases will be donated to climbing related nonprofits, including Kismet, so bid away!
To see the thread on Supertopo.com with more information on this project: http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=615688
Other members of Supertopo, and now, members of the Kismet community, are encouraged to submit items for the auction project as well. Thank you, Chris, for getting us involved!

Kismet is also a member of Ebay Giving Works, so if you are interested in starting your own fundraising auction for Kismet, you can do it directly through them. Please let us know if you post anything, so that we can feature it here in the news section as well!
http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=9995

Week One ’08 Program Pics


Back Row: Alvin, Mike, Hassan, Steve, Rob
Middle: Keturah, Levante, Christopher, Amber
Front: Malika

Week One of the program season is reserved for first year students. It was attended by seven middle schoolers (all pictured above) from Boston, Manchester and Bartlett. They were an unusually cohesive group for having just met each other, so despite the unfavorable conditions throughout a lot of the week, an enjoyable time was had by all! The following images are from Friday and Saturday, our two sunny days. Special thanks to Week One volunteers and Matt Braun of Matty B’s pizza for a special night out for the students.


Hassan on Turner’s Flake, Cathedral Ledge

Chris, Hassan, Alvin

Chris on Square Ledge

Anchor clinic with Mike

Summer Newsletter

Learn what’s new in our summer newsletter: Kismet Summer 08 Newsletter

Would you like us to mail you a paper copy of it? Join the mailing list here.

PRESS RELEASE: Kismet Rock Foundation Program Season Now Underway

New This Year: Graduated Student Leader Program, Wilderness Medicine Curriculum

July 22, 2008, North Conway, New Hampshire – Kismet Rock Foundation’s ninth season is now underway. The program welcomes sixteen new students and twenty-four returning students from Boston MA and Manchester and Bartlett NH for its unique rock climbing-focused educational programs.

This season marks several ‘firsts’ for Kismet.

Alexandria Farrell, 17, a graduated Kismet student, joins Kismet as a staff member this summer. “Many of our graduated students have been anxiously waiting for the opportunity to return and share all that they learned during their years with us,” says Ted Wroblewski, Board President. “Alexandria was here with us every summer during our first five years of existence, so it is fitting that she helps initiate our leadership program”.

A first aid component is in the Kismet curriculum this year for the first time as well. “SOLO is proud to partner with Kismet to bring Wilderness Medicine education to the program,” says Nickie Sekera, SOLO’s Assistant Director. “SOLO will be providing volunteer, veteran instructors to teach universal first aid skills as well as specialized wilderness and leadership techniques. By becoming proficient in Wilderness First Aid, Kismet participants will be better able to take responsibility for themselves and others, whether on the granite cliffs of New Hampshire or on their home streets.”

The exciting program developments come on the heels of yet more good news: the Board voted this spring for an organizational expansion process in the coming two years, which will result in doubling the number of students served by 2010. “We have hired a consultant, attained seed funding and are excited to get underway with this project,” says Wroblewski.

Kismet wishes to thank the community of donors and volunteers who have generously donated resources that make these new initiatives possible.

Program updates are being posted on the Kismet news blog throughout the program season, which concludes August 23: http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/

Kismet Rock Foundation enhances the physical, intellectual and emotional development of well-functioning but economically disadvantaged children by providing access to the immense value of a comprehensive and multi-dimensional education in technical rock climbing. To observe a program day, learn more about the plans for expansion, make a donation or to get involved as a volunteer, please email Mike Jewll, call 603.356.7738 or visit us online at www.kismetrockfoundation.org.

Word version of this press release

Calling All Volunteers!

We are now scheduling program volunteers for the 2008 summer season, which begins July 20. Climbing experience is required to volunteer during climbing days. If you are not a climber but would like to be involved, we also can use assistance in organizing rainy day activities and hosting dinners for students.
Please contact us to be involved!