Our 5th Climb for Courage (CFC) weekend of the year took us back to San Diego for the joyful finale of our 2024 programs. This year, we hosted more CFC programs than ever, illustrating our commitment to expanding our impact in our service markets. Our friends at Vertical Hold graciously welcomed us back with open arms for more fun, friendship, climbing, and bond-building.
This program brought together a wonderful group of 12 Little Warriors, 15 Navy SEAL mentors, and 4 Team Leaders who quickly began getting to know each other and working together to create some incredible team names. Our teams were the Pizza Samurai's, The Dance Group, Climbers 5000, and the Purple White Blue Galactacos this time!
Once the teams had decided on their names, each Little Warrior spent some time with their mentor brainstorming to create their goals for the day ahead. Some of the goals set included:
- "Climb up halfway!"
- "Conquer using the small holds."
- "Get to the top of the tallest wall."
- "Become friends with [my mentor] and make it to the top!"
After goal setting, everyone eagerly began spreading out across the gym, hitting the rock walls, laughing, and enjoying the activity stations. Our incredible activities allowed the Little Warriors to have bonding breaks with their mentors, which were made possible by some wonderful community partners. Our friends from Kendra Scott's Kendra Cares team helped our participants flex their creative muscles by designing custom jewelry pieces. Always a hit, our LEGO building station saw a lot of action as mentors and Little Warriors worked together to build block creations. Our friends and San Diego area Pass the Bricks ambassadors, Kristine and Mateo generously put together and donated these LEGO kits.
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By the end of the fun-filled day, most of the goals that had been set earlier were met and, in fact, one Little Warrior's goal was not only met, but "destroyed!" Although tired, all the kids and mentors were happy, satisfied, and excited when it came time for the final pinning ceremony. With parents and caregivers looking on, each participant received the meaningful Trident pin, a symbol near and dear to the hearts of all Navy SEALs.
Before each Climb for Courage program, we ask the Little Warriors to tell us what they think a Navy SEAL is. In answer to that question, here are some of the responses we got from this San Diego program’s participants:
- “A helper. A good person.”
- “A savior.”
- “They have to be the best.”
And to us and our patients and families, throughout the day they proved to be all of those things and more.
The feedback we receive from families, mentors, and volunteers immediately following the climb illustrates our mission's impact. The testimonials below fortify our commitment to improving outcomes for our resilient Little Warriors with year-round support and dedication to serving the San Diego area.
Testimonials
[I was] nervous but [now I'm] confident
– Little Warrior
[My favorite moment] was beating my mentor in a climbing race!
– Little Warrior
It's very humbling when you feel like a resilient "tough guy" for being a Navy SEAL, and then you realize how much of a warrior the kids are for enduring what they are and having a positive attitude despite the circumstances.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
Before I felt nervous and a little scared but after tackling the high wall, I felt much more confident and ready for more!
– Little Warrior
I think it's great what you guys are doing. [My child's most memorable moment was] the whole thing!
– Parent
It was fun seeing them just get to be kids and have a sibling rivalry, despite all their family is going through.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
[Now I feel] good, stronger, excited!
– Little Warrior
All of the moments were memorable, but what truly was incredible was when my mentee did not want to leave without giving me a hug goodbye. To know she had a great experience was so rewarding.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
[Climb for Courage is] just an absolutely great opportunity to have an impact. The [One Summit] team used the word "family" a few times. That is absolutely what it is, and the family continues to grow, from mentees to mentors, from active duty to veterans, it is a special program to be a part of.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
[My favorite moment] was getting to the top of a wall I thought I couldn't make it up.
– Little Warrior
Volunteering like this adds a new layer of meaning to our profession.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
[I feel] stronger, proud, accomplished!
– Little Warrior
It was a very fulfilling experience with a well-run organization. A great opportunity to do something outside of yourself.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
As a SEAL, everyone thanks you for your "service," but there is no better service than to give your time to help those in need.
– Navy SEAL Mentor
[I was] amazed by the experience!
– Little Warrior
We returned to the gym on Sunday morning to host our alum program, Climb Higher. At Climb Higher (CH), we invite past Climb for Courage participants back to participate in some rock-climbing action with our Navy SEAL mentors. Our Climb Higher program in San Diego has continued to grow at an astonishing rate—this time, we welcomed back a whopping 27 Little Warriors, making it one of our most well-attended CH programs ever! Our 11 returning mentors helped belay and ensure all had fun and reached their goals. We even celebrated two Little Warriors who attended Climb Higher on their birthday and wanted nothing but to celebrate by climbing with One Summit. We are honored to have been their chosen birthday activity!
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We owe tremendous gratitude to our sponsors and partners, whose critical contributions continue to make our San Diego programs as memorable as they are. As always, our Climb for Courage and Climb Higher programs would not be possible without the support of AXOS Bank and Golf Fights Cancer. AXOS Bank's unwavering support allows One Summit to continue our programs in San Diego, providing resilience building to many little warriors and Navy SEAL mentors in the local region. The steadfast support of Golf Fights Cancer spreads awareness for our mission, while providing crucial funds for all our programs across the country.
We extend a very special thank you to Melissa and Rebeka from Kendra Scott and their Kendra Cares program for providing a creative outlet for our warriors and mentors at yet another Climb for Courage. We are thankful for their continued partnership and dedication to supporting our mission. The joy they bring to these weekends is invaluable. Again, we thank Kristine and Mateo from Pass the Bricks San Diego for their time and effort in creating fun and exciting LEGO kits for our participants. They go above and beyond for One Summit, and their passion for sharing LEGO creations with their community is inspiring.
Our ability to serve the San Diego area would not have been possible without the supportive and incredible team at Vertical Hold. Your unwavering support of One Summit and our programs has allowed us to strengthen and deepen our impact on both families and the Navy SEAL community in southern California. Ben, Justin, Alana, and the entire staff at VH, thank you for the continued gift of your space, your time, and your attention to detail to accommodate our unique needs.
Lastly, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful hospital partners for referring patients and families. We want to thank our friends at Rady Children's Hospital and Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center for this particular Climb for Courage program. We continue to be in awe of your daily dedication to your patients and families and would not be able to fulfill our mission without your collaboration and partnership. Thank you for ensuring our flyers and program information reach these incredible families.
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We are already excited to head back to San Diego in 2025!
Are you interested in participating in an upcoming Climb for Courage? Please apply on our website or email maxwell@onesummit.org for more information!
