“Whiteout” is another easy route, although it is a bit more challenging than “That’s a Mosquito.” Intermediate levels include “Blue” and “Yellow.” Don’t be fooled; “Blue” is the one with yellow tape and “Yellow” has the blue tape. The highest level at the moment is a 550 route called “Take It Slow Girl.” In the past, there have been routes that have gone all the way up to level 700. There are also ways to get creative with routedeveloping. Rather than using varying sizes of boulders, it is possible to create an entire route using only “crinks,” the smallest climbing hold size. This makes for a route that requires climber accuracy and precision. There is also a slingshot route, which means that once the climber reaches the destination, the second challenge is making his or her way back down the wall to the beginning. This route is level 150 and called “Hannah’s Got It Handled.” Despite the variety in rigor and style of numerous routes, it’s okay if there’s not one tailored to your specific climbing style. The Loft Team hopes to modify the wall on a regular basis by adding new routes, which can be created by adding new climbing holds, discovering a route with previously installed holds, or a combination of the two. Loft Team Student Leader Benton Mitchell says the wall offers students more than just climbing. “What I like most is the community that comes around the wall; there are people climbing, working, hanging out, and socializing. It is just an accepting area to de-stress from school and hang out.” In front of the wall and underneath a sign with the word “Chillax” in block letters is a comfortable area where students can recline on the sofa, socialize, and unwind from a busy day of classes. This aspect of the climbing wall is one reason students enjoy coming. Whether they’re adventure education students with extensive training in climbing, or students testing the boulders for the first time, all students can enjoy the positive social side of the experience. “The rock climbing wall is the most fun I have socializing on campus,” says Loft Team Leader Jake Sargent, who enjoys coming to the wall whether he’s in the mood for climbing or not. CLIMBING WALL << <<< HOURS: <<<< <<<< <<< Monday: 4:15-6:15 p.m. Tuesday: 8-10 p.m. Wednesday: 8-10 p.m. Thursday: 4:15-6:15 p.m. <<< <<<<<<< <<<<<<<< Currently, the easiest route is titled “That’s a Mosquito,” which is a level 15 route. This is also one of the newest routes, created at the beginning of the fall 2015 semester by First-year student Sabrina Bogdan. She had never rock-climbed as a hobby before coming to Messiah, but began coming to the wall during climbing hours as a recreational outlet to relieve stress at the end of a long day. While rock climbing is just one activity sponsored by The Loft, it is a favorite among the team and students. One of the driving forces behind its success is the passion behind it. The Loft Director Wendell Witter is an avid climber, and is a certified Single Pitch Climbing Instructor of the Professional Climbing Instructors Association. He says, “The setting is a great place to meet members of The Loft Team and learn more about how The Loft serves the campus and how to get involved in other Loft activities. In addition, it provides another setting to pursue health and wellness by using the bodies that God has given us.” The Loft wall is open to students, faculty, and relatives. Climbing shoes are provided. If you are interested in trying out some of these routes, or making one of your own, head on over to The Loft during open climbing hours. Students climb the Loft wall during open hours. SBM 2 3