High adventure is a core part of life on the Hill. With Hampden-Sydney’s stunning 1330-acre campus and the addition of a ropes course and zip line in recent years, it’s an outdoorsman’s dream. The ropes course offers a unique opportunity to build Hampden-Sydney character through leadership and team-building activities that empower our students—often taking the form of competition. In the 2024-25 academic year, H-SC will participate in a climbing competition with five other institutions, aiming to strengthen relationships among students and other colleges.
The competition was created by Sweet Briar College Director of Outdoor Programs Mikel Pitts, who proposed the idea to outdoor education professionals at Hampden-Sydney, Radford University, and Longwood University this past spring, with the University of Lynchburg and Hollins University joining as late additions. Hampden-Sydney hosted the first icebreaker event in September, welcoming climbers from Radford University and Sweet Briar College to kick off the competition, which will continue through spring 2025.
“The goal is to create spaces where college climbers can both compete and connect with each other,” says Hampden-Sydney Director of High Adventure Scott Schmolesky. “I also believe this competition will strengthen relationships among climbers from various institutions, offering students unique opportunities for both recreational and competitive climbing.”
The competition includes a series of challenges at each participating institution, featuring a variety of climbing routes and difficulty levels, with about six students from each school competing. After the opening event at Hampden-Sydney, the competition moved to the Rise Up Climbing gym in Lynchburg, hosted by Sweet Briar. In November, the University of Lynchburg will host the next event at their bouldering wall, followed by events at Longwood, Radford, and Hollins. At the competition's conclusion, prizes will be awarded to the top three schools, potentially including a trophy, climbing gear, and passes to local climbing gyms.
“I see the challenge course as a sort of gateway into the High Adventure Program,” Schmolesky says. “It’s an excellent way for students to build confidence, push beyond their comfort zones, and bond as a team or group. I also believe the High Adventure Program is an essential part of the Hampden-Sydney experience and should be accessible to all students, regardless of their interests or skill level.”
Andru Lee ’27, a student worker at the icebreaker climbing event, echoed Scott’s sentiments: “Ultimately, I believe the High Adventure Program should be utilized as much as possible here on the Hill—those who have participated gain so much from it. I see so many Hampden-Sydney men building confidence and pushing past their limits on the course, helping them grow.”
In addition to building connections with other institutions, our students are gaining valuable skills and sharpening their abilities to lead, adapt, and grow. Hampden-Sydney's High Adventure Course not only strengthens the College’s reputation for outdoor excellence but also creates a sense of camaraderie, resilience, and leadership that will serve our students well on and off the Hill.