Kismet Rock Foundation

Kismet Rock Foundation nourishes the physical, intellectual, and emotional development of rural and urban children throughout New England as they enter their formative teen years. Our success in redirecting the path and supporting the potential of children is accomplished by providing 4 year scholarships for a comprehensive education in technical rock climbing within the context of a stable and loving family-like atmosphere.

Starting in the 7th grade, diverse groups of 8-9 students spend one week together each summer in North Conway, NH, learning to climb at some of New England's most classic crags and living together at the Kismet house. Students do not have to be gifted climbers or athletes, nor are there any expectations besides positive contribution to the group. Student groups remain consistent through the four years of programming to allow for deep and meaningful relationships to develop and maintain an environment where students can feel seen, heard, and validated. Full value contracts are created within each group, each week, in order for students to gain a better understanding of each other and create an emotionally healthy and communicative environment. Off-season programming via indoor climbing gyms and “virtual hangouts” allow for personal connections and technical climbing knowledge to take root and grow. 100% of Kismet’s students are funded by the program. Our students do not pay for anything involved with their experience. Kismet was established in the year 2000 and since then has worked to refine this process and program in order to offer the greatest benefit to its students as possible. Kismet Rock Foundation is, on the surface, a school that teaches a thorough and progressive curriculum in technical rock climbing to low income and underserved students. However, this curriculum is truly a platform upon which all aspects of a students’ potential can be explored and developed. Kismet offers a support system and nurturing environment in which students can feel free to express themselves. “Family Circle” each night allows students a space to reflect upon their experiences and emotions from the day. Our end of week feedback process encourages students to be critical and introspective about their time in the program. Daily home cooked family dinners and activities such as lake swimming, star gazing, campfires, sponsored thrift shopping, hosted barbecues, and more create an even deeper sense of family fun and shared experience.