Kismet Rock Foundation

GRIT, EMPATHY, AND LOVE

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

HISTORY: Founder, Mike Jewell, had been a climbing instructor for decades and, knew that rock climbing was inaccessible to underrepresented, under-resourced youth. In 1999 he worked with a friend to arrange for a group of children from New Jersey to come up to North Conway for a week of rock climbing instruction. With little funding, but with much effort on the part of a few kind and generous individuals, the pilot project was a success. It received accolades, leading community members to approach Mike about taking his vision further. As a result, Kismet Rock Foundation was established in 2000 as a 501(c)(3). Mike continues to guide Kismet, serving as an advisor, mentor, and ambassador. 

WHO WE SERVE: The youth we serve represent a diverse population, with various ethnic backgrounds and gender identities. They are aged 13 to 17 and come from Fryeburg and Portland, ME, areas around Boston, MA, and in Bartlett, Berlin, Conway, Gorham, and Manchester, NH. 

Kismet students are selected through a refined process. The staff works with counselors and educators from middle schools to ensure that we are meeting appropriate student candidates who have a lack of opportunity but are eager for experience. They learn about the Kismet program through an in-person presentation and then opt for an interview, where we determine which students might benefit most from the program.   

THE PROGRAM: Kismet provides a four-year progressive outdoor climbing education program. Student groups of 8-9 youth spend one week each summer learning technical climbing skills while immersed in a supportive family-like environment. The program is 100% free to the student providing mentor-guided housing, transportation, nutritious meals, climbing equipment, and daily rock-climbing instruction from professional guides. Through rock climbing, young people have the space to practice teamwork, decision-making, kinesthetic awareness, and to develop a sense of respect for the natural environment

In addition to summer programming, Kismet staff maintain connections with students during the school year by organizing single-day rock climbing outings in their communities. This helps draw attention to climbing opportunities in these communities, as well as facilitates connections between Kismet students. We are dedicated to each student and work with other partner organizations in the students’ communities to advocate for their participation in areas of interest and to encourage the students to expand their involvement.

A FAMILY-LIKE ATMOSPHERE: Students are equal participants in the Kismet house, collectively determining a meal plan for the week, collaborating on evening activities, house chores, making daily lunches, and gathering for family-style breakfast and dinners. At the beginning of their stay, students create a “full-value” contract. It is a promise of respect for others and themselves. This sets the stage for students to feel safe in developing a voice and relating to others, and is a platform to develop enriching, lasting friendships. At Kismet, youth are seen, heard, and honored.