Catching Up With CAT: United in Devil’s Lake
I’m perched on a rock ledge, like the eagles that soar through this area, trying to capture the perfect picture of Marcus* on the crag. Above me stretches the clear blue sky of this unseasonably warm October day. Below, laughter floats up from the base of the cliff, as a diverse group of climbers cheer each other on - bonding, learning, and pushing their limits.
They have come here for the first annual United in Devil’s Lake, an outdoor climbing festival created by a coalition of affinity groups (Queers on the Rocks, Chicago Climbs, Chicago Adventure Therapy, Asian Climbing Collective, Outdoor Color Crew, Sending in Color, Escala, Adaptive Climbing Group, and BIPOC Beta).
As one of the organizers, I am thrilled we are finally here. Twenty-three meetings, months of planning, countless hours of grant writing and fundraising made this a reality. The goal was to create an inclusive, welcoming, and educational event for climbers from marginalized communities. We have 67 climbers and 20+ volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds, genders, races, ages, and abilities in attendance. This is not your typical climbing festival.
I’m hanging above just one of the many climbing clinics happening today. All around Devil’s Lake State Park, attendees are scattered across the cliffs - learning new techniques, trying bouldering problems, placing their first piece of trad gear, and even participating in an adaptive climbing clinic.
There are many barriers that keep people from under-represented communities from becoming climbers: cost, transportation, time, lack of representation, prejudice, and not having access to skilled teachers or a supportive network. That is why this festival matters. By creating a low-cost event (with over half of the attendees receiving full scholarships) in an inclusive and welcoming space, we’re helping these climbers take that next step in their journey, together.
To my left, Marcus* is tied into a 5.6 climb that is way more challenging than it looks. It is his first time climbing outside and he is afraid of heights. But this is his third or fourth attempt and each time he pushes a bit higher. Marcus is a young person from Lawrence Hall, one of our partner agencies that promotes healing, stability, and connection for young people in DCFS (foster care). He is incredibly goofy, with a smile that could light up any room. He can’t quite remember my name, but I don’t mind. He loves it here. “I’m just so happy. I feel so free!” he says. Hanging on the wall, he is just that, free.
To my right is Val*. She is here with her son, who is neurodiverse. They are regulars in our CAT Climbing Community. Today, Val is belaying, something she is steadily building confidence in. Watching her focus, hands on the rope, I can see how much this moment means. Practicing outside like this is more than just a skill-building exercise; it’s a step toward her gym certification, which will allow her to belay her son whenever he climbs. He loves being on the wall, and she’s learning to support him in a new way. It’s empowering moments like this that remind me why these spaces matter so much.
To my far right is Tommy* from BIPOC Beta, a group dedicated to access, education, and leadership for climbers of color. He has traveled from the Twin Cities to be a part of this festival. Tommy is being belayed by Clay*, one of the Lawrence Hall youth. Clay weighs a quarter of what Tommy does, and has to be anchored to a rock to keep from being lifted off the ground while Tommy climbs. The bond these two form over the weekend makes no sense. They have almost nothing in common and are separated by at least 10 years in age, yet by the end they become brothers, bonding over climbing and a game of shadow boxing. For Clay, receiving encouragement and validation from an older brother figure is transformative – it bolsters his confidence and self-worth. Clay asks if Tommy can come back to Chicago with them.
Putting this weekend together was a lot of work. It was hard to be an organizer of the event and manage the group of 16 that we brought. But it was more than worth it. Everyone deserves the opportunity to do the things they love, to experience the healing power of nature, and to be surrounded by a community that truly understands and cares for them. That is what we have this weekend, and I know the impact will last far beyond these three days.
I can’t wait until next year.
-Laura
Huge thanks to all of our supporters and sponsors! American Alpine Club - Chicago Chapter, Climbing For Change, Patagonia,
Wisconsin Climbers Association, The Nature Conservancy Thrive Outside Chicago