Community Service: Volunteers Help Local Children With Disabilities Reach Their ‘Peak’

Photo: Frank Wojciechowski

Every Friday, about 15 Princeton student volunteers help children with disabilities scale new heights — literally.

About four children sign up each semester to climb the 32-foot Outdoor Action Climbing Wall in Princeton Stadium, where the students — volunteers with the nonprofit Peak Potential Princeton — support them on the climb in any way they need, offering encouraging words and physical assistance. When a child reaches the top, the room erupts in cheers — or sometimes silent “spirit fingers,” for children who are sensitive to noise. Among the climbers is 6-year-old Luis Delrio, pictured here with Nathaniel Hickok ’20. 

“Organized sports are not always the most accessible thing for children with disabilities,” said Pauline Schnelzer ’21, student coordinator for the club. “So, true to Princeton style and climbing style is being accepting of everyone and being warm to everyone.”