Before most students had even rolled out of bed Saturday morning, more than 20 members of Point Loma Nazarene University’s climbing club, Jesus Rocks, were covered in chalk and scaling boulders 24 miles from campus. Their annual “Breakfast and Boulders” event on Oct. 4 combined an early morning climb in Santee, Calif., and a pancake breakfast prepared by the club’s leaders.
“Breakfast and Boulders,” which originated two years ago, was started by former club leader and PLNU alumna Kyle Cassani. Now, the club is run by Cruz Barron, a third-year psychology major.
Barron took over at the start of this semester and said he is proud of the community that has developed since the club’s first event at Vertical Hold, a local rock climbing gym, last month.
“Just seeing them connect with each other and get each other’s numbers … made me super proud because we were able to provide a space for people to get to know each other and build community,” Barron said.
Lea Davies-Kang, a third-year social work major and club co-coordinator, felt similarly about the club’s recent successes.
“When we did our first Vertical Hold event this year, a lot more people showed up than we thought — like 40 people, I think,” Davies-Kang said. “Everywhere in Vertical Hold was just all Loma people on that Sunday night, and it was so exciting because it felt like all of our meetings had paid off and everyone was so happy.”
Being an outdoor club, leaders of Jesus Rocks can arrange weekend trips and events that last longer than a typical club gathering, allowing relationships among members and leaders to grow.
“[This] allows us to not only get to know the people in [the club] but also delve into deeper conversations and build a community of faith and fellowship, so that’s been really cool,” Barron said.
Robbie Mandagie, a third-year biology-chemistry major and commuter student, said that he didn’t have many friends during his first year, but joining the club helped him develop both his friendships and climbing skills.
“It’s very satisfying being able to do something that maybe you thought you wouldn’t be able to do,” Mandagie said. “You’re all doing stuff you enjoy, having a great time and growing closer in faith and community.”
Micah Unoki, a third-year psychology major and club attendee, said that his first time climbing outdoors was with the Jesus Rocks club at Joshua Tree National Park last year.
“Some people might be intimidated by [climbing outdoors], but I think that’s what makes climbing so fun — is the people,” Unoki said. “I’ve met a lot of friends that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”
While the climbing club has gradually grown in membership over the past few years, it has increased notably this semester, Barron said. With this, club leadership can fund bigger and longer trips off campus.
“One thing we’re hoping to do this year is take students out to Joshua Tree and Red Rocks in Nevada for a few nights to rock climb,” Barron said. “Bigger events [and] longer periods of time just for people to get to know each other.”
Every Thursday, club leaders gather to pray over their members and future events. Centering gatherings around God and community is one of the club’s goals, Barron said.
“We love to pray just over our future trips and our leadership abilities, and we ultimately just ask that our club reflects the glory of God and that through our club, people can come to know God,” Barron said. “We love to pray before we climb as well.”
Davies-Kang said that helping students who are beginner climbers has been a rewarding process for her as she encourages them to push themselves even when they feel like giving up.
“I feel like that’s part of the reason I like being in leadership on the team,” she said. “It’s kind of more fun to watch someone try really hard and maybe be discouraged, but then keep encouraging them to the point where they get it.”
Ava Theaker, a second-year nursing major, said that the club leaders try to make everyone feel welcome. She encourages students who are hesitant to try out the club.
“Just do it,” Theaker said. “Especially the club leaders are going to be amazing. They’re going to be welcoming … It’s literally so fun.”
Unoki gives similar encouragement to students at PLNU.
“Try out a hobby that isn’t just healthy for you, but I think it’s a great outlet for yourself,” he said. “Rock climbing is a great way that I can spend time alone and rejuvenate and rest, even though it’s a physical activity. It’s very relaxing for me.”
To ensure everyone feels included, club leaders select climbing locations with routes suitable for all skill levels, allowing beginners to climb comfortably and confidently.
“What I want is … more accessibility for these outdoor sports because they can be hard to get into,” Davies-Kang said.
As the year progresses, Jesus Rocks will continue to host weekly climbing events on Sunday nights at Vertical Hold.
“That way we give students a chance to come and have a consistent place of community,” Barron said. “We’re really trying to nurture that.”
Sydney Brammer 
Olivia Roberts