Position Summary:

On Belay provides unique adventure-based programs that build trust, confidence, and community among young people who have or have had a family member with cancer.

Since its inception in 2004, the organization has grown from a small, volunteer-run program to a multifaceted organization. On Belay currently runs six program sessions throughout the year at ropes courses and climbing gyms throughout New England.

The major responsibility of the Program Director is to coordinate and manage On Belay programs.  Management of On Belay programs entails working with program locations, program facilitators, and participants, as well as participants’ families.  In addition, the Program Director will work closely with the Executive Director in several areas.

Here are the programs dates we have confirmed so far and few hints at what else is to come for 2012.

Friday, January 20th 5:30pm to 8:30pm at The Indoor Ascent Rock Gym ~ Dover, NH

Sunday, June 10th 9:30am to 4:00pm at YMCA Camp Lincoln ~ Kingston, NH

Sunday, September 23rd 9:30am to 4:00pm at YMCA Camp Lincoln ~ Kingston, NH

More dates coming soon including…a Plymouth, NH program this winter and other regionally based climbing gym programs.

2012 Programs

Last year over 300 people from northern New England joined the organization for this event. Attendees ranged in age from 2 to 80 years old. This group of confectionary architects included On Belay alumni, cancer survivors, University of New Hampshire volunteers, doctors, donors, program facilitators, and other members of the Seacoast community.

For this special afternoon all of these people rolled up their sleeves and put aside whatever other priorities they had or challenges they faced to build Gingerbread houses, and, more importantly, community.

This event was conceived by a group of On Belay program volunteers from the University of New Hampshire in the winter of 2009. The two girls who spearheaded the first event saw it as a way they could provide a little holiday magic for the community and for On Belay.

The buzz from last year’s event was so widespread it attracted local philanthropist and gingerbread house legend Trudy Brown to judge the event. The event also prompted coverage from Foster’s Daily Democrat newspaper:

http://www.wmur.com/chronicle/26046942/detail.html

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010712129881

All of the funds raised from “Caution: Gingerbread Construction” will go directly to provide programming to children in need and the relationships cultivated by this event will ensure the future financial and governance leadership of the organization.

On Belay programs serve over 150 families from 41 towns throughout New England, On Belay creates community for children affected by a parent’s cancer diagnosis, and the Gingerbread event helps expand that community with participants and volunteers from around the Seacoast and beyond.

Special thanks to the following businesses for this support this year:

Newmarket International

The Walmart Foundation

As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, Komen for the Cure, since its inception in 1982, has invested more than $1.9 billion in cancer research and support programs for cancer sufferers, survivors, and their families. The Vermont-New Hampshire Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is similarly dedicated to combating breast cancer at every front. Through events such as the Race for the Cure, Rallies for the Cure, Ride for the Cure, and many other fundraising efforts throughout the year, Komen Vermont-New Hampshire has raised millions of dollars for research and education to fight the spread of, and ultimately find the cure for, breast cancer.  Of the $6.7 million raised since 1993 by the Vermont-New Hampshire Komen Affiliate, 75% has stayed in the two-state region. That means that more than $5 million was devoted to breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in Vermont and New Hampshire; the remaining 25%, more than $1.7 million, helped support Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s national research program.

For more information on the Vermont-New Hampshire Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, visit them here: http://komenvtnh.org/

On Belay is honored to be recognized by such an established and effective organization. We extend our heartfelt thanks.

This is a youth  focused screening to get the under 21 crowd psyched on climbing.

Saturday,  October 15th 2011 – The Maine Rock Gym – 7pm to 10pm

Film and Climbing – $15

Film Only -$10

Want a sneak peak…

Reel Rock 2011 Trailer

On Belay programs provide children who have or have had a parent with cancer access to adventure activities such as rock climbing and high ropes courses. Facilitators use these activities to create a metaphor for participants, teaching them that if they can overcome these challenges, they have the strength and perseverance to overcome anything. Participants are encouraged to connect with other children facing similar challenges, to think creatively, to challenge themselves, to support others, and to ask for help, all while building physical and emotional confidence.

On Belay was created by Durham, NH resident Crescentia Healy-True.  When Healy-True was diagnosed with breast cancer, she immediately recognized the challenges her two daughters, ages 12 and 14, were about to face. After researching support groups and bereavement programs that might provide comfort for the girls while she underwent treatment, she determined none were the right fit for her animated, active, and adventurous daughters. Recognizing this unmet need, Crescentia decided to create an alternative to traditional therapeutic support systems, and On Belay was born.  Since its inception in 2004, On Belay has served 150 families throughout New England.

The Boston Bruins Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation that assists charitable organizations that demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for children throughout New England. The Foundation provides grants to organizations that meet the standards of its mission, concentrating on athletics, academics, health, and community outreach.

This award from the Boston Bruins Foundation, along with the support of the participating indoor rock gyms, will allow 125 children from across New England to participate in On Belay programs, which are always free to all participants.  To register for one of these programs, or for more information about On Belay, visit www.on-belay.org or email questions to info@on-belay.org.

• Boston Bruins signed hockey stick
• American Girl Doll
• Photography package with Michael Penney
• Portsmouth Music Hall tickets
• Surf, tennis and stand up paddle board lessons
• VIP tickets to the NH Film Festival
• Ski NH passes
• Fisher Cat’s Box Seats
• 3 Day Harley Rental
• Jewellery
• A beach cruiser bike
• And much more!

We post the weekly menu by Friday on our website: www.robertsmainegrill.com