European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - October 14, 1987, Darmstadt, Hesse Wednesday october 14. 1987 the stars and stripes Page 9 Usa eur holds its 30th teen forum challenging mix of fitness culture John Bracewell Hooks Laurie Martin 16, into her rappelling rope. Story and photos by Brenda i1ostkk staff writer Germany the 16 year old Clung to the Side of the 50-foot Cliff like Saran wrap stuck to a salad bowl. Me was petrified and was t afraid to admit it. It s of hollered John Era Cewill youth activities director for Burtonwood England. No it aint Carl Taylor shouted Back. What was t of was his first try at Rappel Ling trusting his life to a Hank of rope As he descended a sheer Rock face. But facing that fear was part of the Agenda for 291 teens Between 15 and 19 years old attending the 30th Usa eur teen forum this past weekend. The annual four Day forum combines activities and discussions on cultural and physical fitness topics geared to the interest of older teen agers said Lee Morrison chief of youth activities at the Usa eur Community and family support Agency. Each local youth activities program has a Delegate to represent them at the forum he said. These delegates Are selected based on their involvement in the youth activities pro Grams and in their the teens Are typically leaders among their Peers Morrison said. Every Day since Friday two groups of 40 teen agers each were bused to a Gorge near Ramsay just above to get firsthand experience at Rock climbing and rap pulling. There s a lot of courage in these kids and this activity is supposed to give them a Chal Lenge that will build Confidence in themselves their equipment and the person at the other end of the said Vern Tharp youth activities director for the Bamberg Community. The first time you put your Little rear end Over that Cliff you find it s an experience that s not easily Tharp said the Rock climbing and rappelling experience accomplished what in was designed to do. These kids have responded Well to this part of the he said. Some of the girls especially. They be never done this before and at first arc very hesitant but now we can t get them of the Jill Lickson. 17, from Rhein Harg. Agreed. It s not so bad once you gel going but it s that first step Over the Cliff that gets it s challenging said Carrie Mills. 16. From Vlahn. You Don t get to do this sort of thing every while some of the teens were dangling from ropes others were trying their hand at scaling the Side of a Cliff. They re very enthusiastic and it s Good to Sec that some of these kids can experience things that others living in the big cities Don t get the Opportunity to do climbing instructor Toni Alf said. Other activities included a trip to Adolf hit Ler s hideaway the Eagle s nest and a scavenger Hunt and visit to nearby Salt mines. The most attractive activities appeared to be the rappelling and Rock climbing and the walk in the Morrison said. We also had a teen discussion which was interesting and showed the kids that we Are interested in what they think and what they have to Ellis Elliott. 19. From Parma sons was glad for the Chance to attend this year s forum. You get to meet a lot of people Here teens from All Over Europe he said. It s a Good experience one everyone should Jim Sutherland 16 left gels firsthand experience at Rock climbing. At right is a fish Eye lens1 View of the Gorge where the Leen Agniv outdoor activities took place
