Submitted by Bob Kuykendall
The “Climb On!” bands were created by Chelsea student Cade Kuykendall
Cade Kuykendall and his father, Bob, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2017, and the trip inspired the creation of Team Mountain, a nonprofit to help others fund a similar climb and raise money for their own charities of choice along the way.
That trip, including reaching the peak of the tallest mountain in Africa and an emotional visit to a nearby orphanage, challenged then-14-year-old Cade Kuykendall with a new perspective on life and taking care of others.
He came up with the idea of “Climb On!” bands. They bear the Team Mountain icon as well as the “climb on” phrase, which comes from rock climbing and rappelling. The phrase signifies to a climber that the person holding their rappelling rope is watching and ready to catch them if they fall.
The Kuykendalls believe the rest of life should work similarly, and wearing these bracelets signifies that the wearer is ready to help others a bad position, regardless of political affiliation, favorite football team, race, gender or other differences.
“In fact, we may not even be friends, but if you think you may fall, I will help you,” Bob Kuykendall said of the “Climb On!” mentality.
The bands launched with an ‘s initial $300 investment and have now completely sold out or been given away, primarily to students at Chelsea High School. The Kuykendalls said it has been exciting to see these bands on kids at school, at the local gym and random Walmart sightings. Cade Kuykendall has now reinvested some of the money, along with more money of his own, to purchase new bands in school colors.
They are hopeful that this grassroots movement will reach kids all over the Birmingham area and have an impact on student relationships, school environment and bullying.
Submitted by Bob Kuykendall
