At the heart of the Southeastern Climbers Coalition lies a mission that resonates deeply with climbers across the region: preserving access to outdoor climbing for present and future generations. This mission is powered by an incredible community of climbers, volunteers, and members who dedicate their time, resources, and energy to ensuring that the crags we cherish remain accessible and sustainable.
To illustrate how membership makes a tangible difference, we sat down with Nick Shook, an SCC member whose journey from casual climber to active advocate exemplifies the transformative power of climber stewardship.
“I’m Nick. I’ve been climbing for about 10 years now. I started climbing because I was really into American Ninja Warrior and figured if rock climbers were doing the best, I should try it out. Now, I’m a fully converted climber!”
Nick began his climbing journey indoors at Stone Summit in Atlanta, where he’s worked for the past seven years, helping foster a vibrant climbing community. While he’s primarily a sport climber, his enthusiasm for bouldering has grown as he’s ventured into outdoor climbing.
“I love sport climbing, but I don’t mind bouldering to round out all the skills. I’ve been a gym climber since the start, but I just began climbing outdoors earlier this year, and it’s been incredible. I figured I would try to learn as much as I can so that I can be a resource for people in and out of the gym. That is part of the reason I got plugged in with the Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC).”
For Nick, the transition from climber to SCC advocate came with a personal turning point. “In 2023, I had a life-changing event that made me look inside myself and change a lot of aspects of my life,” he reflects. “I realized I enjoy helping people and wanted to find ways to give back to my communities. Climbing is such a big part of my life, so I started looking at how I could contribute to this amazing community.”
Nick attended his first Trail Day at Rocktown in June 2023, and the experience lit a spark. “One year and lots of change later, I’m incredibly proud to say I’m an SCC member with 12 Trail Days under my belt and a seat on the SCC’s Education Committee, advocating for climbing areas and the environment.”
While climbing often focuses on personal achievement, SCC membership has given Nick a deeper sense of community.
“I’ve met so many loving, caring, and amazing people,” he says. “We all love climbing, but the SCC brings us together in ways other organizations don’t. How many people do you know who will wake up at ungodly hours, drive hours to a trail, sweat it out cutting and digging, dodge yellow jackets, and pick up trash so others can have easier access to climbing spaces? That shared love is what brings us together as a community. It’s better than any send imaginable.”
Trail Days are a cornerstone of the SCC’s efforts, and they’re one of Nick’s favorite ways to give back. “The amount of people who come out to clean, dig, build, and maintain climbing areas is insane. It takes an army to accomplish what the SCC wants to do, and people really show up. But it doesn’t stop there. Advocacy and stewardship are huge parts of what we do. Small actions, like staying on trails or picking up trash, have a big impact on preserving climbing areas.”
When asked about his favorite SCC event, Nick points to the Trail Daze of Summer. “The end-of-season party is such an incredible feeling. Seeing everyone you’ve worked with over the months come together to celebrate hard, rewarding work is amazing. We’re proud of what we accomplish, and it’s so fun to celebrate as one big group.”
Nick’s favorite crag? Foster Falls. “The hike in is gorgeous, the views are fantastic, and the climbs are send-sational.”
Nick credits the SCC for its role in maintaining and advocating for access to areas like Fosters, ensuring they remain accessible for all climbers.
As for why others should join the SCC, Nick puts it simply: “Why not? There are zero downsides and over a billion pros to being a member. This is our home, and it takes an army to care for it. Whether you can give a few bucks a month or lend a hand, your support matters. Plus, you get a really cool T-shirt, so there’s that.”
Nick’s story is a testament to the impact climbers can have when they come together. Membership to the SCC isn’t just about supporting the organization—it’s about becoming part of a community dedicated to preserving the climbing spaces we love for generations to come.
Ready to make a difference? Join the SCC today and help us keep the Southeast’s climbing areas accessible, sustainable, and thriving.