A Night to Remember: Our First College Student Welcome Back Party

What a night. We kicked off the semester with our very first college Student Welcome Back Party — and the energy was electric. Over 85 active climbers filled the walls, with another 20 friends who came along to watch, cheer, and enjoy the party. It was everything we hoped it would be and more.

We're stoked about all the new members who joined us — and so ready to take on the new season together. Whether you were a returning face or brand new to the walls, this is going to be a semester to remember.

Students gathering on the mats before the night's sends.

The night started with students sampling signature drinks in the APEX cafe before heading off to tour the spa facilities and check out the in-house partner yoga studio at Lotus — with locations at APEX and now on campus at UGA — as well as the partner bike shop. There was so much to explore, and everyone dove right in.

As the evening went on, a few students wandered over to the LED-lit woodland Bucket Golf Course after dark, while APEX went into blacklight mode for glow-in-the-dark climbing. The walls came alive in neon, and the sends were nothing short of epic.

The walls came alive as the night went on.

A talented, strong group of climbers put up epic sends all night — and just as impressively, they encouraged a sizable group of first-time climbers with beta and tips, helping newcomers find their footing (and their holds). Bouldering reigned supreme, but there was real excitement about the high roped wall routes just set by the team — Jayden, Kimba, and Chris — ready and waiting for the semester ahead.

Epic sends and plenty of encouragement all night long.

We kept the pizza and snacks flowing and stayed open way past closing time — nobody wanted the night to end. The UGA climbing club re-assembled, and the joy of seeing familiar faces back on the mats was unmistakable. Nights like this are what strengthening community bonds for the semester is all about.

The UGA climbing club back together for the semester.

The UGA climbing club, together again for the semester.

To every student who came out — thank you for making our first Welcome Back Party unforgettable. To the UGA climbing club and all our returning faces: we're so glad you're back. Here's to a semester full of sends, community, and adventure.