The AAU Climbing Club has been referred to by some alumni as a “cult,” suggesting that it takes a certain type of person to fit in. But is the club really a cult, or is it simply a passionate group of people who’ve found a unique way to challenge themselves, make friends, and build a community?
Many members report that the club’s sense of belonging is what makes it so special. On their Instagram, the club states that it welcomes everyone, from seasoned climbers to beginners.
“I guess the people who join the club love challenges, because from my view of rock climbing, it’s very tiring, and I could never do it,” said exchange student Bei Shan. “I don’t think the club seems like a cult, it just seems like a pretty adventurous club.”
Current club president Clara Berens said the relationships she has formed through the club have reshaped her life.
“Everyone in my inner circle here in Prague I met through the AAU climbing club; my boyfriend, my roommate, my roommate’s boyfriend, and my two best friends, one of whom is my VP for the climbing club,” said Berens.
The club provided not only a weekly space to relieve some stress on the wall, but also a network of friends who have become like family.
Although climbing is an individual sport, the club aims to connect people of all skill levels. This inclusivity is what some argue makes both the sport and the club accessible.
“Climbing Club changed my life, which sounds cheesy, but it’s true,” said Simone Stansbury, former president of the AAU Climbing Club. ”There’s plenty of time between climbs to chat and build connections. It’s a great way to meet people.”
When asked about the term “climbing cult,” some members of the AAU Climbing Club find it difficult to grasp where the label comes from, though they acknowledge how it might arise from the interconnected community that has formed around its members.
“Never heard that before actually!” reacted Finn Chapman, a club member. “It [the club] seems very relaxed to me… they were all welcoming and low-key, so I didn’t get any cult vibes.”
Club leadership acknowledged that associating the term “cult” with the AAU Climbing Club imbues a negative connotation, but they do not plan to change the format of club meetings.
Jess Cuff, the club’s vice president, addressed common misconceptions held by newcomers who are hesitant to attend meetings.
“I’ve heard from a lot of people considering joining the club or just starting to climb in general that you have to be super strong or in shape to be good at climbing,” said Cuff. “It [strength] is definitely not necessary.”
For current members, the club serves as a tight-knit group united by their admiration of the sport.
An AAU alumni who asked to remain anonymous said, “It [Climbing Club] definitely used to be a cult, but I don’t think it is anymore.”
President Berens and Vice President Cuff invite all AAU students, staff, and friends to come climb with the club every Sunday at 15:00. The location of club meetings changes, but the most up-to-date information can be found on their Instagram and updates are often sent to the WhatsApp group chat.
