Camp Long Mountain Fest celebrated Seattle’s mountain climbing history and community on Sept. 14. Visitors challenged themselves on the high ropes course and climbed and rappelled on Schurman Rock.

The event featured mountain games and interactive workshops for people of all ages and abilities . Jim Whittaker, the first American to climb Mount Everest told stories about several of his more memorable climbs including climbing Mt. Kennedy (named for President Kennedy following his assassination) in Canada with Robert Kennedy. When they reached the summit, Whittaker said that he turned to the Senator and said, "It's your mountain," and explained that it was such a moving moment their tears froze on their parkas.

He also revealed that Schurman Rock was the first thing he ever climbed.

Schurman Rock was constructed between 1938 and 1939 by the Work Progress Administration, and is believed to be the first man-made climbing structure in America. It was originally named Monitor Rock because climbing instructors could monitor their students from all sides of the structure. In 1957, it was renamed to honor Clark Schurman who designed it.

Schurman, known as “The Chief,” was the chief climbing guide on Mount Rainier from 1938 to 1941. As a climber, he sketched and painted his journeys into a book published by The Mountaineers in 1939. Schurman thought it was important for novice climbers to have a practice rock. Schurman Rock stands as a legacy to his vision.