I’m a little bit of an adrenaline junkie, so when the Girl Scouts invited me to rappel down a 17 story building last year, I only briefly hesitated before saying yes. I didn’t have any rock climbing or rappelling experience but it sounded fun so I couldn’t pass up such a BIG opportunity!
Over the Edge is an exciting fundraising event where participants raise money for Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona for the opportunity to rappel down one of Tucson’s tallest skyscrapers. At our inaugural event in 2015, 76 brave Girl Scout supporters rappelled 17 stories and raised nearly $100,000 to support girl programs right here in Southern Arizona!
My nerves didn’t hit me until I was actually driving down to the event a few weeks later. As I approached the building, I realized 17 stories was a bit taller than I originally thought. Thankfully local girl scout troops provided encouragement both with cheerleaders on hand and handmade signs hung up on the route to the roof!
Once on the roof I had a 5-minute practice session where they showed me how the rappelling equipment worked. It really was fairly simple but my nerves seemed to stop my brain from functioning properly. Luckily it’s basically fool-proof. 😉
In no time flat, I was up on the platform ready to get prepped for the real deal! At this point all my smiles are nervous smiles, like an OMG what am I getting myself into sort of smile. 😉
Stepping outside the gate was pretty crazy. It was my first time standing on the top of a building, on the wrong side of the ledge!
I’m not sure what was more awesomely scarier though, sitting down while on the edge of the building or starting the rappelling action down.
Look at me go!
About half way there…
And then all of a sudden, I was at the bottom. 
It was a crazy, amazing experience. Even though I love a good rush, it still took courage for me to follow through and actually step off the edge of the building. I’d do it again in a heart beat too! Obviously, I’m an expert at going over the edge now. 😉
Interested in taking a 17-story plunge too? You’re in luck, the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona is holding another fundraising event on March 26th! Head over and sign up or support others that are raising funds to Go Over The Edge!
And check out my quick video of my experience below!
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