New Heights Stilting Group Aims “High”

For years, New Heights has offered youth the chance to explore their creative side through a wide range of art and culture activities with Stilting programs one of its most popular. Led by becca Pawling, this year’s Spring Stilting began earlier this week and will conclude at the annual Kittery Block Party on June 17 in Kittery.

“Stilting is great because it tends to attract adventurous types that are not your average athletes, although it does take some strength and determination,” she said. “They like the idea of attention, but are not usually in the lime light.”

Describing the experience of walking on stilts as tall as 4 feet as “a natural high”—the pun is intended—Pawling said the program helps youth build self-esteem. At public events like Kittery Block Party, she said their stilters are generally a crowd favorite.

“It looks really impressive and difficult, but it’s pretty easy, so they feel proud,” she said.

Jeremy Paul, assistant director of the Kittery Recreation Department, said the stilters are “great.”

They attend the Kittery Block Party and are a big hit,” he said. “They add a lot to the atmosphere of the event.”

According to Pawling, stilters were dressed as food last year.

“When they don their handmade costumes and pop up onto those stilts and everyone is ‘ooooooing’ and ‘aahhhing,’ they are in stilter ecstasy,” she said.

New Heights charges program fees, but offers need-based scholarships and the equipment necessary to participate. To register or learn more about New Heights’ upcoming summer program, visit www.newheightsonline.org, or call (603) 422-8235.