About

ZION

Zion promotes community through rock climbing and team building activities. With a focus on social responsibility, it is our mission to provide Searcy residents and visitors with a safe and supportive space to climb, converse, and express themselves.

About

ZION

Zion promotes community through rock climbing and team building activities. With a focus on social responsibility, it is our mission to provide Searcy residents and visitors with a safe and supportive space to climb, converse, and express themselves.

About

ZION

Zion promotes community through rock climbing and team building activities. With a focus on social responsibility, it is our mission to provide Searcy residents and visitors with a safe and supportive space to climb, converse, and express themselves.

Our

STORY

Zion was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007 by Sean and Emily Hudkins. Their hope was to introduce something new to the community, connect with kids, and unify Searcy through a healthy activity. Indoor rock climbing was the perfect way to do that. Along with its many health benefits, climbing is a challenging sport that builds trust — trust in one’s self and trust in the people who are supporting you as you scale the wall. Now the Hudkins family, Zion’s board members, and a passionate group of local volunteers are using the sport to foster mentorship relationships and prepare young people for success.

Led by Sean and Emily, Zion has also been able to expand its offerings. Over the years, the climbing center has become an important community space, hosting concerts, dances, birthday parties, corporate team building, and more. As we continue to develop in exciting new ways, we always endeavor to be advocates for equality and justice in our community, and to be a place where everyone is welcome.

Zion was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007 by Sean and Emily Hudkins. Their hope was to introduce something new to the community, connect with kids, and unify Searcy through a healthy activity. Indoor rock climbing was the perfect way to do that. Along with its many health benefits, climbing is a challenging sport that builds trust — trust in one’s self and trust in the people who are supporting you as you scale the wall. Now the Hudkins family, Zion’s board members, and a passionate group of local volunteers are using the sport to foster mentorship relationships and prepare young people for success.

Led by Sean, our Executive Director, Zion has also been able to expand its offerings. Over the years, the climbing center has become an important community space, hosting concerts, dances, birthday parties, corporate team building, and more. As we continue to develop in exciting new ways, we always endeavor to be advocates for equality and justice in our community, and to be a place where everyone is welcome.

Zion was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007 by Sean and Emily Hudkins. Their hope was to introduce something new to the community, connect with kids, and unify Searcy through a healthy activity. Indoor rock climbing was the perfect way to do that. Along with its many health benefits, climbing is a challenging sport that builds trust — trust in one’s self and trust in the people who are supporting you as you scale the wall. Now the Hudkins family, Zion’s board members, and a passionate group of local volunteers are using the sport to foster mentorship relationships and prepare young people for success.

Led by Sean, our Executive Director, Zion has also been able to expand its offerings. Over the years, the climbing center has become an important community space, hosting concerts, dances, birthday parties, corporate team building, and more. As we continue to develop in exciting new ways, we always endeavor to be advocates for equality and justice in our community, and to be a place where everyone is welcome.

Our

Volunteers

Our volunteers are the backbone of who we are and a big part of what makes Zion unique. They selflessly give of themselves every day, sharing their unique skills and strengths with all of our visitors. In addition to instructing climbers, volunteers assist with operations, lead events, and offer youth mentorship.
Our volunteers are the backbone of who we are and a big part of what makes Zion unique. They selflessly give of themselves every day, sharing their unique skills and strengths with all of our visitors. In addition to instructing climbers, volunteers assist with operations, lead events, and offer youth mentorship.
Our volunteers are the backbone of who we are and a big part of what makes Zion unique. They selflessly give of themselves every day, sharing their unique skills and strengths with all of our visitors. In addition to instructing climbers, volunteers assist with operations, lead events, and offer youth mentorship.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Our

Board

The nine members of Zion’s board of directors support and guide our mission. They assist with fundraising, provide strategic planning, help with day-to-day operations, and serve as ambassadors for our organization. Their unique backgrounds, passions, and professional experience are an indispensable resource as we work to bring the community of Searcy together.
The nine members of Zion’s board of directors support and guide our mission. They assist with fundraising, provide strategic planning, help with day-to-day operations, and serve as ambassadors for our organization. Their unique backgrounds, passions, and professional experience are an indispensable resource as we work to bring the community of Searcy together.
The nine members of Zion’s board of directors support and guide our mission. They assist with fundraising, provide strategic planning, help with day-to-day operations, and serve as ambassadors for our organization. Their unique backgrounds, passions, and professional experience are an indispensable resource as we work to bring the community of Searcy together.

Sean Hudkins

Co-Founder & Program Director

Sean Hudkins is the co-founder and Program Director of Zion Climbing Center. As one of the original owners of Zion Rock Gym, in 2010 he transitioned to being a non-voting member of the Zion Climbing Center board when the organization became a nonprofit. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Harding University. For Sean, Zion is an opportunity to be a part of an organization that attempts to provide true community — and of course, climbing is also a lot of fun!

Emily Hudkins

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Emily Hudkins is co-founder and Executive Director of Zion Climbing Center. She works to ensure that Zion is a safe place where everyone feels loved, accepted, and valued. Additionally, Emily is the Associate Director for the Center for Leadership and Ministry at Harding University. Emily received her bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in ministry from Harding University. She has a deep love for relationships, community ministry, and funnel cakes — all extremely messy, but well worth it!

Kyle Brice

Board Member

Kyle Brice is a long-time friend of the Hudkins family and a founding member of Zion’s board. Inspired by Sean and Emily’s mission, Kyle was eager to help them bring their idea to life. Kyle is the U.S. Treasury Department’s Supervisory Special Agent for the state of Kentucky and holds a bachelor’s degree in science education and an M.B.A in Corporate Management.

Jonathan Dean

Treasurer

Jonathan Dean is the Treasurer of the Zion board. He joined the organization in 2010 as a founding member. He interned at Zion Rock Gym — Zion’s for-profit predecessor — and assisted with the transition to a nonprofit organization. Jonathan is an audit supervisor at a national CPA firm. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Hayden Dorsett

Board Member

Hayden Dorsett has been a member of Zion’s board since 2017. He assists with Zion’s future expansion and growth, facility development, building and climbing wall projects, route setting, and organizing volunteers. He also helps with outdoor wall events, team-building activities, and community outreach events. Hayden is a COMT-certified physical therapist. He holds a doctorate in physical therapy.

Landon Ganus

Board Member

Landon Ganus began climbing at Zion as a college student. His experiences in the gym’s supportive environment helped teach him how to invest in his community. In 2015, Landon became a member of Zion’s board, where he primarily works on logistical implementation, troubleshooting, and general problem solving. Landon holds a doctorate in physical therapy from Harding University and works at an outpatient pediatric clinic in Searcy.

Gregory T. Harris, Ph.D

Board Member

Gregory T. Harris is an Assistant Professor at Harding University, and has been facilitating the college’s
rock climbing class — which is held at Zion — since 2012. Excited by how much Zion had to offer Searcy, Gregory joined the board in 2016. Gregory holds a bachelor’s degree from Queen’s College, a master’s degree from Harding University, and a doctorate from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Arthur Lee Hudkins

Board Member

When Zion opened its doors, Arthur Lee Hudkins was moved by the work his son, Sean, and daughter-in-law, Emily, were doing. He joined the board in 2010 and serves as an advisor to the group. Arthur is a broadcast attorney for KY3 TV in Springfield, MO, and the Missouri Broadcaster’s Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Harding University, a master’s degree from Syracuse University, and a law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Mike Parsons

Board Member

Years of hosting summer climbing camps at Zion opened Mike Parsons’ eyes to how much the climbing center had to offer. Eager to give back to the community, he joined the board in 2010. Mike is a Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Searcy and holds dual bachelor’s degrees from Harding University.

Matt Seats

Board Member

Matt Seats became involved with Zion after witnessing the Hudkins’ passion for loving all people and their desire to do good. He joined the board in 2011, and now focuses on dreaming up new possibilities for the climbing gym. In addition to holding a real estate license, he has been a full-time minister for nearly 17 years. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Harding University.

Make a

DONATION

Generous donations from people like you allow us to develop new opportunities for Searcy’s youth and keep climbing activities accessible to everyone, regardless of income level. Every contribution is highly valued and vital to the future of Zion. Please help us continue our mission to provide a positive space for the community to meet, learn, and stay active by making a tax-deductible donation below.
Generous donations from people like you allow us to develop new opportunities for Searcy’s youth and keep climbing activities accessible to everyone, regardless of income level. Every contribution is highly valued and vital to the future of Zion. Please help us continue our mission to provide a positive space for the community to meet, learn, and stay active by making a tax-deductible donation below.
Generous donations from people like you allow us to develop new opportunities for Searcy’s youth and keep climbing activities accessible to everyone, regardless of income level. Every contribution is highly valued and vital to the future of Zion. Please help us continue our mission to provide a positive space for the community to meet, learn, and stay active by making a tax-deductible donation below.

Before

You Climb

Everyone must sign the Zion Release of Liability Waiver and check in at the front desk before entering any climbing area. If you’re under 18, your parent or legal guardian will have to complete this waiver. We’ll keep your waiver on file for one year, so you’ll just need to do a quick check-in when you arrive.

Save time and fill out the waiver online before you head to the climbing center!

SIGN WAIVER

HOURS

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

CONTACT