Since the Syrian civil war began, more than 1.5 million refugees have fled into Lebanon, accounting for 25% of the total population. More than half of these refugees are children.

As children, we develop conflict resolution, cooperation, confidence, and many other critical social skills through play. Slacklining is particularly good at teaching balance, focus, and coordination and is known to increase academic performance in children.

Last year, Crossing Lines brought slacklining to 250 refugee children in refugee settlements in Lebanon. This year, we are building on this momentum to create long-term slackline programs by building local communities and slackline parks, and empowering teachers and students alike.

In April, we’re collaborating with adventure athletes, climbing communities, circus arts groups, and educational non-profits to teach slacklining, climbing, parkour, and other movement arts to the refugee children of Bekaa Valley.  

While laying the foundation for this project and solidifying our local network during our stay in Lebanon in October 2017, we began collecting the footage for a 30-minute documentary that will culminate in a story of sharing culture and building communities through slacklining and adventure sports.

A dedicated 4-person media team will capture the festival and our time teaching in the refugee settlements to tell an engaging, approachable, and hopeful story of the refugee crisis. Our mission is to change perspectives about refugees and immigrants, to reduce fear, and to grow a healthy community across cultures.