Wilderness Skills: The Basic Climbing course requires completion of the Wilderness Skills course, which includes one evening online lecture and one Saturday field practice. This requirement is waived for recent Alpine Scrambling graduates. Basic Climbing students receive a reduced fee for Wilderness Skills.
Wilderness First Aid: Mountain Oriented First Aid (MOFA), Wilderness First Aid (WFA), or Wilderness First Responder (WFR): The Basic Climbing course requires completion of either a MOFA, WFA, or WFR course. You can elect to take this course with any branch for credit.
Navigation: The Basic Climbing course requires completion of the Navigation course. Basic Climbing students receive a reduced fee for Navigation through the Olympia Branch. You can elect to take this course with any branch for credit.
To ensure a successful and enjoyable experience in the Basic and Compressed Basic Climbing courses:
Understand the Club’s Nature: The Mountaineers is a club, not a for-profit service. Instructors and leaders are volunteers, and participants share responsibility for their safety and course progress.
Commitment: Attend all required lectures and field trips. Missing any component will prevent graduation.
Physical Fitness: Maintain good conditioning to ensure you are not a liability to your climbing party.
Attitude and Help-Seeking: Approach the course with a positive mindset and ask for assistance when needed.
Punctuality: Arrive on time for all activities.
Review Harassment Policy: Be familiar with the Mountaineers harassment policy.
The course builds on fundamental techniques. Attendance is crucial:
Lectures are prerequisites for field trips, where essential skills are practiced and assessed.
You can miss up to two lectures or field trips, which must be made up through another branch or an approved mentor. Coordination with the Basic Climbing Course leader is required.
The first lecture and field trip must be attended with the Olympia Branch, and the first lecture cannot be missed.
General Expectations:
Starting Times: Field trip times vary; check the manual and emails from field trip leaders. Be flexible as plans may change due to weather.
Preparation: Come ready to practice techniques from lectures and reading materials. You are responsible for your own learning—review materials and practice skills in advance.
Carpool: Parking is limited. Coordinate carpools and compensate drivers for gas.
Weather: Field trips occur rain or shine, so pack appropriately.
Arrival: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to prepare and be ready to go on time.
Gear: Bring all required equipment as listed on the course page. Keep your pack and equipment with you.
Breaks: There are no scheduled lunch breaks; eat when appropriate.
Safety: Follow instructor advice and prioritize safety. A helmet is required for all field trips.
Organization: Stay with your group, cooperate, and exercise patience as managing large groups can be challenging.
Participation: Field trips are for students and approved instructors only; no guests or pets allowed.
Skill Checklist: You'll receive a Skills Checklist to track your progress. Ensure it's completed and turned in at the end of each trip.
Field Trip Additional Information
Techniques: Follow the methods taught in class for safety and consistency. Ask instructors if you have questions.
Substance Policy: No alcohol or drugs are permitted during activities.
Environmental Responsibility: Minimize impact during field trips by packing out litter, avoiding fragile areas, and following proper waste disposal practices.
Cleanup: Aim to leave field trip sites cleaner than found. Help with cleanup if you finish early.
Departure: Do not leave until the Field Trip Leader gives permission. Keep your schedule open post-trip as climbs can be unpredictable.
Feedback: Speak up about comments or concerns. Seek support from instructors or mentors if needed.
Remember, instructors are volunteers. They appreciate your courtesy and attention as they help develop your mountaineering skills.