Schools and Clinics: Mountain School 2010
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The Spokane Mountaineers: Mountain School 2010
Mountain School 2010 is an introduction to the basic elements and skills of mountaineering. Rock climbing, snow and glacier travel, navigation, weather, first aid and trip planning are just a few of the areas this course will touch upon during the 18 weeks of indoor as well as outdoor classes. The course starts March 3rd, 2010, and runs through the end of May with a few sessions in June when the mountains open up for our crevasse training. (Dates and Times TBA)
Climbing and mountaineering are by nature activities that involve a wide variety of risks and rewards. The goal of this course is to provide safe and competent instruction to students from the membership of the Spokane Mountaineers and the community. This is achieved by the annual participation of past students and instructors working hand in hand with special guests and the directors of the school, Brad Herr, Pat Sullivan and Pete Sebring. The best, brightest, and sometimes strangest climbing instructors in the club will share with students the foundation of their knowledge and skills they can use to become competent, safe, and efficient in the mountains.
The Instructors and Director’s of Mountain School 2010 invite you to enroll for approx. 10 Indoor Sessions, 15 Outdoors Sessions and some training in between. This is a time intensive course, which requires a high level of student commitment and participation in order to graduate. Students who participate in this course will experience personal and experiential rewards, as they become more aware and trained in the skill of climbing and mountaineering.
A solid foundation in backpacking skills is a necessary admission requirement for Mountain School. If you do not have any experience as a backpacker, we recommend you enroll in the Backpacking School, which is offered by The Spokane Mountaineers in the spring. For Mountain School, it is necessary to be in good physical and mental shape in order to participate safely and successfully in our outdoor sessions. The course promotes regular exercise and will provide organized opportunities for students to begin to get accustomed to the physical effort needed in the mountains. If you are not already participating in some form of regular exercise, consider starting now. Your level of conditioning will not only affect your progress and success, but it will also impact the group as a whole, as students will be working in teams throughout the course.
In total you will receive over 100 hours of solid instruction and the Text: Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 7th Edition, Graydon, editor. The class tuition is $185.00 payable to The Spokane Mountaineers on the day you register, March 3, 2010.
Students will be asked to make a commitment to attend indoor, outdoor and some optional training exercises in order to learn and practice the skills in this course. Students will need to have access to or purchase some basic climbing equipment including a climbing harness, carabiniers, webbing, and PerlonÔ. We will teach the basics and for this you will need some basic gear. Please plan to budget for some initial expenses for getting you set up at the beginning of class. Also plan to budget for 4 weekend trips within the region. As a general rule, carpooling and keeping costs down are important aspects we try to keep in mind. A more detailed equipment list is available upon request.
Indoor class sessions will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-9:00 pm at the CenterPlace Mirabeau Point Park in Spokane Valley. Students are encouraged to come in comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle since many indoor sessions may have activities. Outdoor sessions will have designated meeting places in the Spokane area. Students are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, bring 13 essentials and a training pack. Directions and an updated class syllabus will made available to students who have successfully applied and been drawn from the lottery.
All indoor sessions are open to any club member who wishes to audit the class. Snow Practice and the Map and Compass outdoor exercises will also be open to all club members possessing proper equipment and skills. If you are not a 2010 mountain school student, and you wish to participate, register with Brad, Pat or Pete at least one week before the outdoor session. All other outdoor sessions, including the graduation climb, will be limited to students and instructors.
Admission Requirements:
Students wishing to enroll in Mountain School 2010 must:
1. Have a good foundation of backpacking and hiking skills. (Being efficient in the backcountry is essential.)
2. Own or have access to basic equipment and clothing used for backpacking and regular backcountry travel.
3. Be of adequate physical conditioning (capable of hiking up and down steep terrain with a heavy backpack for long periods at a time.)
4. Be mentally fit and aware of the broad scope and demanding requirements of mountaineering. (Ability to recognize limitations that can be overcome and those that cannot.)
5. Be at least 15 years of age as of March 1, 2010, and if under 18, provide a signed parental permission form (available from the Directors). If the student is 15, then the parent of the student must also be actively involved, either as a student themselves, as an instructor, or active observer. Parent(s) of students under the age of 18 will be required to attend the first class session and meet the Directors.
6. Be willing to learn and participate in the learning process of others.
7. Be community and team oriented and willing to assist others when you are able to provide assistance.
8. Posses a willingness to assess your level of conditioning and work with the Directors and Instructors of the school to address physical or mental difficulties that may limit your participation.
9. Participate in at least two of the optional training exercises.
10. Pay tuition by the end of the first night of class March 3, 2010.
11. Be a current member of the Spokane Mountaineers (that is your membership for the year 2010 must be renewed prior to January 1st.)
Registration Process for 2010:
The class enrollment is limited to 40 students. An application for Mountain School 2010 is enclosed in the pullout section of this Kinnikinnick. If you wish to apply to attend this course please complete the form and mail it to: The Spokane Mountaineers Mountain School 2010 c/o Pete Sebring 4242 E. Hayden Lake Rd. Hayden, ID 83835(Please, do not send checks.)
If more than 40 students apply, then a lottery will be held to choose those who will be accepted. Parents and children, couples, or small groups: if you desire to take this class together, please send your application forms together and notify us, by phone or in writing, so you may be accepted as a small group. Groups larger than 3 people will be difficult to accommodate if the response to this year’s class is like it has been in the past.
If you are a student who was enrolled in a past class and for whatever reason, other than medical, was unable to graduate, please contact Pete, Brad or Pat
If you have any questions you may contact the directors: Brad Herr (509) 994-3248, Pat Sullivan (208) 755-6330 or Pete Sebring (208) 659-5813. Information about The Spokane Mountaineers and an application for membership visit our website at www.spokanemountaineers.org.
Mountain School 2010 Graduation Requirements
- Attendance: Each student must attend all outdoor sessions and miss no more than two of the indoor sessions.
- Evaluations: Each student must demonstrate basic skill in rock climbing, snow travel, rope handling, map and compass, crevasse rescue, and pass the written exam.
- Climbs: Each student must participate in two approved climbs before October 15, 2010. (One of these climbs will be the Graduation Climb).
- Crevasse Rescue: Each student must attend the Crevasse Rescue Seminar in June. (Location TBA)
- First Aid: All students will be required to earn or show current First Aid certification.
Schedule information: The course starts March 3rd, 2010, and runs through the end of May with a few sessions in June when the mountains open up for our crevasse training. (Dates and Times TBA)
Registration information: Print application, complete and mail in before deadline. January 15, 2010
View a recent photo gallery Mtn School 2010 Application
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