Trip Description
This course is designed for current or aspiring local section climbing trip coordinators who want to strengthen their leadership skills and bring that knowledge back to support trip programming within their section(s).
The focus of this course will be on the skills needed to run a top rope crag session, including hazard management, anchor building, rope management, rescue skills and more! See the trip itinerary for a full breakdown. You should be comfortable lead climbing 5.10- outdoor sport routes before applying for this course.
Included in the camp fee - Guiding and instruction at a 1:5 ratio
Not included in the camp fee - Accommodation and food
Members from any local sections across Canada can apply. Application deadline is on Monday, May 31st at midnight (PT).
Leadership at the ACC
Mountain leadership development is part of The Alpine Club of Canada’s mandate. Hundreds of volunteers give their time at both the Section and National levels to ensure other ACC members have a safe and enjoyable time in the mountains. To support the leadership development needs of these tireless and invaluable volunteers, The North Face and The Alpine Club of Canada offer Mountain Leadership Courses for activity organizers from all ACC sections. We offer 2-3 regionalized courses a year in collaboration with local sections that cover all the activities the club provides. If you have a course you would like to see, have your section contact the leadership committee at leadership@alpineclubofcanada.ca with your ideas!
The principal objective of these courses is to empower ACC volunteers by enhancing their leadership skill sets. The leadership courses emphasize the ‘human-factor’ in leaders’ decision-making and the creation of inclusive, enjoyable experiences, applicable to ACC activities across Canada. To increase accessibility these courses are subsidized by the ACC’s leadership development fund. While this course is based out of the Squamish region members from any section across Canada are encouraged to apply!
If you want to hear more about how our most recent leadership course went check out the links below!
Le CAC soutient le ski de randonnée dans l'Est!
Itinerary
Online session #1 (August 3, 6:00pm-8:00pm PT)
- Introductions
- Creating a welcoming environment
- The ACC process (putting a trip together for your section)
- Trip planning, setting expectations
Online session #2 (August 4, 6:00pm-9:00pm PT)
- Trip logistics and planning
- Equipment
- Risk Assessment
- Weather & conditions
Field day 1: Top-Rope Sessions
- Pre-trip communications
- Equipment and layering
- Climbing ethics and etiquette
- Top rope hazard management
- Top rope anchors: configurations, access, rope management, etc.
- Teaching top-rope belaying/communication skills (and confirming participant’s competency)
- Group management: coaching/mentoring, supervision, conflict, decision making
- Site teardown and departure
Field day 2: Climbing movement and rescue skills
- Group management: coaching/mentoring, supervision, conflict, decision making
- Review of day 1 content, with participants leading the discussion
- Climbing movement skills
- Rescue scenarios
Field day 3 / 4: Practice of above
- Supervised/monitored increase of independence on both technical and leadership skill practice and development
Overarching curriculum objectives (to be integrated throughout the course)
- Establishing trip objectives
- Group management
- Conflict Resolution
- Situational Awareness
- Coaching/mentoring
- Group decision making
Additional material may be covered based on the group!
Location
Squamish
Squamish, British Columbia, is one of Canada's premier rock climbing destinations, nestled between the Coast Mountains and Howe Sound The wider Squamish area offers an incredible diversity of climbing across hundreds of crags. The granite here is renowned for its quality: rough, featured, and reliable, lending itself to everything from beginner single-pitch routes to serious multi-day big wall adventures. With a mild (if rainy) climate, a thriving outdoor community, and world-class climbing accessible year-round, Squamish has firmly cemented its reputation as a must-visit destination for climbers of every discipline and ability level.
We sell Tugo® Travel Insurance suitable for both ACC Adventures and personal trips.
Learn MoreAdventure Hazards
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Rockfall & Icefall:
Risks include but are not limited to: Rockfall and icefall can be caused by natural forces or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. climbing/scrambling/hiking) -
Communication & Rescue:
Risks include but are not limited to: Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and treatment may not be available. Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field. If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow. -
Terrain:
Risks include but are not limited to: Cornices, Crevasses, Cliffs, Trees, tree wells, forest dead fall, and tree stumps, Creeks, rocks and boulders. Holes and depressions below the snow surface. Variable and difficult snow conditions. Variable and difficult walking terrain. Snowcat roads and road banks, fences and other man-made structures. Snow immersion. Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects. Extreme variation in trails or terrain. Encounters with domestic or wild animals. Loss of balance or control, slips, trips, and falls. Becoming lost or separated from the group. -
General:
Risks include but are not limited to: Slips, trips and falls indoor or outdoor. Equipment failure. Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Negligent first aid. Negligence of other persons, including other guests. Negligence of the guide including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities. Changing weather conditions including but not limited to high winds, lightning, forest fires, effects of high altitude including pulmonary edema and cerebral edema, incomplete warnings or instructions, negligence of other people, including trip coordinator and other guests. Negligence includes failure on the part of ACC Guides (if applicable) to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from or warn you of the risks, dangers and hazards of wilderness activities. -
Falls & Belaying:
Risks include but are not limited to: Mountaineering and ice climbing present the risk of falling from the wall causing the climber to collide with the wall or ground which can lead to injury or death. The risk of a belay failure is also present which can contribute to a ground fall. Equipment failure, including equipment associated with climbing, rappelling and belaying.
About you
Emergency contact
Confirm or update your emergency contact for this event.
Health
This information is shared only with the team coordinating your adventure.
Includes severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms at altitude.
Anaphylactic = severe reaction requiring an epinephrine auto-injector.
Adventure profile
Waiver
The Alpine Club of Canada Waiver
Version 2.1
A valid ACC Release of Liability is required to participate in any ACC activities or events. Please read the following waiver carefully. ALL checkboxes must be checked in order to submit the agreement.
The Alpine Club of Canada – Minors Waiver
Version 1.0
A valid ACC Release of Liability is required for a minor to participate in any ACC activities or events. This waiver must be completed by the minor's parent or legal guardian. Please read the following waiver carefully. ALL checkboxes must be checked in order to submit the agreement.
Parent or guardian signature required
You're under the age of majority in your province. We need a parent or legal guardian to sign this waiver on your behalf. Please provide their contact information below.
Waiting on parent signature
- ACC Minor Waiver
- AST Minor Waiver
Review & consent
Conditions of participation
Additional consents
I agree to let the ACC use any photos or videos captured of me during the ACC course, for the purposes of our publications and marketing. I waive my right to inspect or approve the use of my image in ACC media. I also agree should the ACC use my image or video for the stated purpose above, I will not expect compensation from the ACC. I release The Alpine Club of Canada, their employees, contractors and volunteers and their successors from any claims that may arise regarding the use of my image including any claims of invasion of privacy, infringement of moral rights, rights of publicity or copyright.
