TREETOP EXPLORER
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Climbing & Facilitation Combined Training Course
(5-day Training)


"People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did.
People will never forget how you made them feel."
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GOTC Recognized Training Program*
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​Take both classes back to back
Save $125.00
2025 Class Offering
MARCH 17-21 (Mon-Fri)

- All classes held in Waukesha, WI - 
- Class Time: 8:30am-5:00pm -
- Capacity: 4 students -
- ​Ages: 16+
(minors need parent/guardian approval)
​
Register
Request access to 3-day Facilitator Course
Questions / Schedule Private Training
​Price: $1,085.00 per person
(Ask about multi-student discounts)
​
Includes
:
- 5-days class instruction (40 hrs)

​- Copy of both Beginning Tree Climbing & Tree Climbing Facilitation manuals

​
- 4
 post-class climbing
 practice opportunities with Treetop Explorer instructor and use of our climbing equipment

​- 1 year of follow-up, virtual facilitation consultations

​-
mentorship/consulting for individuals wishing to pursue GOTC recognized facilitator credential*
​

BEGINNING TREE CLIMBING & TREE CLIMBING FACILITATION Combined Course

This 5-day session combines both the Beginning Tree Climbing and Tree Climbing Facilitation classes into a convenient 1-week session.

When people discover recreational tree climbing, many know right away that they not only want to escape to the treetops for personal time, but also see the power this unique activity holds for others.

Maybe it is the educator, mentor, nature lover, or leader in you? Whatever it may be, you know you want to expose people to this exciting hobby and put them in touch with trees!

​This combined course is designed for nature centers, camps, adventure courses, and individuals looking to start their own tree climbing program or company!

Developing your climbing and facilitation skills takes time. Your first commitment is to get trained. Your dedication and drive will determine how quickly you will progress to where you feel comfortable to take others up into the branches.

What to expect during our week together:

Whether you are looking to pursue a job as a recreational tree climbing facilitator, start a recreational tree climbing program at your camp/center/organization, or open your own guide service, the combined course will introduce you to the climbing method, facilitating others, and how to build your program.

Days 1 & 2 will focus on getting you into the tree! You will be introduced to technical tree climbing and the climbing system. Once you learn the ropes, or knots in this case, you will head aloft. You will learn about assessing and identifying proper climbing trees, equipment, climbing systems, ascent, in-tree maneuvering, descent, and equipment inspection and storage.

Days 3 & 4 introduce you to the role of the facilitator. You will be introduced to procedures for inspecting & preparing trees and the climbing area for participants. You will learn about climber fears, learning styles, and facilitation techniques to help participants climb and explore the treetop under their own ability. You will learn how to get participants climbing, monitor climber safety, coach and encourage climbers, and return them back to the ground in a safe and controlled fashion. We cannot climb for them, but a skilled facilitator can set the stage and foster an experience they won't soon forget!

Day 5 allows you to put it all together - prepare the tree, facilitate climbers from ascent through descent and assist climbers by helping them navigate though common challenges.

You will be introduced to and have time to practice aerial-rescue techniques. While most facilitation is performed from the ground, there may be an occasion that requires a facilitator's assistance aloft or the need to manually return a participant to the ground. This is one place where your climbing skills blend together with your facilitation skills!

​This course complies with and covers the guidelines set forth by the Global Organization of Tree Climbers for facilitated climbing programs. Completing the necessary course work and GOTC requirements, you can obtain the endorsement as a GOTC Recognized Facilitator.*

Our week together will provide you with the information you need to develop your own procedures and compliant recreational tree climbing program!


​- Read Full Course Description - Beginning Tree Climbing (pdf)
​- Read Full Course Description - Tree Climbing Facilitation (pdf)
​- FAQs and what to expect
​

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The Global Organization of Tree Climbers (GOTC), is a 501c3 nonprofit organization promoting safe and environmentally respectful tree climbing practices for recreation, education, and research.

www.gotreeclimbing.org

GOTC facilitated program climb guidelines are referenced by organizations like the Association of Experiential Education and the Girl Scouts of the USA.

​In nearly 40 years as an organized activity, no tree climber following GOTC or similar safety guidelines has been notably injured.

​* GOTC Recognition involves an application process, submitted directly to the Global Orgnization of Tree Climbers and their board of directors. Our training programs cover skills and procedures within their posted guidelines, and our mentorship will help guide you through the application process.

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​Treetop Explorer climber and facilitator training classes comply with the guidelines put forth by the Global Organization of Tree Climbers. Your instructor is a GOTC Recognized Master Instructor.


Learn-to-Climb Courses
Intro to the Climbing System
Beginning Tree Climbing
Advanced Climbing Techniques

Treetop Explorer, LLC.    -     620 Maple Avenue, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186    -     (262) 894-4949.    -     [email protected]

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© 2025 Treetop Explorer, LLC.
​ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Climb With Us
    • Open Climbs
    • Open-Advanced Climbs
    • Girl Scout Climbs
    • Rec Department Climbs
    • Group/Private Climbs
  • Learn to Climb
    • Intro to Climbing Systems
    • Beginning Tree Climbing
    • Advanced MRS Climbing
    • Intro to SRS Climbing
    • Tree Climbing Facilitation >
      • BTC Climbing & Facilitation
  • Learn More
    • The Climbing Experience
    • FAQs
    • Testimonials
    • Blog
    • About Us
    • Health & Safety
    • Gift Cards
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • Work With Us