What to Expect:
If you do not find the information you are looking for or answer to your question(s), please call or email me directly! - Curt
cell: 262.894.4949 email: [email protected]
cell: 262.894.4949 email: [email protected]
Beginning Tree ClimbingIn the Beginning Tree Climbing course, you are introduced to skills that help you assess the risks associated with recreational tree climbing and the equipment & techniques used to enter, climb into, and descend out of trees utilizing a Moving Rope System (MRS).
CLIMBING EXPERIENCE Previous experience or knowledge is not necessary for the Beginning Tree Climbing course. Although previous experience can be beneficial (e.g. climbing at one of our rec climb offerings), it is not necessary as the class is structured and appropriate for people who have never climbed before. Students typically pick up the basic climbing technique rather quickly. While tree identification is a base skill necessary for tree climbers, it is not a requirement for enrollment in the course. You will be introduced to tree identification and be introduced to the resources I find useful for learning more about trees. |
Tree Climbing FacilitationIn the Tree Climbing Facilitation course, we cover facilitation skills and methods used to organize and operate recreational tree climbing events for inexperienced climbers. You will be introduced to industry approved guidelines, procedures, systems, and techniques.
PREREQUISITE Qualified applicants for the Tree Climbing Facilitation course will have successfully completed the Beginning Tree Climbing 2-day course. Course work, experience, or training from outside organizations may be accepted if approved by Treetop Explorer, LLC. |
Climbing & Facilitation Course Details
CLASS TIME
Classes begin promptly at the designated start time, typically 8:00am. Class end-time is a goal we set, typically 4:30pm (8 hours of class time). Often times we have the flexibility to adjust class start times, end times, and total class time in order to accommodate student needs.
Classroom time is utilized to present information and practice the base skills we will utilize outside. The class is designed to take part mostly outside and in trees.
CLASS OUTLINE
Classes are limited in size and follow a structured outline. However, given the personal nature of the course material and individual personalities, we work through the lessons in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
While the lessons can be rearranged in order to address weather, student proficiency, or other possible factors, they generally follow a structured outline given each lesson builds upon the previous lessons.
EQUIPMENT
Students are introduced to a variety of equipment during the course, which helps you to better understand the differences between items. We provide all the equipment necessary to complete the course.
This allows you to gain a working understanding and hands-on experience on individual pieces of equipment, which can help you in determining your personal preferences prior to making the investment of purchasing your own climbing gear.
WEATHER
Class sessions are held both indoors and outside. Barring thunder and/or lighting, outdoor climbing is necessary for course completion. While we have some flexibility in our course layout, students will need to dress for anticipated weather accordingly.
FOOD AND DRINK
Water will be available during class, however students should plan on bringing their own meals, snacks, and beverages (non-alcoholic).
Students are able to snack and hydrate as necessary throughout class time. We dedicate 30 minutes per day for lunch.
PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENTS
Completion of proficiency assessments are not necessary for those not interested in industry recognition/certifications. The proficiency assessments are designed to reinforce many of the basic elements of tree climbing and tree climbing facilitation according to industry recognized and accepted practices and techniques. Includes: GOTC Recognized Facilitator, GOTC Recognized Instructor, and assorted TCIA Tree Care Academy certifications.
GOTC Recognitions: there are 3 Skills Assessments in the Beginning Tree Climbing course, and 4 Skills Assessments in the Tree Climbing Facilitation course. All Skills Assessments need to be completed with a "satisfactory" rating. All skills and information necessary to display a satisfactory understanding of the course material will be covered during class time.
Beginning Tree Climbing: The Climbing Knots Assessment allows you to demonstrate the ability to tie the necessary knots properly. The Climbing Skills Assessment allows you to demonstrate practical implementation of the skills necessary to minimize the risks associated with climbing trees and proper climbing techniques. The Written Skills Assessment allows you to demonstrate a thorough understanding of course material.
Tree Climbing Facilitation: The Climbing Skills Assessment allows you to demonstrate practical implementation of the skills necessary to minimize the risks associated with climbing trees and proper climbing techniques. The Climbing Knots Assessment allows you to demonstrate the ability to tie the necessary knots properly. The Aerial Rescue Assessment allows you to demonstrate the ability to assist and return climbers to the ground. The RTC Facilitation Assessment allows you to demonstrate the ability to prepare and operate a facilitated climb event in accordance with industry guidelines.
TCIA Tree Care Academy: Assessments are offered directly through TCIA and included in our TCIA workshop offerings.
BEYOND THE COURSE
After completing the Beginning Tree Climbing course, new climbers are encouraged to get into the trees and practice their newly acquired skills! As your comfort in your climbing ability and understanding improves, many climbers are able to begin trying out additional and advanced devices, hitches, and techniques at a pace that suits them.
Students wishing to pursue GOTC Facilitator credentials will need to:
- Climb regularly over the course of the following 3-6 months, which can be accomplished by climbing 1-2 times per week.
- The target is to log 25 climbs within 6 months. (Limiting yourself to no more than 2 climbs per day is recommended).
- Climbers are advised to climb 8 unique species.
For the hobbyist, the Beginning Tree Climbing course is enough for them to start down the road of climbing trees for personal enjoyment for years to come.
For those looking to continue to grow their climbing skills and possibly interested in taking their climbing "to the next level", there are many opportunities to do so:
- There are advanced MRS techniques and devices which can help you to become more proficient and efficient with climbing on a MRS. (See our Advanced Techniques course).
- There are advanced climbing systems, such a Stationary Rope Systems (SRS). These systems require different techniques and devices, but can be used to improve climbing efficiency and proficiency. (See our Advanced Techniques course).
- There are job and career opportunities for tree climbers! From working arborists to recreational tree climbing facilitators, you can take you passion for tree climbing and turn it into a rewarding part-time job or full-time career.
HOW TO GET CLIMB TIME
Once completing any of our courses, you are ecouraged to practice the skills you were introduced to in class. You will also need to begin purchasing your own gear.
As a student of one of our courses, we want to help you continue your momentum from the class and into the trees. Since investing in your own gear may take time according to your budget, our post-class offerings allow you to use our gear while you begin to acquire your own.
Upon completion of the Beginning Climbing Class, you will receive a coupon for 4 free registrations in our Open-Advanced and Adult Climb offerings. During these events, you are able to use our gear or your own.
This is a great opportunity to work on your technique & skills, try out different pieces of equipment to determine your own preferences, and prolong the time you need to purchase all of your own gear!
Beginning Tree Climbing students: coupon for free registration to four (4) Open-Advanced or Adult Climbs.
Tree Climbing Facilitation students: we can work with you to provide oportunities to get facilitation experience.
Classes begin promptly at the designated start time, typically 8:00am. Class end-time is a goal we set, typically 4:30pm (8 hours of class time). Often times we have the flexibility to adjust class start times, end times, and total class time in order to accommodate student needs.
Classroom time is utilized to present information and practice the base skills we will utilize outside. The class is designed to take part mostly outside and in trees.
CLASS OUTLINE
Classes are limited in size and follow a structured outline. However, given the personal nature of the course material and individual personalities, we work through the lessons in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
While the lessons can be rearranged in order to address weather, student proficiency, or other possible factors, they generally follow a structured outline given each lesson builds upon the previous lessons.
EQUIPMENT
Students are introduced to a variety of equipment during the course, which helps you to better understand the differences between items. We provide all the equipment necessary to complete the course.
This allows you to gain a working understanding and hands-on experience on individual pieces of equipment, which can help you in determining your personal preferences prior to making the investment of purchasing your own climbing gear.
WEATHER
Class sessions are held both indoors and outside. Barring thunder and/or lighting, outdoor climbing is necessary for course completion. While we have some flexibility in our course layout, students will need to dress for anticipated weather accordingly.
FOOD AND DRINK
Water will be available during class, however students should plan on bringing their own meals, snacks, and beverages (non-alcoholic).
Students are able to snack and hydrate as necessary throughout class time. We dedicate 30 minutes per day for lunch.
PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENTS
Completion of proficiency assessments are not necessary for those not interested in industry recognition/certifications. The proficiency assessments are designed to reinforce many of the basic elements of tree climbing and tree climbing facilitation according to industry recognized and accepted practices and techniques. Includes: GOTC Recognized Facilitator, GOTC Recognized Instructor, and assorted TCIA Tree Care Academy certifications.
GOTC Recognitions: there are 3 Skills Assessments in the Beginning Tree Climbing course, and 4 Skills Assessments in the Tree Climbing Facilitation course. All Skills Assessments need to be completed with a "satisfactory" rating. All skills and information necessary to display a satisfactory understanding of the course material will be covered during class time.
Beginning Tree Climbing: The Climbing Knots Assessment allows you to demonstrate the ability to tie the necessary knots properly. The Climbing Skills Assessment allows you to demonstrate practical implementation of the skills necessary to minimize the risks associated with climbing trees and proper climbing techniques. The Written Skills Assessment allows you to demonstrate a thorough understanding of course material.
Tree Climbing Facilitation: The Climbing Skills Assessment allows you to demonstrate practical implementation of the skills necessary to minimize the risks associated with climbing trees and proper climbing techniques. The Climbing Knots Assessment allows you to demonstrate the ability to tie the necessary knots properly. The Aerial Rescue Assessment allows you to demonstrate the ability to assist and return climbers to the ground. The RTC Facilitation Assessment allows you to demonstrate the ability to prepare and operate a facilitated climb event in accordance with industry guidelines.
TCIA Tree Care Academy: Assessments are offered directly through TCIA and included in our TCIA workshop offerings.
BEYOND THE COURSE
After completing the Beginning Tree Climbing course, new climbers are encouraged to get into the trees and practice their newly acquired skills! As your comfort in your climbing ability and understanding improves, many climbers are able to begin trying out additional and advanced devices, hitches, and techniques at a pace that suits them.
Students wishing to pursue GOTC Facilitator credentials will need to:
- Climb regularly over the course of the following 3-6 months, which can be accomplished by climbing 1-2 times per week.
- The target is to log 25 climbs within 6 months. (Limiting yourself to no more than 2 climbs per day is recommended).
- Climbers are advised to climb 8 unique species.
For the hobbyist, the Beginning Tree Climbing course is enough for them to start down the road of climbing trees for personal enjoyment for years to come.
For those looking to continue to grow their climbing skills and possibly interested in taking their climbing "to the next level", there are many opportunities to do so:
- There are advanced MRS techniques and devices which can help you to become more proficient and efficient with climbing on a MRS. (See our Advanced Techniques course).
- There are advanced climbing systems, such a Stationary Rope Systems (SRS). These systems require different techniques and devices, but can be used to improve climbing efficiency and proficiency. (See our Advanced Techniques course).
- There are job and career opportunities for tree climbers! From working arborists to recreational tree climbing facilitators, you can take you passion for tree climbing and turn it into a rewarding part-time job or full-time career.
HOW TO GET CLIMB TIME
Once completing any of our courses, you are ecouraged to practice the skills you were introduced to in class. You will also need to begin purchasing your own gear.
As a student of one of our courses, we want to help you continue your momentum from the class and into the trees. Since investing in your own gear may take time according to your budget, our post-class offerings allow you to use our gear while you begin to acquire your own.
Upon completion of the Beginning Climbing Class, you will receive a coupon for 4 free registrations in our Open-Advanced and Adult Climb offerings. During these events, you are able to use our gear or your own.
This is a great opportunity to work on your technique & skills, try out different pieces of equipment to determine your own preferences, and prolong the time you need to purchase all of your own gear!
Beginning Tree Climbing students: coupon for free registration to four (4) Open-Advanced or Adult Climbs.
Tree Climbing Facilitation students: we can work with you to provide oportunities to get facilitation experience.
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.
Treetop Explorer climber training classes comply with industry standards and guidelines put forth in the ANSI Z133 and are consistent with the best practice recommendations put forth by the International Society of Arboriculture and the Tree Care Industry Association. Your instructor is an I.S.A. Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) and T.C.I.A. Qualified Trainer & Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP).
