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: curt@treetopexplorer.com
cell: 262.894.4949 email: curt@treetopexplorer.com
Beginning Tree ClimbingThe Beginning Tree Climbing course is designed to introduce you to the skills necessary to assess the risks associated with recreational tree climbing. Students are exposed to techniques on how to enter, climb into and descend out of trees utilizing rope and saddle via a Moving Rope System (MRS).
CLIMBING EXPERIENCE Previous experience or knowledge is not necessary for the Beginning Tree Climbing course. While previous exposure or experience can be beneficial (e.g. climbing at one of our Open Climbs), students generally 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. It is a skill you will be introduced to during the course. You will be able to develop your identification skills during your post-course climbing assignment. |
Tree Climbing FacilitationThe Tree Climbing Facilitation course is designed to introduce you to the skills necessary to organize and operate recreational tree climbing events for inexperienced climbers. Students are 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
In order to successfully complete the course, 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.
The proficiency assessments are designed to reinforce many of the basic elements of recreational tree climbing and tree climbing facilitation according to industry recognized and accepted practices and techniques.
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.
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!
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 will find yourself needing to invest in gear in order to climb or facilitate others..
As a student of one of our courses, you are welcomed into our treetop tribe. We want to help you continue your momentum from the class and into the trees.
Students who have completed the course are invited to join us during occasional designated climb events. During these events, you are able to use our gear and climb in our approved climbing tree.
We offer these opportunities to you at no additional charge.
This is a great opportunity to work on your technique and skills and delay or prolong the time you will need to purchase all of your own gear!
Beginning Tree Climbing students: allowed 4 climbs with us during pre-approved Rec Climbs.
Tree Climbing Facilitation students: allowed to shadow us during pre-approved Rec Climbs (pre-determined #).
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
In order to successfully complete the course, 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.
The proficiency assessments are designed to reinforce many of the basic elements of recreational tree climbing and tree climbing facilitation according to industry recognized and accepted practices and techniques.
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.
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!
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 will find yourself needing to invest in gear in order to climb or facilitate others..
As a student of one of our courses, you are welcomed into our treetop tribe. We want to help you continue your momentum from the class and into the trees.
Students who have completed the course are invited to join us during occasional designated climb events. During these events, you are able to use our gear and climb in our approved climbing tree.
We offer these opportunities to you at no additional charge.
This is a great opportunity to work on your technique and skills and delay or prolong the time you will need to purchase all of your own gear!
Beginning Tree Climbing students: allowed 4 climbs with us during pre-approved Rec Climbs.
Tree Climbing Facilitation students: allowed to shadow us during pre-approved Rec Climbs (pre-determined #).
