The opening of the new climbing gym, and the surge in popularity it is expected to bring about, will increase the need for accessible, high-quality safety training that allows climbers to make the transition from gym climbing to climbing outdoors safely and responsibly. At the May 7 Teton County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting, The Teton Climbers’ Coalition proposed the development of the Safe Climbing Initiative (SCI), which will address this need by creating a comprehensive, expert-led instructional series that enhances the safety and skills of climbers in Teton County.
Cognizant of the limited resources available to the Teton County / Jackson Park and Recreation Department (TCJPR), we aim to offer this program free of charge to all community members while minimizing requirements from the TCJPR itself.
Overview
The TCC will coordinate all aspects of the SCI, communicating with TCJPR as necessary to ensure seamless integration with their scheduling and programming. Two-hour instructionals will be held bi-monthly, November through April, from 6-8 p.m. in a classroom adjacent to the climbing gym in the new rec center. We will engage local climbing experts from organizations like Exum and the Jackson Hole Mountain Guides to deliver the training.
TCC will provide:
- Fundraising: The TCC will raise the funds necessary to offer the instructionals free of charge to Teton County residents.
- Curriculum Development: The TCC will finalize instructional topics with our partners, focusing on essential safety skills for both beginner and advanced climbers.
- Insurance: The TCC will secure insurance as necessary to meet all TCJPR, Teton County and Town of Jackson requirements.
- Marketing & Enrollment: A promotional campaign will be launched to attract participants, emphasizing the opportunity to learn from top-tier professionals at no cost.
- Feedback Process: We will implement mechanisms to gather participant feedback for continuous improvement of the program.
Proposed Terms of Partnership
- Facilities Provision: TCJPR will provide classroom space adjacent to the gym.
- Logistics Coordination: The TCC will communicate with the assigned contact at TCJPR to align the SCI with their existing schedules.
- Recognition of Partnership: The TCC will officially recognize TCJPR as a key partner in all promotional materials and during events.
Key Benefits
- Enhanced Safety: Elevates the safety standards within the climbing community through structured, expert-led instruction.
- Community Building: Offers regular, reliable access to shared learning experiences, strengthening the climbing community.
- Sustainable Program Model: Establishes a framework that can be replicated in future years, ensuring the program’s long-term impact.
Conclusion
Through the Safe Climbing Initiative, we aim to set a new standard in climbing education that not only promotes safety and skill development but also fosters a strong sense of community among climbers in Teton County. We believe this partnership with Teton County will be instrumental in achieving these goals.