Why are there Applicant RESTRICTIONS?
The Applicant Restrictions allow CLIMBE to serve students who will most benefit from the programs. In some cases, the Applicant Restrictions stem from guidelines that CLIMBE must follow in order to fulfill grant-funding requirements.
Will the CLIMBE Programs be FUN or are they all WORK?
The CLIMBE Programs are a great opportunity to have FUN with new friends, but they also involve serious scientific WORK. There will be time for fun-and-games, and there will be time to delve into the sampling activities (which are designed to be fun too). Of the hundreds of students that CLIMBE has served, nearly ALL have indicated that they would participate in the program again.
Will students be COMFORTABLE in the “backcountry”?
Due to the nature of backcountry living, some students may indicate a certain degree of discomfort. However, students may borrow ALL the necessary backpacking/camping GEAR from CLIMBE to ensure their comfort during the programs. During the backcountry portion of the programs, students will be responsible to CARRY their own personal gear as well as some group gear, science equipment, and food in a large backpack. Students will NEVER be asked to carry more than they are able to. The backcountry HIKING should not exceed a few miles a day and will typically take place on wide/flat trails. Students will SLEEP under large tarps, in warm sleeping bags, and on soft foam pads. All MEALS will be cooked on the trail and are designed to be nutritious (and delicious).
Will there be TOILET / SHOWER accommodations during the program?
Students will have access to toilet/shower facilities at the beginning and end of the programs. During the backcountry portion of the programs students will learn safe, comfortable, and hygienic ways to relieve themselves in the woods when “nature calls”. Students will also learn how to use the mountain streams to “freshen up” after a long day in the backcountry.
Will students be SAFE during the CLIMBE Programs?
CLIMBE operates out of the Outdoor Education Department at Montreat College, which has been training outdoor leaders and running wilderness adventure programs for over 30 years. CLIMBE utilizes Montreat College’s extensive Risk Management Plan and hires ONLY qualified Field Educators and Logistics Personnel. All CLIMBE staff members undergo rigorous background checks and extensive wilderness safety training, and they carry a comprehensive first-aid kit while in the backcountry. During any given CLIMBE program there is a Logistics Personnel “on-call” in the event of a backcountry emergency. Parents of CLIMBE students will have contact information for the CLIMBE Administrators in the event of a family emergency.
Why do I have to sign an Assumption of Risk Form?
The primary purpose of the Assumption of Risk Form is to inform the student/parents of the risks associated with the CLIMBE Programs. The CLIMBE Administrators work diligently to ensure the safety of students during the programs, but CLIMBE cannot not eliminate all program risks. By signing the Assumption of Risk Form, the student/parents are indicating that 1) they have read and understand the risks associated with the program, 2) the student is participating on a voluntary basis, 3) they have adequate medical insurance, and 4) CLIMBE has permission to treat the student in the event of a medical emergency. See Assumption of Risk Form for full description and details.
Is CLIMBE a religious program?
Montreat College is a Christian College, but these beliefs are NOT taught in the CLIMBE Programs. If a student raises a faith-based question, it will be addressed with the utmost respect for the student’s personal beliefs.
I have special needs. Can I attend CLIMBE?
CLIMBE does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. Persons who require additional assistance will be considered on an individual basis, with the understanding that much of the program is spent hiking remote locations while carrying personal, group, and science gear.