Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP)

BCEP 2010 Information will be available by July 15. Check back soon!

BCEP quick links

• How much time will this class take?  Check the BCEP BCEP Sample Calendar
• Who, what and when . . . BCEP lecture schedule (updated June 26, 2008)

Questions about BCEP 2009? Join our Facebook group. Go to http://www.facebook.com and search for BCEP2009 (you will need to create a facebook account if you don’t already have one). This group is a forum to ask questions and connect with other people interested in taking the class as well as leaders and assistants that will be involved this year. You can also email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Important dates for BCEP

• Jan 1, 2009  Complete BCEP information available in the January Mazama Bulletin.
• Jan 5, 2009 Online application available to Mazama members: go to the member pages home page to find the link
• Jan 12, 2009 BCEP Information Night, 7:30 pm, at the Mazama Mountaineering Center (Click here for a Map to the MMC) Note: This information night is optional and attendance is not required for admission to BCEP.  HOWEVER, applications will be accepted that night (this will be the first opportunity for non-members to apply). Please bring your checkbook with you if you would like to sign up at Info Night - credit card payments will not be accepted.
• Jan 13, 2009 Online application available to all interested parties.
• February 23, 2009  Notification of acceptance, on or about this date.  Please do not call the Mazamas prior to this date to ask about your admission. 
• March 16, 2009  The first of six Monday night class sessions, at Binnsmead Middle School (map)
• April 27, 2009  Last of the Monday night classes, and final exam.

BCEP History and Leadership

The Mazamas, a non-profit organization, have been offering similar versions of the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) since the spring of 1950, and are proud of this long tradition.  BCEP is the most popular class offered by Mazamas.  We are not a professional guide service or outfitter, but hold ourselves to high standards of outdoor safety and training.

The large numbers of educators in BCEP, including the team leaders, lecturers, instructors, coordinators, etc., are all volunteers who do it for the enjoyment of climbing and satisfaction of teaching.  Over 4,000 hours of volunteer time are needed to run the BCEP class!  Mountaineering is a sport with a long tradition of teaching and mentorship, and our leaders are happy to pass on to others the instruction and guidance they once received themselves. 

The lead coordinator for BCEP 2009 is Sarah Bradham, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

BCEP Objectives and Skills

The objective of BCEP is to prepare students physically and mentally to be safe team members on Mazamas “A” and “B” level climbs, and to provide a foundation for continuing mountaineering education and experience.

The program will expose you to the rigors of conditioning hikes in the Columbia Gorge and elsewhere. These hikes are designed to make you fit enough for the physical challenges of mountain climbing. You’ll participate in field sessions that will provide instruction in snow and rock climbing techniques. Lectures will provide the foundation for participation in the field sessions, and enable you to learn from some of our most experienced climbers.

Upon successful graduation from the class, you will receive a frame-ready Mazamas Basic Climbing Education Program graduation certificate.

Climbs

The Mazamas offer more than 350 climbs a year, of varying difficulty.  Anyone, members and non-members, may apply for these climbs.  Mazama leaders select their climb party from those who have the skills and training for that particular climb.  BCEP graduates will typically have acquired the skills required for Mazama “A” or “B” level climbs including peaks such as Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mount St. Helens, South and Middle Sister, Curtis Gilbert, Mt. Thielsen, among others.  Please see these links for more info on the Mazamas climbing program and some suggested peaks for BCEP grads.

Facts about BCEP

Typically, more than 250 people apply for the 220+ openings in the class.  Each student is assigned to a team of 9-12 students led by a volunteer Mazamas climb leader and several assistants. Students stay in the same team for all course activities. The minimum age for all students is 15 as of April 1, 2009 (15 & 16 year olds must enroll in the class with a parent or guardian).  No prior climbing experience is required, and you do not need to be a Mazama member to take the course.

Mountaineering is physically demanding and the required field training is rigorous.  The course is recommended only for those in good physical condition, and who maintain a regular fitness program.  Conditioning hikes are a required part of the BCEP program, but should not be the only physical preparation for this course or for climbing.

Individual leaders may schedule additional events such as knot practice, rope techniques, and map and compass navigation.  Please try to clear your weekends during the course and be flexible with your time during the course period in order to get the most out of the class.  This class requires a commitment of your weekends, Monday evenings and a couple of weeknights for six weeks.  Since enrollment is limited, only those who are serious about mountaineering and who have the time to complete the course should apply.  (If you are unable to attend a weekend or two, it is still possible to complete the class.)

BCEP Information Night

There will be an informational meeting for BCEP at the Mazama Mountaineering Center (Click here for a Map to the MMC) on January 12, 2009 at 7:30 PM. This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered! We will have past BCEP graduates at Info Night who will share their experiences, a slide show with pictures showing what you can expect at field sessions, and a question and answer session where you can ask your questions.  Attendance is encouraged, but not required, for admission to BCEP.  Attending this info night may increase your chances of admission to the class.  Application forms will be available at this event. This will be the first opportunity for non-members to sign up for the class. If you would like to submit an application at Info Night please bring your checkbook with you to this event, credit cards will not be accepted.

Class Lectures and Team Discussions

Lectures on mountaineering topics are given on six Monday nights from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, starting March 16 at Binnsmead Middle School (map). Team discussions follow the lectures. Additional activities may be scheduled prior to the class, and are optional but recommended (e.g. videos, navigation practice).

Field Sessions

Two all-day field sessions will be held to practice basic snow and rock climbing skills.  The rock climbing field session will be held at Horsethief Butte, Washington (near The Dalles), and the snow field session will be held on Mt. Hood near Timberline Lodge.  As prerequisites to these sessions, each team leader will schedule sessions on knot tying and belaying and rappel techniques.  If you miss a field session or hike with your team, it is usually possible to make it up with another team, but students must plan ahead for this so they do not miss important sessions.

Conditioning Hikes & Other Activities

Each team leader will schedule several conditioning hikes.  Participation in at least four hikes is required for completion of BCEP.  The purpose of the hikes is to challenge and motivate physical conditioning and to acquaint students with wilderness travel, their fellow team members and leaders.  Most hikes are in the Columbia River Gorge and involve trail mileage and altitude gain similar to that of a Cascade mountain climb.  Transportation is not provided, and carpooling is strongly encouraged.  Additional activities may be offered at the team leader’s discretion.  Participation in these activities will enhance enjoyment of the program but is not required.

Summary of BCEP Requirements

• Six Monday night classes/lectures (March 16, March 23, March 30, April 6, April 20, April 27), 6:30 to 9:30 pm, and team discussions.  Students should prepare for lectures by reading assigned text(s) in Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills (7th edition) and other materials.
• Field session on rock climbing skills at Rocky Butte in E Portland (usually 3 - 5 hours on a weekend morning, or weeknight, scheduled by team leader)
• Field session on rock climbing skills at Horsethief Butte (near The Dalles, all day Saturday or Sunday)
• Field session on snow climbing skills (at Mt. Hood, all day Saturday or Sunday)
• Four conditioning hikes (most are all day Saturday or Sunday)
• A knots and belay practice session (weekday evening scheduled by team leader)
• A minimum score of 75% on the final exam
• Successful completion of the final skills test.

Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and become eligible for A and B level Mazama climbs.

Gear and Equipment

Please wait until the class begins before you do a big gear purchase, as leader recommendations and gear discounts from local shops may influence your choices.  Note that crampons, ice axe, helmets and plastic mountaineering boots are easily rented from local outdoor shops, and you might be able to borrow some of this gear from your instructors. 

Need to own or be able to borrow

• Windproof / rainproof parka
• Backpack
• Clothing (polypro, shorts, socks, fleeces, gloves, hat, raingear, etc.)
• Hiking Boots or trail shoes

Items that can easily be rented

• Crampons
• Helmet
• Ice axeBoots for snow session that are crampon compatible

Need to purchase or borrow

• Climbing harness
• carabiners, prusik cord, webbing, belay device

The following table is intended to give an idea of what costs they may incur throughout BCEP.  Purchase and rental costs provided below are approximate; sales, special packages, and discounts may lower costs.  Actual costs to the student will vary upon their individual choice of purchase (new or used), rent, or borrow.  Please wait until after the first class before making any purchasing decisions!  Don’t forget, in addition to gear, there will be costs associated with carpooling to hikes and field sessions, and your team may go to pubs or restaurants following hikes and field sessions.

Getting into BCEP

BCEP is run entirely by volunteers and normally can accommodate about 220 students.  Applicants should consider the following suggestions to increase their chances of admission:

• If you have tried to get into BCEP in the past and failed, you may be given priority for admission for this year’s class. 
• Mazama members may be given priority over non-members.
• Those attending the BCEP Info Night may be given priority over those who do not.

BCEP Registration Fees and Application Info

Registration fees for 2009 are $265 for members and $315 for non-members.  If accepted, fees cover attendance at lectures and field sessions, a Student Handbook, and other study materials. The book for the class is Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 7th edition. If you already have the book, you may use your own for the class. If you need to purchase the book, it is available for $20 through the Mazamas. There will be a $20 discount for ALL applicants that submit a registration before January 16!

Application Process

Applications will be accepted ONLINE only (except for at Info Night with check payment)

• If you are a Mazama Member as of December 31, 2008, you will be able to register beginning on January 5 through the member pages on the web site. Signing up for Mazama membership between January 1 and January 12 will NOT enable you to register early for BCEP
• Info Night attendees will be able to register on Info Night (January 12) in person with a check, or online with a special password and credit card.
• All other individuals will be able to register ONLINE beginning on January 13, 2009. 
• Applications will be processed in date order until the maximum enrollment is reached. 
• Incomplete applications may not be considered.
• Since enrollment is limited, only those who are serious about mountaineering and who have the time to complete the course should apply.
• Minimum age for students is 15 as of April 1, 2009 (15 & 16 year olds must enroll in the class with a parent or guardian).
• Please do not call the Mazama office to ask if you have been accepted. All applicants will be notified on or about February 23, 2009.

Waiting List, Cancellations & Refunds

The demand for enrollment in BCEP often exceeds the number that can be accepted.  If the program fills, a waiting list will be maintained until March 22.  Wait-listed students must attend the first two lectures, or be dropped from the waiting list. 

Cancellations & Refunds

If you need to cancel your spot in BCEP, please alert the BCEP coordinator ASAP to make room for everyone on the wait list.
One you submit an application, the cancellation policy applies.

• A $25 handling fee will be deducted for all cancellations before March 2.
• A $60 handling fee will be assessed for any student canceling out of the class between March 3 and March 13.
• Between March 14 and March 17 at 5 PM the cancellation fee is $100.
• After the first lecture students wishing to drop the class must contact the (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) by 5 PM on March 17. Students will be refunded the class fee minus a $100 handling fee.
• After March 17 there will be no refunds.  To cancel your spot in the class, please email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

More questions . . .

If you have any other class related questions, please feel free to contact us at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

USDA Special Use Permit Information and Non-Discrimination Statement

Mazamas Education Programs operate under a special use permit with the Mt. Hood National Forest.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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