AMC New York-North Jersey Chapter

Climbing, Walk On Requirements

Copyright © 1996 - 2008 Appalachian Mountain Club, Boston, MA.
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Chapter Youth Program Re-Launches

The New York-North Jersey Chapter is gearing up to re-launch its chapter youth program, AMC Outings for Urban Kids (AOK), which will link urban youth groups with AMC leaders interested in sharing the wonder and adventure of the outdoors. The program will be targeted to children and teens who may not have had any previous opportunities to explore the natural environment.

If you are interested in becoming a youth activity leader, please contact Richard Barcia at 212-303-8889 (w), (212) 832-0232 (h) or for further information. Please note that all leaders must undergo a background check as well as training, which will be provided by the AMC.

We are also presently looking for at least two chapter youth program coordinators to help supervise the program and serve as liaisons to participating agencies.

We hope that you will consider becoming part of this exciting and rewarding endeavor.

Skills Taught in the Annual Training Program

You should:

  • Be able to build a solid top rope anchor using webbing and/or static rope.  This is important. You'll be rappeling and climbing on this anchor.  Trees or gear anchor points may be used.
  • Have solid knowledge of basic knots: harness tie-in and backup, figure eight-on-a-bite (or equivalent) leash, girth hitch, and can join two rappel ropes
  • Use common climbing commands appropriately.
  • Properly belay a rope leader.
  • Know how to choose and attach yourself to a belay anchor on the ground.
  • Properly clean gear from the rock.
  • Know when, why, and how to flake rope both at bottom of a climb and at the beginning of each successive pitch.
  • Know how to rappel.
  • Wear your harness properly.
  • Coil the rope properly.
  • Know when, why, and how to safely ascend rope using friction knots, e.g. prussic.
  • Know when, why, and how to safely escape a loaded belay.