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How do I sign up?
You can register for a Climbing for Kids event online or over the phone. Because experience and fitness requirements vary for each climb, your registration is not a guarantee of participation. You will receive a confirmation phone call, typically within one week of signing up, along with a Climber's Orientation Packet. If your registration is not accepted your deposit will be automatically refunded. Spaces are limited and tend to fill up fast. Register Now
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When do I get my free gear?
One month before your climb you'll receive your package of mountaineering gear from some of the best outdoor companies in the industry. (See the entire gear package.) In most cases, the gear provided will not entirely outfit your climb and you may need to borrow, rent or buy some additional items. Carefully compare the gear checklist provided in your Climber Orientation Packet to the gear package to ensure that you come to your climb fully prepared.
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What if I don't need the gear?
One of the ways that BAWT benefits youth is by lending outdoor equipment to youth organization, saving them thousands of dollars in rentals. You can help us maintain our gear library by donating back the gear that you don't need after your climb. You can also choose not to receive the gear and qualify for a reduced fundraising goal. You must discuss this option with your Climb Coordinator at the time of your registration confirmation.
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How many people will I be climbing with?
Each climb is different, but group size varies depending on many factors, including the difficulty of the climb, the terrain, and the preferences of the guide service. Take a look at the peaks for more details on individual climbs.
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Will I get to meet the other climbers before the trip?
There is a pre-trip meeting three months before your climb. See your Climber Orientation Packet for exact location, date and time. Attendance at this meeting (either in person or by conference call) is mandatory for all climbers. At this time you'll try on your mountaineering gear and go over trip logistics. This is also a great opportunity to meet your fellow climbers and ask questions about your climb.
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My friend and I signed up together. Can we be on the same rope-team?
Probably. Guides determine which individuals will be roped together based on performance on the mountain. In most cases they are happy to accommodate friends and family who prefer to climb on the same rope team. Let them know about your relationship at the outset of the trip so that they can plan accordingly.
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How do I get to the climb?
Climbers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the climb. We encourage carpooling - see your Climber Orientation packet for more information about arranging this with your fellow climbers.
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How much money do I have to raise?
Each climb is different, but the fundraising goals range from $3,200 to $7,500 depending on many factors including the length of the trip and the location. Take a look at the peaks for more details about individual climbs, and see the fundraising page for general fundraising questions.
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Can I raise that much money in a few months?
Yes, you can. Throw a party, a silent auction, raffle, or poker tournament. Ask friends, family and coworkers. Write hand-written notes, make phone calls and follow-up. Explain the cause. Tell people your fundraising goal. Then ask again. We understand that raising this amount of money can be a bit intimidating, but once you get started you'll be surprised at how much fun you'll have. See fundraising for more information and consult your Climber Orientation Packet for ideas and inspiration from past climbers and professional fundraisers alike.
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What else do I have to pay for?
Climbers are individually responsible for transportation to and from the climb, lunches and in some cases dinners throughout the trip. It is also recommended that you tip your guides.
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How should I tip my guides?
Your guides are experts in a very specialized set of skills. Their job is to keep you safe on the mountain, and if possible, help you achieve the summit. One thing they are not, is well-payed. It is customary to tip the guides 10-20% of the commercial value of your trip. Each trip varies so consult your Climb Coordinator about the specifics. In general, the guides pool their tips, so it is appropriate to give all tips to your group's lead guide.
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What if I have to cancel?
If you become unable to attend your climb you must notify your Climb Coordinator in writing at least 120 days in advance of your climb. Because of the difficult nature of expeditions and the need for several months of training, cancellations anytime after 120 days in advance of the departure date of your climb will result in a charge to your credit card of the remaining balance of your fundraising commitment. In this event, you will be put onto a waiting list and may qualify to fill a cancellation on a later climb, but BAWT cannot guarantee that a space will become available. BAWT cannot move your registration to available spots on future climbs, or to future years. Bay Area Wilderness Training reserves the right to cancel, and/or reschedule the climbs due to registration minimums and will refund your deposit under these circumstances only. BAWT is not responsible for cancellations due to weather or the changing mountain environment, or for additional expenses incurred for cancelled events, including non-refundable airline tickets, equipment rental or purchase, medical expenses, etc.
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Do I need to have mountaineering experience?
Most of our climbs require no previous mountaineering experience, though prior mountaineering, backpacking, camping, and climbing experience are all helpful. Each trip includes professional instruction in the mountaineering techniques that you will use during your ascent. These training day(s) will help you prepare mentally and physically for the challenges you will face on the mountain. Consult your Climb Coordinator if you have specific concerns about your fitness or experience level.
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How should I train for the climb?
The mountains that you'll climb with us were chosen for their rare beauty, classic routes, and physical challenge. They require endurance and mental stamina. In general, You should be working out at least four times a week, and at least one workout per week should have you exerting yourself for several hours. See Current Climbers for more information about Training, and consult your Climber Orientation Packet.
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Which mountain is hardest?
Every climb has unique challenges which defy comparison. Climbers who are concerned about altitude may want to consider the 11,000+ foot Mt. Hood for their first climb. If you're interested in climbing on rock the Grand Teton or Mt. Whitney might suit you. More experienced folks may want to test themselves on the glaciers of Rainier and Orizaba. No matter which mountain you choose, a once-in-a-lifetime challenge is ahead of you. Your Climb Coordinator can answer specific questions about your interests and experience and help you choose the mountain that's right for you.
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Will I have problems with altitude?
See Current Climbers for more information about altitude illness, and consult your Climber Orientation Packet.
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Will I summit?
We hope so. All of our summit climbs are in reach of any person in good physical shape who is determined to adapt his or her skills to the varied environment. However, due to changing weather, individual physical fitness, and other safety considerations not everyone will summit a mountain every time they try. Mountaineering is as much about knowing when to turn back, as it is about reaching the top. That's why it's called Climbing, instead of summiting.
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Is food provided?
Each climb is different, but in general climbers will be responsible for bringing their own food for breakfast, lunch and dinner on the mountain. Our generous sponsors Clif Bar and GU are providing energy bars, gels and drinks. See Current Climbers for more information about nutrition, and consult your Climber Orientation Packet for specific information about what meals you'll need to provide for yourself.
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Is this climb for adults or kids?
This is a fundraising climb for adults to support BAWT's mission to get urban youth into the wilderness. Minors may also participate, but are responsible for meeting the same fundraising goals as all other climbers. Parents of the minor must sign a liability release and are responsible for insuring that their young person meets the minimum fundraising goal.
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Will there be porters/sherpas to carry my equipment?
That would be too easy! You'll be carrying your own gear as well as some group gear like tents, stoves and fuel. On the way to high you're your pack can weigh anywhere from 35 to 50 pounds, depending on your height and weight.
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Should I bring my cell phone, ipod or a book?
No. One of the best parts of climbing a mountain is the remote setting. We encourage you to immerse yourself in the wilderness. Plus, you'll benefit from every opportunity to shave a few ounces off your pack.
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What is BAWT?
Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT) is a project of Earth Island Institute a 501(c)(3) corporation founded by environmental activist and climber David Brower. Brower's legacy as a climber with hundreds of first ascents on High Sierra peaks is only overshadowed by his legacy as a tireless champion of the environment. Read more about BAWT, Brower and Earth Island Institute.
