2026 Mazama Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) Info Night

Info Night Session for Basic Climbers Education Program 2026

Introduction to the Info Night

• Mark Kennedy introduces himself as the senior coordinator for the planning program, welcoming attendees to the session.

• The session is recorded and will be available later on Mazama's website for those who miss any part of it. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions via the Q&A section.

Agenda Overview

• The agenda includes discussions on:

• History of Mazamas.

• Overview of BP (Basic Climbers Education Program).

• Team structure and class requirements.

• Tuition costs and necessary gear.

• Application process and selection criteria.

• Joe Robinson, another coordinator, will start with a history overview of Mazamas.

History of Mazamas

• Founded in 1894 by climbers on Mount Hood, Mazamas has played a significant role in outdoor recreation advocacy in Oregon.

• Key achievements include lobbying for Crater Lake National Park and protecting Mount Baker as a natural area. The organization has evolved from a club with restricted membership to a nonprofit organization today.

Mission and Membership Benefits

• The mission remains focused on inspiring love and protection for mountains, emphasizing safety and enjoyment in outdoor activities through education. Currently, there are over 3,000 members benefiting from various resources like training programs, libraries, climbing walls, organized climbs led by qualified leaders, discounts at local retailers, and rescue insurance for climbing activities.

Mazamas Overview and Opportunities

Organizational Functions and Research Grants

• The Mazamas operate various locations and programs, enabling them to issue research grants for expeditions worldwide.

• Recent grants have been awarded to organizations like the Oregon Glaciers Institute, focusing on climate change impacts on Oregon's mountains.

Conservation Efforts and Volunteerism

• The organization serves as trail stewards for Mount Hood and the Oregon Coast Range, collaborating with groups like Trailkeepers of Oregon.

• Volunteering is a core aspect of the Mazamas; all speakers in this call are volunteers passionate about outdoor activities and community building.

Recreational Activities Offered

• The Mazamas lead numerous hikes and climbs annually, with metrics showing an increase in participation post-COVID. In 2025, they organized 241 climbs and 487 hikes.

• Hikes are generally free to the public, coordinated by volunteers who manage logistics such as meeting points and safety protocols. Climbing events may require membership fees for participation.

Types of Climbs Available

• Climbs vary from casual hikes (e.g., Dog Mountain Loop) to more challenging summits (e.g., Mount Hood), catering to different skill levels among participants.

• Free rambles occur twice weekly from downtown Portland into local parks, promoting active lifestyles within the community. These sessions have remained consistent over time.

BEP Program Overview

Introduction to BEP

• The Basic Education Program (BEP) aims to equip participants with skills necessary for A-level (entry-level) and B-level (intermediate) climbs within the Mazamas framework.

Skill Levels Defined

• A-level climbs involve basic physical fitness without technical maneuvers; examples include summer ascents of Mount St. Helens. B-level climbs require additional skills such as top rope climbing or using mountaineering gear under specific conditions like snow or ice travel.

Advanced Educational Pathways

• BEP serves as a foundation for advanced courses like ICS (Intermediate Climbing School), which focuses on sport climbing techniques and high alpine mountaineering skills including crevasse rescue methods.

Community Engagement through BEP

• Participants will engage closely with experienced volunteers during their training, fostering connections within the climbing community while enhancing their skills safely alongside peers sharing similar interests in outdoor activities.

Mazamas BEP Overview

Program Structure and Support

• The Mazamas program includes experienced leaders with extensive resumes in technical climbing, providing support for each class. Each class is assisted by eight volunteers who may have less leadership authority but possess valuable skills.

• Aiming for a low student-to-assistant ratio, the program typically has one assistant per student or two assistants for every three students, enhancing hands-on learning experiences.

Logistics of the Program

• The BEP consists of 12 cohorts starting between February 23rd and March 26th, running for about eight weeks. This structure allows flexibility in scheduling to accommodate various prior commitments.

• Participants remain with their assigned teams throughout the program, which offers multiple schedules to fit individual needs. Early cohorts allow participants to start climbing earlier in the season.

Cohort Assignments and Team Dynamics

• Teams are formed based on schedule preferences indicated during application, promoting camaraderie as team members often become close climbing partners.

• Affinity groups exist within the program for specific demographics (e.g., Latino, queer zamas), allowing participants to self-identify and join teams that resonate with their identities.

Curriculum Breakdown

• The curriculum is divided into four parts: online homework modules, in-person breakouts, team hikes, and technical sessions. All teams follow the same online content before engaging in practical applications.

• Online modules serve as essential resources accessible throughout the course for studying and preparing for weekly breakout sessions.

Practical Training Components

• Weekly breakouts occur on weekday evenings where participants review content collectively and practice skills hands-on; attendance is mandatory.

• Team hikes are crucial for conditioning and skill practice; each member must complete at least three hikes to gain experience while enjoying popular trails.

Introduction to the Program

Overview of Skill Building Sessions

• The program emphasizes hands-on skill building, primarily scheduled on weekends, with some exceptions for weekday teams.

• Participants will engage in an indoor rock climbing session at the Mazamas Mountaineering Center (MMC), which serves as a hub for various programs.

• An outdoor rock climbing session includes an overnight stay at Horse Thief, noted for its scenic beauty.

• A snow session is also included at Timberline Lodge, featuring another overnight experience at the historic Mazama's Lodge.

Final Evaluation and Graduation Requirements

• Before the final test, participants have a technical session at MMC to practice skills learned throughout the course.

• Graduation requirements include passing an online test and skills evaluation, completing all homework assignments, attending every breakout session, and participating in a minimum of three team hikes along with four technical sessions.

Cost Structure and Financial Aid

Tuition Fees

• The annual membership fee for Mazamas is $88; tuition for members is $940 while non-members pay $1,170.

• Payment plans are available: members can opt for three installments of $313.34; non-members will pay $390 per installment.

Additional Costs and Financial Assistance

• Transportation costs are significant due to outdoor activities; carpooling is encouraged to foster bonding among participants.

• An optional textbook titled "Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills" (10th edition) is recommended but not required.

• Financial aid covers up to 70% of tuition but does not apply to gear costs; applicants should not overly rely on this limited assistance.

Gear Requirements

Personal Gear Essentials

• Required personal gear will be discussed during gear nights where participants can consult leaders and shop representatives before making purchases.

• Safety equipment such as climbing harnesses and helmets should be bought new; used gear may pose safety risks unless one has extensive knowledge about it.

Gear Recommendations and Application Process Overview

Gear Essentials for Outdoor Activities

• Discounts available at the mountain shop for program members, applicable to both entire packages and individual items. Personal experience indicates significant savings from utilizing these discounts.

• Emphasis on the importance of appropriate apparel for outdoor conditions (cold, snow, rain). Suggested items include raincoats, pants, base layers, mid-layers, hats, specific eyewear for snow, and trekking poles.

• Encouragement to purchase used apparel to save costs; however, caution is advised to ensure that secondhand gear functions properly (e.g., raincoat effectiveness).

• Local recommendations for affordable gear options in Portland include Loca Aventura (a secondhand store), Next Adventure, REI, Resupply, and various thrift stores specializing in athletic gear.

• For specialized rental gear like ice axes and mountaineering boots needed for Timberline snow sessions: renting is recommended due to high costs. Local rental locations include Mountain Shop and Next Adventure.

Application Selection Process

• The application window opens soon; it’s important to note that applications are not first come first served—timing does not affect selection chances.

• Key components of the application include team schedules; applicants should carefully match their availability with team activity dates as missed activities may be difficult or impossible to make up.

• Applicants can express preferences regarding teammates or affinity groups (e.g., Latino or queer communities). While efforts will be made to accommodate requests, guarantees cannot be provided.

• Community engagement is valued; previous volunteer work with Mazamas or other outdoor organizations can enhance an applicant's profile but is not a strict requirement.

• Fitness levels are assessed but do not exclude applicants. The aim is balanced distribution across teams based on ability for optimal group experiences. Financial aid applications are also included in the process.

Selection Criteria Insights

• Historically more applications than available spots lead to prioritization of underrepresented communities and past volunteers. Previous applicants who were not selected receive priority consideration this year.

• Random selection will occur after prioritization criteria are applied. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by February 6th following the application period.

Mountaineering Skills and Opportunities

Introduction to Hiking Sequences

• Participants can engage in various hiking sequences that start easy and progressively increase in difficulty, providing a chance to assess personal gear suitability.

• The Mazamus calendar lists these hikes, which serve as an excellent opportunity for individuals to evaluate their rain gear and overall preparedness for different weather conditions.

Alpine Climbing Course

• An "Intro to Alpine Climbing" class is offered in late spring, focusing on technical skills similar to those taught in the BP program but designed for individuals with significant outdoor experience.

• This course aims to elevate participants' mountaineering skills to match those of BAP graduates, making it suitable for experienced climbers looking to refine their techniques.

Skill Builders and Resources

• Short skill-building courses (1-3 hours), available throughout the year, focus on specific mountaineering or climbing skills. These are also listed on the Mazamus calendar.

• The website alpinesavvy.com is recommended as a valuable resource for learning about various mountaineering techniques and knowledge.

Q&A Session Insights

• A Q&A session follows the presentation, addressing participant inquiries regarding volunteer experience from organizations outside of Mazamas being considered during selection.

• Volunteer experiences related to conservation, outreach, stewardship, or instruction will be prioritized but all relevant experiences can be included in applications.

Underrepresented Groups Definition

• Underrepresented groups are defined by race, ethnicity, LGBTQ identity, and self-identification within these categories; efforts are made towards achieving gender parity within programs.

Team Sign-Up Process

• Participants can request team placements with specific individuals during application; while not guaranteed due to sorting complexities, past experiences show high success rates in accommodating such requests.

Age Restrictions Clarified

• There is no upper age limit for participation; individuals have successfully taken classes into their 80s as long as they meet physical requirements for group hikes.

• For participants under 18 years old, a minimum age of 15 at the first lecture applies; those under 17 must attend with a legal guardian or parent.

Membership Queries Addressed

• Questions arise about membership upon acceptance at reduced rates; discussions are ongoing regarding this possibility within organizational policies.

Differences Between Programs Explained

• Clarifications sought regarding differences between BP and Intro to Alpine Climbing programs highlight considerations for prospective students deciding which course aligns best with their goals.

Introduction to Alpine Climbing and Community Experiences

Overview of the Intro to Alpine Climbing Course

• The "Intro to Alpine Climbing" course is designed for beginners, focusing on technical skills similar to the BUP (Basic Understanding Program), but with a different structure.

• This course lasts four to five weeks, shorter than the eight-week BET (Basic Education Training), and targets individuals with significant outdoor experience, such as backpackers.

Skills and Outcomes

• Participants will acquire comparable technical skills regardless of whether they take the Intro or BET courses, qualifying them for advanced classes within Mazamas.

Community Feedback on BEP

• A participant shared that beyond gaining skills, they were pleasantly surprised by the strong sense of community formed during the program.

• Another individual noted their lack of prior experience in rock or snow climbing but found immense value in both learning basic skills and building connections with others.

Personal Reflections on Experience

• One participant expressed joy in meeting new friends through the course while discovering their passion for backcountry skiing instead of mountaineering.

Selection Process Transparency

• The selection process for programs like BEP is transparent; it involves random selection combined with criteria aimed at increasing inclusivity within Mazamas.

• There are established guidelines that prioritize filling spots based on affinity groups and past applicants before random selection occurs.

Group Dynamics in Climbing Teams

• Questions arose about grouping participants by ability level; generally, teams consist of varied skill levels which fosters mutual learning among members.

• A participant highlighted that having diverse abilities within a team enhances learning experiences as everyone can contribute differently.

Understanding the Differences Between BEP and IA Programs

Overview of Program Structures

• The IA program has fewer teams, making it a smaller program compared to BEP, which offers more opportunities for participants.

• The IA program consists of approximately six required days, indicating a more condensed structure than BEP, which provides greater breadth and depth in training.

• Participants in BEP gain more practice on essential skills due to its larger scale and frequency of sessions.

Networking Opportunities

• Both BEP and IA provide similar badges for climbing selections; however, the networking aspect is significantly better in BEP due to longer engagement with Mazama's members.

• Establishing personal connections with climb leaders is crucial for selection in climbs; this is less feasible in the shorter IA program.

Climbing Experience Insights

• Mount Hood is frequently offered as a climb option, providing ample opportunities regardless of the chosen program.

• Participants looking to improve their conditioning will benefit from taking part in BUP during winter months when outdoor activities are limited.

Scheduling Considerations

• While schedules may technically align between programs, it may not be practical to participate in both simultaneously.

• Current schedules for BP are available while IEC’s 2026 schedule is still pending publication; past schedules can offer some guidance.

Commitment and Accessibility

• Living outside Portland may affect participation; hands-on skills must be demonstrated in person at specific locations like Mount Hood or Southeast Portland.

• Previous participants have successfully managed commuting from various locations but often require overnight stays or camping arrangements.

Financial Aid Discussion Overview

Selection Criteria and Financial Aid Queries

• A participant inquires about selection criteria for a different program, indicating a lack of clarity on the topic.

• Mark is asked if there has historically been enough financial aid to cover applicants' requests; he admits uncertainty regarding this issue.

• Mark reflects on past issues where many inappropriate applicants sought financial aid, suggesting that the available funds are limited.

• A volunteer clarifies that their role does not involve direct interaction with financial aid processes, emphasizing that staff at Mazamas manage these aspects.

• It is confirmed that a full overview of scholarship applications will be conducted by the appropriate team.

Application Schedules and Contact Information

• Participants are informed that application schedules will be accessible starting January 14th when applications open.

• The speaker encourages attendees to reach out via email for any lingering questions or personal inquiries related to the application process.