Never Stop Learning
Continuing Education in Joshua Tree National Park with the American Mountain Guide Association
In February 2020, I made a journey west to one of rock climbing's most revered climbing areas, Joshua Tree National Park, to formalize my climbing education with a master’s level climbing course from the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA). My focus was to earn a Single Pitch Instructor Certification, which would allow me to take Stone community members climbing outdoors, and teach a variety of classes.
On this trip, I was there for you, the Friends of Stone. I want to be able to help you safely transition from a gym climber to a well-rounded outdoor climber, should you be inclined. I know many of you will be.
My instructor, Josh Jackson, has been guiding for 25 years and is very passionate about teaching his craft.
Over the three-day course, we built and constructed countless anchors, and talked extensively about risk management, client care, and instructional techniques.
Building an anchor on Playhouse Rock, Joshua Tree.
As I prepared to leave Hidden Valley Campground in Joshua Tree I was overcome with emotions. The past week was so many things; exhilarating, exhausting, empowering. I’ve spent over six months of my life among these high desert rocks and they have shaped who I am. The past week as much as any other.
Getting the certification required passing a two-day, in-field exam. I was in real guiding scenarios being accessed and timed by our instructor. It was a great learning experience and pretty nerve-racking, but I passed! Thankfully, I had some great friends come out and support me at camp.
The whole experience was life-changing for my climbing practice, and will bring huge benefits to the members of Stone Climbing who are interested in climbing outdoors (which I hope will be all of you). I’m so stoked to introduce people to the beautiful world of climbing.
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