In order to protect and maintain our outdoor crags, we need all climbers to recreate respectfully. At popular climbing areas, climbers have impact on the environment and the local community. If we want these precious resources to be available for future generations of climbers, we need to take care of them!
Gym to Crag Workshops
WMCC volunteers lead several ‘Gym to Crag Workshops’ a year in order to introduce climbers to Leave No Trace Principles, important etiquette, and things to know before heading outside.
Jordan Revis leads a Gym to Crag at Boston Bouldering Project.
With a few exceptions, our workshop facilitators are NOT guides and therefore do not teach participants skills about HOW to climb outside. These workshops do not cover how to build an anchor, or set up/clean sport routes. They typically take place at a climbing gym.
Some topics we DO cover in our Gym to Crag program:
- What is a Local Climbing Organization? Who is the WMCC and the Access Fund?
- Where do people climb and what access issues should I be aware of?
- Where do I park?
- Where/how do I poop?
- What are falcon closures?
- What should I expect if climbing at Farley Ledge?
- What things should I bring climbing?
- How do I assess a bolt?
These workshops can be geared to all ability levels and disciplines. The climber who might get the most out of these workshops have likely climbed outside with a friend once or twice before. However, we encourage you to attend even if you’ve never climbed outside before, or if you have climbed outside for years. Please reach out to us at wmcc@climbgneiss.org if you are interested in facilitating or attending a workshop!
Crag Tours
In contrast to our Gym to Crag Workshops, Crag Tours take place at the crag. We begin the tour with discussion about access and etiquette when climbing outside, and then go explore the crag. Some tours are designated for affinity groups, others are only for WMCC members. If you are affiliated with an affinity group, or other interested group, email us at wmcc@climbgneiss.org.
Other Education
We try to make high quality, up to date information available on our website. We also share information through our email newsletter (sign up here) and on our social media. Make sure to check out all the crag pages and other resources we offer!