MCofS REALrock
the next step from indoor climbing
Since 1999 MCofS have operated a series of sessions for children aged between 7yr and 17yrs who have had some experience of climbing indoors who wish to progress to the next step and learn to lead on traditional 'gear' climbs outside. The aim of the initiative is to help them become safe independent climbers. With parents attending, it makes for a unique family activity and has encouraged some parents to get climbing as well!
The first few years were delivered by MCofS volunteer Scott Muir with MCofS Development Officer Kevin Howett, later taken on by committee member John Orr, and since then many experienced adult members (and our volunteer Area Youth Coordinators Ruairidh Mackenzie and Neal McGeechy) have helped deliver over 60 individual evening sessions each summer, giving children the confidence to take their climbing into the real world; climbers such as Ailine Kirkland (now leading E2), Robert Mackenzie (leading E4+) and Jonathan Stocking (leading E2). In 2007 volunteers delivered a 'Scottish Youth Climbing Meet' over a weekend offering REALsport sessions at Benny Beg and Weem.
What the Kids and Volunteers Say:
Here is a selection of comments and images of the MCofS youth climbing initiative:
From the Kids and Parents
From the Volunteers
How are they Organised?
REALrock sessions are organised by MCofS but delivered by member volunteers who are experienced climbers themselves but who also have had experience of teaching children (many are instructors or teachers). All venues are risk assessed and the activities have been overseen by the MCofS Development Officer with technical advice offered by a volunteer member qualified as a Mountain Instructor.
In order to protect children participating in the event they must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times whist on the meet (NB: it is not a requirement for volunteers to be checked – Disclosure – so parents and volunteers should ensure that they are never alone with children). Parents are expected to take responsibility for the behaviour of their children and the volunteer climbers take responsibility for their safety whilst climbing. Parents should take head of the volunteer’s comments regarding safety issues at a venue. Parents are recommended they read the ‘Children: Information for Parents’ document and the MCofS Events Protocol, as well as the MCofS Child Protection Policy elsewhere on the website.
We encourage parents to participate actively and volunteers are willing to teach them the basics of climbing such as the equipment and how to use it at a novice level to support their children if they wish.
Volunteers
REALrock would not be possible without the voluntary help of MCofS members who have devoted a lot of time to help over the years. We would like to thank Scott Muir, John Orr, Ruairidh Mackenzie, Neil McGeachy, Davy Virdee, Ken Johnston, Simon Barnes, Martin McCallum, Mike Jeffers, Gary Wardrope, Fred Belcher, David Myatt, Stephen Kirkpatrick, John McDonald, Rab Anderson, Jo George, Steve Hammond, Steve Bate and Andy Munro.
If you would like to help as a volunteer, contact Kevin Howett at the MCofS.