This popular training event is for experienced members of BMC-affiliated club to learn about training novices in climbing, scrambling and hill walking.

This popular training event will return on 7-9 July 2023, at Plas y Brenin in Eryri (Snowdonia), and it's only £75 to attend including accommodation, instruction and some meals.

The weekend is aimed at the experienced members of affiliated clubs that support less experienced members whilst they gain experience, develop skills, and become competent climbers, walkers and mountaineers in their own right. 

Many clubs offer training sessions with experienced club members instructing novice or less experienced members.  This may be on a formal basis at specific training meets or informally at any club meet, and whilst it is not necessary for club members to hold any formal qualifications in order to deliver training to other members within their club, some may wish to be better informed on current good practice.

The weekend will include theory sessions on the principles of teaching and learning skills in the outdoors, issues around duty of care, insurance implications and good practice all delivered by experts in their field.  The majority of the weekend will consist of practical sessions on the teaching of climbing, hill walking, scrambling and navigation skills.

The course fee includes self-catering, shared accommodation at Plas y Brenin for the weekend, three-course meal on the Saturday evening, all group kit and all instruction.

When booking your place you will need to choose which practical sessions you wish to participate in.  The four choices are:

Saturday afternoon: Single pitch rock climbing, & Sunday: Single pitch rock climbing

Saturday afternoon: Single pitch rock climbing, & Sunday: Scrambling

Saturday afternoon: Hill walking, & Sunday: Scrambling

Saturday afternoon: Hill walking, & Sunday: Hil walking

On Saturday morning everyone will be together doing indoor sessions.

The content of the practical sessions will be tailored to the needs of the participants, but you can expect it to cover 

Saturday (afternoon)
Single Pitch Rock Climbing - teaching movement skills, footwork, balance, crag safety, wall to rock
Hill-walking - teaching navigation skills

Sunday (all day)
Single Pitch Rock Climbing - teaching safe belaying, supervising lead climbers, crag choice
Hill-walking - more advanced navigation, group management, route choice, safety
Scrambling - route choice, group management, safety

Book your place here

All prices include all instruction, group equipment, tea and cakes after the practical session on Saturday & Sunday plus a three-course meal on the Saturday evening.  The accommodation is for Friday and Saturday night on a self-catering basis in the bunkhouse.

Total cost for the weekend = £75

This rate is significantly subsidised by the BMC.

En-suite rooms may be available in the main house for you to book if you would prefer prviate accommodation - please contact PyB directly to do this (www.pyb.co.uk / 01690 720214)

NB You must be a current member of a BMC-affiliated club to attend this course

NB It is expected that all participants are competent in the skills appropriate to the practical session options that they have chosen.

If training novices in the winter is more your thing then check out the equivalent course covering winter skills

Already attended this course and want to progress further? Check out our Next Steps course

Some feedback from course participants

"An excellent course - interesting and informative. Great staff"

"A very well presented and useful course.  Holding it at PYB using their instructors was the icing on the cake.  Very good."

"All round this was an excellent event that far exceeded my expectations.  We can return to the club with new levels of optimism.  Many thanks for organising it."

WATCH: Training Novice Members Workshop on BMC TV

Please note

Places on this course are not guaranteed until payment has been received.

Cancellations within 14 days of the course starting will not be eligible for a refund.

Cancellations 15-28 days prior to the course starting will get a 50% refund.

Cancellations more than 28 days prior to the course starting get a full refund.

In case of cancellation we can sometimes transfer your booking to another course if you wish and there is space.

If the course is cancelled by the BMC a full refund will be offered or the option to transfer your booking on to another course, whichever you prefer.

Further details

For queries about this programme contact Jane Thompson via email or phone: jane@thebmc.co.uk / 07885 910606

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