ABOUT AMI
The Association of Mountaineering Instructors recently funded a Women's Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor development course. The funding allowed for 12 Women to attend 3 days of training delivered by AMI Members, Kath James and Libby Peter. During the three days, they focused on helping to develop the personal skills that will build safe practices, and also confidence on the crag and in the mountains.
"The 3-day women’s MCI development course was great to be a part of. Being on a course just for women created a relaxed and supportive environment from the outset. No questions felt silly and being under the guidance of incredible female instructors (in Libby and Kath) it gave a real sense of the MCI qualification being achievable. The 3days left me inspired and excited for the next steps.” Grace
The course was planned progressively, to create and foster opportunities for learning. Day one focused on climbing as a three, with students and instructors climbing in series and parallel. Day two focussed on mountaineering on graded terrain, working as a pair and day three concluded focussing on problem solving, and returning to climbing as a three. These elements are fundamental to the work of many Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors and this opportunity to develop personal skills in preparation for the MCI training course is invaluable.
There was opportunity from both Cath and Libby for students to ask questions and practice the skills that where taught so the students left with a real sense of development, that they might continue their consolidation.
"I'm currently out on the Costa Blanca and have been doing quite a bit of multi-pitching, and even managed to block-lead without a spaghetti rope scenario, thanks to last week. Thank you so much again for organising such a useful 3 days with yourself and Libby. What a privilege! One of the biggest things I have taken away already is the confidence gained from hearing what you both said directly, "from the horse's mouth" so-to-speak, and the being more assured in my own actions and practices when there can be so much conjecture.” Cat
Supporting events or workshops like this is a key part of how the Association of Mountaineering Instructors meets its main charitable aims and supports both its current and potential future members. Asa charity the Association of Mountaineering Instructors aims are to advance mountaineering education (including training), promote good health and wellbeing and the saving of lives; and promote equality and diversity.
"Firstly, thank you so much for taking the time to arrange the pre-training course. It was excellent - a really lovely relaxed learning environment and I feel lucky to have benefited from the opportunity. It was a contrast other events that I attended when other attendees (men) felt the need to mansplain points to me when I already knew it or had the better solution if only they had afforded me the courtesy of listening. It helped to highlight just how much we respected, listened and supported each other on the pre-training course with you though. Personally I appreciated the opportunity to verify where I'm at in the learning process with regards to doing my training. I came away with lots of little things to practice and polish, but feeling as if I'm in a strong position and well prepared for my training course in April. It was invaluable having the three days with yourself and Libby who are both closely linked with the scheme.” Katie
