Technical tree climbing: the joy of going out on a limb

Camping Magazine, May-June, 1996 by Kathy Snooks

The day was perfect. Clear blue skies, a gentle breeze, and the company of our new companion, Gemini, a 90-foot oak at the Mystic Grove. The instructor had explained every detail thoroughly and now it was time to "get some air." Slowly we ascended, like spiders on threads, into the lavish canopy. Perched high on a branch, I surveyed my surroundings and felt as if I had entered a new world. My heart was light and soaring. Above me a voice called out "surf's up," as a strong gust passed through the grove. We rode the wind and I threw my head back, laughing contentedly, and realized then that it was not a new world I was exploring, but an old world rediscovered. I was reminded of the mystery, the abandon, and the thrill of tree climbing in my youth. I had rediscovered the joy of going out on a limb.

Unlike the tree climbing of our youth, technical tree climbing employs the use of arborist rope, special saddle harnesses, and knots to ascend safely into the tree canopy. The technique used is similar to that used by professional arborists. The climbers, in an attempt to reach the highest possible branch, throw a weighted pouch that is attached to a thin cord. Then they use the thin line to feed the climbing rope up and over the branch. They tie a figure eight on a bight, then a taut line hitch and a single figure eight as a "keeper" knot. This series of knots creates a bridge between the two ends of the rope.

The climbers ascend by snapping the figure eight on a bight into the saddle with a locking carabiner. Then, they pull down on the moving rope and slide up the taut line hitch. When the climbers release the taut line hitch, it automatically seizes onto the moving rope and holds the climber in place. They repeat this profess until they reach the branch the rope is over. To descend, the climbers pull down on the taut line hitch, slowly inching toward the ground.

Mystic Lake Camp, YMCA of Lansing, Mich., was awarded a $6,800 grant. This grant enabled us to secure training and purchase ample equipment for the tree climbing program, gear that can also be used for our rock climbing, caving, and ropes course programs.

Last summer, 24 campers and many staff members explored the forest canopy. Mystic Lake Camp scheduled four individual weeks of tree climbing as a part of an eight-week program. We used a 6:2 camper to staff ratio. The campers were between 12 and 16 years old. Each week consisted of two half days and two full days of tree climbing. The remainder of the time was spent in traditional camp activities. The technical tree climbing program added $57.00 to the price of the regular camp program.

Creating your own program

Initiating a technical tree climbing program at your camp is relatively easy, providing you have climbable trees, knowledgeable staff, and a reverence for trees.

Climbable trees

Choosing the right trees for your program is essential. Look for healthy, disease-free, mature trees with many large horizontal branches. The ideal trees are those that can hold up to eight independent climbing ropes. Mystic Lake Camp climbs in four oaks regularly and reserves another oak and a white pine for advanced classes. We also hired a professional arborist to trim the dead limbs from the climbing trees and to check for weaknesses and signs of disease.

Knowledgeable staff

Well-trained, knowledgeable, and trustworthy staff are a crucial part of a safe and successful program. Choose staff members who have a working knowledge of rock climbing and vertical caving systems (knots, sets, rappelling, belays, etc.) and a high ropes course certification. Training specific to technical tree climbing is absolutely necessary.

A reverence for trees

We teach that the earth is a living thing. Trees are part of this web. In keeping with this, we embrace a climbing philosophy that does minimal damage to the trees. Our climbers never use climbing spikes, and we move the routes when rope abrasion becomes evident on a branch. An alternative to moving the route is to set up a "false crotch" over the branch using webbing and carabiners.

When we climb, we enter the tree's world and the ecosystem it supports. We always yield to other wildlife that is there before us. It is essential that those initiating tree climbing programs embrace this tree-friendly approach. There is no sense in damaging our hosts. At Mystic Lake, we name our trees and thank them for each and every climb.

Technical tree climbing is a program that is on the leading edge of innovation. It will bring a sense of newness to your existing programs, inspire staff, generate revenue, and create a sense of accomplishment and wonder in the people you serve. We anticipate that the program will have tremendous popularity nationwide. Why not branch out and discover the joy of going out on a limb?

Kathy Snooks is lead instructor of adventure programs at Mystic Lake Camp, YMCA of Lansing, Mich. She has worked in experiential education for 16 years.

Mystic Lake YMCA Camp is offering training June 4, 5, and 6, 1996 and June 11, 12, and 13, 1996. For more information, contact Lee Snooks at 517/544-2844 or 2306 Haslett Road, East Lansing, MI 48823.