Typically it is necessary to prepare a tree (1 day) and then provide a training course for the lead facilitator (4 days) for a total of 5 days. Additional days may be required to train more lead facilitators (the course is lengthened to 5 days to train 2-4 lead facilitators) or to prepare more trees (approx 1 day per tree).

A minimum of 6 weeks is required so that gear may be ordered for the training program (see deposit information below). We provide trainings all year long, but our busiest times are the spring and fall seasons so it is best to make arrangements well in advance for those times of year.

A $500 deposit is required to reserve dates for implementing a tree climbing program. The implementation typically takes at least 5 or 6 calendar days plus travel and is a big commitment of time so we request a deposit to hold the dates.

We ask for a deposit to help cover the cost of purchasing the gear, with the deposit to be received at least 6 weeks prior to the start of the training. The deposit amount is 50% of the total cost of the program. Gear must be ordered 6 weeks prior to the implementation in order to give back-ordered items time to arrive.

While the ACA has no specific standards yet for tree climbing, the standards for "adventure/challenge" and "climbing/rappelling" are directly applicable and are summarized in a PDF document here. Adventure Tree also follows standards of the Global Organization of Tree Climbers, the Association for Challenge Course Technology, and the International Society of Arboriculture.

Tree climbing programs ramp up quickly and can accommodate large numbers of participants climbing simultaneously so the answer depends upon how large you expect your groups will be. Select a number of climbing rope stations that is about 2/3 the size of your expected group for a 2 hour event. Use the following table for guidance:

Small		6 Climbing Stations
Medium		10 Climbing Stations
Large		16 Climbing Stations

A climbing tree can usually hold about 10 - 16 climbing rope stations depending upon the tree. You can always add climbing stations later so it may make sense to start small. We recommend a minimum of 6 climbing stations for a viable program.

The lead facilitator is fully responsible for the tree climbing activity and must be geared-up and rescue-ready whenever there are climbers in the tree. Many programs are fine with a single lead facilitator, but you may want to have more than one in order to provide rest breaks and have a backup in case a facilitator must be absent. The incremental cost to train additional lead facilitators is low compared to training the first facilitator.

Founder and director, Guy Mott is available for a phone consultation to describe the program and answer any questions. He is available for visits in the midwest and on the east coast, as well as other destinations nationwide when travel plans permit. During the visit, Guy can meet directly with stakeholders and provide a demonstration tree climb so everyone can see and sample the activity for themselves. Please Contact Us for a phone consultation or to arrange for a visit.

We have plenty of photos of smiling, happy kids and adults climbing trees, along with information about starting and running a tree climbing program, benefits of being outside and actively engaged in nature, safety factors, etc. that can be used to create a presentation to upper administration, or a board or donor group.

Yes, a tree climbing program must be inspected annually to ensure that the gear and the climbing tree are in good condition, and that the facilitators are following best practices. Standards of the American Camp Association, the Association for Challenge Course Technology, and the policies of Adventure Tree all require annual inspection and review.