RMA is excited to re-energize the 14’ers program. EJ Hook, an RMA board member since 2016, is the new Lead Climber and is looking forward to meeting you all at the PCAPPA/RMA conference in Portland, OR this September.
What is the 14’ers?
Ever stare up at a mountain and wonder what it would be like to stand at the summit or enjoy the view from one of the flanks? If you have. you likely asked someone who had already experienced the mountain for their thoughts – preparation for the climb, route choices, suggested check or rest points along the way. 14’ers is just that – partnering with a person to learn from their experiences – the Good, the Bad, the Ugly. Stated less metaphorically, it is a mentoring program. Learn more here—
https://rma.appa.org/fourteeners/
Why 14’ers?
- For you as a climber (AKA mentee’) it is a chance to dip your toe in the water, explore the paths and opportunities to climb as high as you want to go.
- For you as a climbing buddy (AKA mentor) it is a chance to share your passion. And don’t be surprised if your passion is renewed, and you learn something along the way.
- For your institution (AKA selling it to the boss). We all talk about succession planning but is anyone really doing it? Now you can say “Why yes, yes we are”
On a personal note – I am a “graduated”14’er having completed my climb some years ago. In pursuit of the summit, I honed my existing skills, added some new ones and, in doing so, added both depth and breadth to my understanding and knowledge base. More importantly I got out of my “box”, met a lot of people, built some lifelong connections. My career path was directly influenced by my participation and the friends and partnerships I made, and continue to make, were worth the effort alone.