BCEP 2008

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send email to martyhanson@verizon.net

March 1, 2008 Hello, and welcome, to our Basic Group! I am looking forward to my 10th year of leading Basic Groups, as it is a wonderful way to get to know adventurous people so well, and because it is the best way I've found to make sure that I'm getting myself into the best shape I can be for my climbing season! I wanted to give you a heads-up on some things that I usually discuss with students in person prior to the first lecture; this year's calendar, however, means that I won't be gathering us together until right after the first night's lecture. I've attached some information on schedules, etc. for you to look over so that you can get a head start on setting your calendar for some fun events, like our Snow Field Session, Rock Field Session, Knots and Belay practice, Rocky Butte rappelling and belaying practice, and our conditioning hikes. I try to make the class be as economical as possible for you, and will discuss ways to save you money on gear, considering that you all are likely to be at differing stages of experience, interest, skill level, etc. At the first class, we'll give out some coupons for gear purchases around Portland, and will discuss what kinds of equipment you should purchase new, vs used or borrowing or renting, and what kinds of equipment might be a good investment depending on your future goals for mountaineering. You're now entering a "team" experience (to simulate your part in a climbing party, expedition, or group effort), which means I'll be pointing out times when you may be asked to add your own expertise to the group, and times when you will be learning something entirely new (or even something initially frightening). There will be times when things seem to be going too slow, or times when you might be having to struggle with keeping up. But this group effort/teamwork will mean you will be literally and figuratively "taken to places you've never been before", or places you'd never be able to see entirely by yourself. Its an awe-inspiring experience, and I'm honored to be able to be leading you in it Good communication is a vital part of this, so this email and attachments, are a start at this. READ THEM, as it will have information that will answer many of your questions. I know that some of the email addresses given by the BCEP coordinators aren't working just yet, so we'll be adjusting that as it goes. My wife, Mary Bushman, is an instructor on our team, and you'll likely be getting some messages from her on our team's behalf, as well. You'll especially be hearing from her and the other instructors during the days between March 19th and 31st, as I'm going to be in Florida helping support my newest grandson who was just born last week! The instructors on our team are ones I know well, and who really enjoy this experience, so I'm looking forward to you all getting to know them, as each other, in such vital ways. I'm really looking forward to seeing you soon! In the meantime, let me know if you received this message, and feel free to write, or phone, if you have questions!). - John

March 1, 2008	Hello, and welcome, to our Basic Group! I am looking forward to my 10th year of leading Basic Groups, as it is a wonderful way to get to know adventurous people so well, and because it is the best way I've found to make sure that I'm getting myself into the best shape I can be for my climbing season! I wanted to give you a heads-up on some things that I usually discuss with students in person prior to the first lecture; this year's calendar, however, means that I won't be gathering us together until right after the first night's lecture. I've attached some information on schedules, etc. for you to look over so that you can get a head start on setting your calendar for some fun events, like our Snow Field Session, Rock Field Session, Knots and Belay practice, Rocky Butte rappelling and belaying practice, and our conditioning hikes. I try to make the class be as economical as possible for you, and will discuss ways to save you money on gear, considering that you all are likely to be at differing stages of experience, interest, skill level, etc. At the first class, we'll give out some coupons for gear purchases around Portland, and will discuss what kinds of equipment you should purchase new, vs used or borrowing or renting, and what kinds of equipment might be a good investment depending on your future goals for mountaineering. You're now entering a "team" experience (to simulate your part in a climbing party, expedition, or group effort), which means I'll be pointing out times when you may be asked to add your own expertise to the group, and times when you will be learning something entirely new (or even something initially frightening). There will be times when things seem to be going too slow, or times when you might be having to struggle with keeping up. But this group effort/teamwork will mean you will be literally and figuratively "taken to places you've never been before", or places you'd never be able to see entirely by yourself. Its an awe-inspiring experience, and I'm honored to be able to be leading you in it Good communication is a vital part of this, so this email and attachments, are a start at this. READ THEM, as it will have information that will answer many of your questions. I know that some of the email addresses given by the BCEP coordinators aren't working just yet, so we'll be adjusting that as it goes. My wife, Mary Bushman, is an instructor on our team, and you'll likely be getting some messages from her on our team's behalf, as well. You'll especially be hearing from her and the other instructors during the days between March 19th and 31st, as I'm going to be in Florida helping support my newest grandson who was just born last week! The instructors on our team are ones I know well, and who really enjoy this experience, so I'm looking forward to you all getting to know them, as each other, in such vital ways. I'm really looking forward to seeing you soon! In the meantime, let me know if you received this message, and feel free to write, or phone, if you have questions!). - John