August 2011 Board of Directors Update

     The PCIA is ever moving forward! We have expanded our programs, providers, and opportunities for the climbing instructor community. We are dedicated to increasing the level of professionalism in climbing instruction and continue to make significant progress. A few of the recent accomplishments include new Board members, a new Office Manager, more provider training opportunities, and several very successful experiences at various professional conferences.
           The PCIA’s Board of Directors is happy to announce a few new members, Jennifer Hopper, Ryan Carlson, and Josh Norris. Each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board. We are excited to be working with such talented and energized professionals.
            PCIA providers can be found throughout the United States and continue to provide high-quality courses in a variety of settings. PCIA courses and certifications have been adopted by several organizations and recognized as the premier climbing instructor training. Our courses continue to flourish in academic, co-curricular, and private settings. The foundation for our growth has always been our high-quality providers. The PCIA’s success is directly related to the professionalism and high standards our providers carry in every aspect of their profession. The rigorous standards to become a PCIA provider is not taken lightly and results in the same high quality for all of our programs. The PCIA recognizes the important role our providers have and has taken steps to increase provider training opportunities. We are proud to report that we have increased our provider training over the last year and are looking forward to continued growth. If you are interested in moving your skill set farther and becoming a provider trainer, please contact the main office for details on our provider path.
          The PCIA was very well received at numerous conferences over the past year including the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) and the Western Regional Outdoor Leadership Conference (WROLC). Look for us again to be part of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) conference this November in Texas! We will be offering several pre- and post-conference courses, operating a booth in the vendor hall, and conducting a few presentations and workshops during the conference.
          The Board of Directors has been working hard in advancing the PCIA’s mission as well as establishing long-term solutions to ensure growth well into the future. A few things to note: we have changed the membership structure to match certification times while reducing overall membership rates, continuing to develop our website for easier information sharing, and established provider agreements in the aim of clarifying roles and allowing our providers more freedom than any other organization. As we continue to move forward, we would like to remind everyone that this is your organization and would like to encourage you to get involved. There are many ways to do so including: becoming a provider, serving on a committee, writing for the newsletter, and more! Together we will further solidify the PCIA’s role in climbing instruction and help raise the level of rock climbing professionalism!