TCI Basic Tree Climbing Course (BTCC)

TCI's two-day Basic Tree Climbing Course (BTCC) is for people who are brand new to tree climbing. You will learn all the skills you need to climb a large tree safely using the moving rope system (MRS, formerly known as doubled-rope technique [DRT]). We present detailed information about selecting a good climbing tree and assessing its condition. You will learn climbing technique and how to set up your climbing system, tying each knot many times to put it into "muscle memory." You'll learn rules for personal safety, as well as guidelines about how to respect and protect the trees you climb. You will also learn about what kind of gear is most appropriate for beginning tree climbers. When you finish this course, you will be ready to go out and climb on your own. Upon graduation, students will receive a TCI BTCC diploma.

 Download the TCI Basic Tree Climbing Course Outline

• Cost

  $500 per person. We take a $250 deposit by credit card with course registration. The balance ($250) will be due by cash or check on the first morning of class.

• Scheduling

  We schedule the Basic Tree Climbing Course upon request. Please call to register — we do not register students by email.

• Adults and Your Children

  Some people want their child(ren) to take the Basic Tree Climbing Course with them. To take the BTCC, children must be over the age of 13. Children younger than this are usually unable to concentrate for the long periods of time required for this course. In addition, children take their parents’ focus and attention away from the course material. We want each student to get the full learning experience without distractions.

• Prerequisites

  Must be in good health with weight appropriate to height.

  Only climbers over the age of 13 will be accepted into this course. Teenagers 13 to 16 years old must take the course with a parent or guardian. Teenagers 17 to 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent, who is not required to be taking the course.

• Location

  Class meets at the TCI Clubhouse, 1290 Merry Lane NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, on the first morning. The carport at the TCI Clubhouse is outfitted for teaching in the event of rain.

• Gear

  TCI will provide all the gear you need for training. If you don't own gear, we suggest that you not purchase it until after you have taken our class, when you'll have a much better idea of what you need. However, if you do own a saddle and helmet, please bring them with you for class. The TCI Basic Climbing Kit for Recreational Climbers is sold by WesSpur and American Arborist Supplies. You will get discount coupons from these two and other arborist supply vendors at the end of class.
  

• Lodging

  Most of TCI's students stay at the TCI Clubhouse. When you register, we will talk with you about transportation details and how to get to the Clubhouse from the Atlanta International (Hartsfield-Jackson) Airport.

  There are other good places to stay in the immediate area of the TCI Clubhouse. If you want a recommendation, please feel free to ask.

• Cancellation Policy

  PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION BELOW THOROUGHLY !
  

  The success of each TCI class depends upon every student's participation. We schedule a maximum of only three students in this course, and we do not overbook. If you don’t show up, your absence has a major impact on us and on the other students.

  With that in mind, TCI has the following cancellation policy: If your plans change and you need to cancel, you must call us at least three weeks ahead of time. (We prefer to know as soon as you know.) This gives someone on our waiting list enough time to make travel and personal arrangements to take the course. We will refund your deposit minus a $50 cancellation fee.

  If you cancel fewer than three weeks ahead of time, you will forfeit your entire deposit unless you are able to fill your slot with someone else. In that case, we will refund your deposit minus a $50 cancellation fee.

  In the event of a health or family emergency (for which we may require documentation), we will refund your tuition deposit minus a $50 cancellation fee.

  TCI reserves the right to deny future program participation to students who cancel without adequate notice.