Q. Do I need experience to participate?
A. Previous outdoor experience is not required for participation. However, it's important that all students have a genuine interest in the outdoors and a capacity for strenuous activity.
Q. Can I use my own gear?
A. You bet. KMAC encourages students to use their own equipment. Our only stipulation is that we inspect it for suitability when you arrive.
Q. How strenuous are the courses?
A. This varies depending on the course in which you enroll and the age groupings. It is important that participants have a capacity for strenuous activity. Pack weights can range from 20 to 45 pounds. Daily hiking mileage ranges anywhere from 1 to 8 miles. Elevations range from 6,000 to 14,000 feet above sea level. Temperatures can range from well below freezing to up into the 90's. Wind can be strong and continuous. It can rain, snow, hail, or sleet at any time.
Q. Do we get showers?
A. Yes. Where and when depends on the course in which you enroll. Some courses even include soaking in hot sulfur springs. During backcountry phases of your selected course you'll learn how to bathe using "no trace" techniques.
Q. What time do we go to bed?
A. Watches are not necessary in the wilderness (We'll even ask you to leave them in the van). You sleep when you're tired, eat when you're hungry, and drink when you're thirsty.
Q. Where do participants come from?
A. All over the country. We've had students enroll from as far away as France and as close as just over the ridge from our headquarters here in Estes Park.
Q. What are staff qualifications?
A. The minimum age for lead staff is 23. They possess current certifications in First Aid and CPR, and all have a keen interest in working with youth and the ability to relate to young people. Every staff member has demonstrated proficiency in hiking, climbing, route finding, camping, and group management. They also must possess a strict safety constitution and adhere personally to the KMAC philosophy. Check out our instructor page for more information.
Q. How long have you been in business?
A. We're going on 21 years now. At last count we've had over 5,200 students experience the KMAC curriculum.
Q. Can I talk to a student or a parent of a student who has participated?
A. Yes. You're also welcome to talk to teachers, administrators, and other educators. We'll be happy to send you a complete reference list. Go to the Contact KMAC page, and ask for a reference list in the comments section.
Q. How safe is this?
A. Outdoor wilderness activities have inherent risks that are different from normal day to day living. KMAC works to minimize these risks through safety conscious staff, proper equipment management, and regular briefings and training.
Q. Do you use radios and cell phones?
A. Use of emergency communication equipment depends on the course. Many of the locations where KMAC conducts it's wilderness programming are not serviced by cell phone technology. In addition, many of the course locations are unable to make use of two-way radios due to the immediate terrain. However, there is usually a cell phone packed for most courses especially for ones that involve transportation. Kmac uses a satellite phone when necessary.
Q. What do you use for transportation?
A. KMAC uses 15 passenger vans to transport participants and equipment. Some of our vans have been converted adding a stabilizing bar on the rear axle to enhance their stability. KMAC instructors take seriously their driving responsibilities and participate in driver training clinics.
Q. What's the food like?
A. Wholesome and nutritious foods are used on KMAC courses. "Freeze dried" foods are not used. A brief sample meal might include: Breakfast - hot chocolate, tea, porridge, granola, pancakes. Maybe you'll even be lucky enough to bake yummy cinnamon rolls! Lunch - bagels, tortillas, peanut butter, cheeses and cream cheese, gorp, raisins, carrots and a sweet? Dinner - pasta, beans, rice, canned meat, soup, chili, potatoes, cheesecakes and pudding.
Q. How can I get KMAC's catalog?
A. That's easy - go to the Contact KMAC page, and fill out the form. Check the box to receive a catalog. |
