TOP-ROPE CLIMBING INSTRUCTOR (TRI) - If you are an educator, camp counselor or scout leader interested in leading rock climbing outings, this course is for you. This 4 day intensive course will give you the skills and confidence needed to take groups top-rope rock climbing safely. We’ll cover top-rope and belay anchor systems, knots & ropecraft, belay school, climbing and environmental ethics, group dynamics, risk management issues, assessing hazards, climbing site management and course design. This course uses classroom sessions, group discussion and hands on practical instruction including emergency simulations on the cliffs of Grand Ledge. Upon successful completion of both practical and written exams, students receive a certificate from Vertical Ventures. Graduates of this course will be well qualified for employment in the adventure education field. First aid certification and previous climbing experience required. Room & Board available. Call for prices.

CLIMBING WALL INSTRUCTOR COURSE (CWI) -  This 30 hour intensive course is for anyone interested in becoming an indoor climbing wall instructor. This course will be instructed on the Indoor Climbing Wall at UofM-Dearborn. We’ll cover how to instruct basic skills, set up belay stations, wall and equipment maintenance, risk management issues, working with special needs and youth groups and learn how to safely manage and supervise an indoor climbing site. Prerequisites include successful completion of the Basic Indoor Climbing Course and or approval by the Climbing Director.

HIGH ANGLE ROCK RESCUE I (HARR) This High Angle Rock Rescue Course is designed for climbing instructors, mountain guides, rescue and EMS personnel. This intensive four day program will involve both classroom and practical sessions, with emphasis on rescuer and patient safety. This course will cover equipment preparation & use, knots, hitches & bends, anchors, descending, ascending, belay escapes, rescue access, patient & litter packaging for traumatic & non-traumatic injuries, litter lifts & carries, litter belays, horizontal & vertical litter rigging, raising & lowering systems, pick offs and transfer systems. Must have previous climbing experience or have rescue or EMS background. Room and board available. Call Vertical Ventures for details and a schedule. Cost $425.

INTERNSHIPS IN ADVENTURE EDUCATION - Semester long college internships available with Vertical Ventures. Duration: Spring through the end of October is our typical format. Summer internships also available. This is an active hands on internship involving instruction and experience in all aspects of an adventure school. This internship can be part time of full time, with full time lodging is included. Opportunities for extensive trainings available as a wilderness guide, climbing instructor, Wilderness Medicine and Lifeguarding certifications while interning. Qualified individuals will have the advantage of working in the field of adventure education right in Mid-Michigan while traveling throughout North America running programs which service a variety of clients  in a wide range of settings and activities, while getting college credit. Stipend range is $850. to $1,500. + lodging. Employment opportunities available following successful completion of internships.