News Archive

A New Era: Introducing the GOTC Outreach and Inclusion Fund

The Global Organization of Tree Climbers (GOTC) is thrilled to announce the launch of our new campaign. This initiative marks a significant expansion of our commitment to ensuring the profound joy of canopy exploration is accessible to everyone. The GOTC is actively working to:

  • Value All Individuals: Specifically including those traditionally marginalized, underserved, or excluded.
  • Create Belonging: Ensuring every participant feels a genuine sense of belonging within our global tree-climbing community.
  • Celebrate Uniqueness: Recognizing and celebrating the unique skills and backgrounds of all climbers.

Funding Our Vision

This new fund complements the established Abe and Lynne Winters Scholarship Fund, expanding our outreach to all individuals, regardless of ability or position. These funds are dedicated to providing the necessary equipment and experiences to make tree climbing a reality for those facing special personal challenges and to promote diversity in the tree climbing community. There are countless groups that can qualify but lack the funds necessary for sessions and the proximity close to Instructors. We wish to create a more inclusive atmosphere by requesting Instructors to not limit their services but seek out and inform groups near to them. You all know the joy of being aloft held in a tight embrace among the branches and that it is multiplied when shared with others. Especially those who could never imagine being aloft. The tears of joy expressed from a first time tree climber perched on a limb that they never dreamed of being able to look down on their empty wheelchair is one of the reasons why.

Recent Achievements

Vertical Voyages in Saint Louis- Jon Richard provides sessions for those partially immobile that need wheelchairs for their travels and would be better served with the use of special equipment. The fund granted money toward his purchase of a Misty Mountain brand Adaptive Ropes Course Chair that provides safe and comfortable climbing.
https://verticalvoyages.com/climbingadventures/
https://mistymountain.com/products/wellman-arc-harness 

Tree Climbing Colorado in Denver- Mitch Magdovitz was able to provide sessions at a reduced cost. The school known as La Luz (the Light) is a tuition free middle school that serves underserved students that prioritizes the out of the classroom education. In a pair of beautiful English Oaks located in Denver’s City Park they conducted sessions for the entire class and was declared the best field trip ever.
https://www.treeclimbingcolorado.com/
https://www.laluzeducation.org/

Providing sessions and equipment for groups such as these will fulfil the GOTC’s commitment to providing tree climbing for all. Thanks are due in part from donations and contributions from our membership and we are actively seeking further monies and grants. These funds have been earmarked to be granted to groups such as these. We request all GOTC recognized Instructors to be on the lookout for opportunities to submit to the board for consideration. Requirements are that the group uses Instructors that are in good standing with the GOTC; processes sufficient liability insurance and sessions are conducted following the GOTC published guidelines.