Mentorship

Proven in professional and academic settings, mentorship programs have existed in other outdoor contexts to support those seeking professional development or competitive athletes. However, mentorship also has incredible potential to support the recreational community. It outlines a path of development in outdoor recreation that normally starts and often ends with taking a course.

 

Mentorship, to us

Mountain Mentors provides an opportunity for individuals of all levels of experience to develop their skills and knowledge in a safe, empathetic, trusting, and empowering environment - an opportunity which is critical to the development of outdoors spaces where everyone belongs and feels safe.

Our mentorship programming offers an experience distinctly different from guiding or coaching and does not replace the value of those services. A successful mentoring relationship spans much more than a mentor’s ability to pass along technical skills and a mentee’s ability to receive information and meet learning objectives. Our model of mentorship is one where mentoring is not a one-way street, with benefits that only apply to mentees. While mentorship supports the development of technical skills, it excels as a framework for the nuances of safety and wellbeing in the backcountry and beyond. We see mentorship as an opportunity to

  • develop resilient partnerships in support of growing confident, courageous, and authentic leaders;

  • define what a safe and enjoyable outdoors experience can be, to create and hold space for growth;

  • bridge differences and increase representation in outdoors spaces, to improve accessibility of outdoor recreation;

  • fill gaps in representation in the outdoors; and,

  • facilitate relational, reciprocal, and trusting relationships, to empower individuals in their pursuits

 

In action

As a mentee

Having a mentor is like having a blueprint for where you want to end up, and a support system to direct you there. An experience as a mentee is an opportunity to be empowered in your growth and self-development in the backcountry.

As a mentor

Mentors have an opportunity share your backcountry expertise and experience and to support somebody in advancing their skills in the backcountry.

 

Our expectations

Core Behaviours

We expect that all participants will act in alignment with Mountain Mentors’ core behaviours:

  • Equity: We fill representation gaps by promoting equal opportunity and equal voice in our programming, the relationships we facilitate, our community events, and in our organization. We are committed to supporting everybody with what they need.

  • Development: We elevate confidence, encourage learning, enhance backcountry skills, and grow leadership capabilities.

  • Partnership: We promote cooperative, supportive, and deeply-rooted partnerships. We have each others' backs and are champions on each others' behalf.

  • Community: We are united by our love for being in the outdoors. We create and nurture uplifting, empowering, and local relationships to generate a network of support and strength.

  • Accountability: We recognize ourselves as our own agents of change and pursue our goals with integrity.

  • Safety: We recognize the inherent risk of outdoor pursuits and have a steadfast commitment to returning safely. Our commitments and behaviours are central to this outcome.

 

time Commitment

With compassion, care, intention, and generosity, mentors and mentees are equally committed and accountable to their relationship.

In the past, we have asked for at least one mentorship session per month. But in reality, there are many other small bits of time that successful pairs give to the partnership - so we've updated our time commitment to reflect that.

You can expect to spend more of your time, energy & effort in the beginning of the season building a strong foundation for a lasting relationship with your mentee. 

 

We ask that all mentees & mentors be able to commit:

  • A coffee date to get to know your mentee/mentor shortly after cohort is announced.

  • At least one mentorship session per month spent in the *backcountry (outside of planning sessions) for the duration of the season (min 4 sessions).

    • Mentees are expected to set up all 4 mentorship sessions per month at the beginning of the season.

    • Mentors are expected to keep their mentee updated with their availability.

    • We expect both mentees & mentors to be proactive and shift schedules when needed.

  • ~2 - 6 hours of planning/practicing/learning per month in addition to  your mentorship field days to set your backcountry days up for success. These sessions are often in the form of pre-trip planning, checking through gear, technical systems practice, knowledge sharing & time spent together getting to know one another so you can create an emotionally & physically safe space while on your backcountry field days.

  • May 29, 2024 - Attendance to the Mentor Kickoff Event is required for all mentors. This will include how to set goals with your mentees among many other empowering mentor specific topics and support.

  • June 2, 2024 - Attendance to the Cohort Kickoff Event at the start of the season is required for all mentees and mentors.

  • A goal setting session together as a pair shortly after the Kickoff Event (you will have access to resources and support!)

Overall, we simply wish for you to honour and value this opportunity by putting as much effort as possible into developing your relationship. For more information about what it means to be a Mentor, please read more here.

If you are concerned about the time commitment please consider applying in another season or reach out to Indra at programs@mountainmentors.com to discuss.

 

Other requirements

Winter: prospective mentees and mentors should either already have, or be obtaining by the start of their season, their Avalanche Safety Training 1 (AST1) course. Additionally, they must either own or have access to a shovel, beacon, and probe as well as the gear necessary to participate in their activity of choice (eg: splitboard, skis, skins, boots, poles).

All Access Adventures offers beacons, shovels, and probes for rent at reasonable costs. Please contact our Mentorship Program Manager at programs@mountainmentors.org if these gear requirements are a barrier to your participation.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at programs@mountainmentors.org