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Bushwhacker Climbing Club Code of Conduct


The Bushwhacker Climbing Club is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and respectful community for all club members.

If you feel uncomfortable for any reason before, during or after any club event or outing, please talk to the event or outing leader. Or if you prefer, please reach out to the Bushwhacker Board of Directors to discuss your experience. We welcome your feedback and we thank you for working with us to foster an enjoyable experience for everyone who participates in our club.

Contact the Bushwhacker Board of Directors.


Club Outing Policies


The following policies apply to official club sponsored outings. Exceptions to these policies will be considered by the Board on a case-by-case basis.
  • All participants must be current club members.
  • All participants must have a signed liability release on file.
  • All participants in technical outings must have completed the applicable club course or equivalent. Equivalence is determined by the Board of Directors.
  • All club outings must have at least one participant who has completed WFA within the last three years.
  • The outing leader makes the final decision about who participates in the outing.
  • Pets are not permitted on club outings.
  • Only club outings may borrow safety-related club gear.
  • All club outings should be announced to the entire club.
  • The outing leader must submit the club outing form to the Board at least two weeks prior to the outing date.
  • At least one photo from every club outing should be shared on the club’s Facebook or Instagram page.
  • All scramble outings must have at least 3 participants.
  • All outings that involve glacier must have at least 6 participants.

Club Course Policies


In addition to outing policies, the following apply to club courses.
  • No drugs or alcohol during class sessions.
  • No drugs or alcohol on course outings (the outing is over when everyone returns to the cars/trailhead).

Club Email Listserve Policies

  • Anyone is allowed to join the club email listserve and receive messages, but only current members are allowed to post messages to the listserve.
  • No solicitation is allowed on the club email listserve without Board approval.

Club COVID-19 Guidance

  • All participants, leaders, instructors, and assistants must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in an in-person Bushwhacker Climbing Club program.
  • Advanced registration is required for in-person programs and events.
  • Starting March 1, 2022, everyone who is eligible to be vaccinated is required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate in-person programs and events.
  • Everyone eligible for a booster shot is required to have one prior to participation in all in-person Bushwhacker programs and events, per CDC recommendations.
  • Leaders for all in-person programs and events must verify vaccination status following the Washington State Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Status guidelines.
  • Medical/religious exemptions or testing in lieu of vaccination will not be accepted for in-person programs or events.
  • To align with the Washington statewide mask mandate, face masks are required for all public indoor spaces and recommended outdoors when 6 feet distance can't be maintained.
  • Leaders may choose to follow more restrictive guidance for their outdoor programs or events (i.e. require mask wearing at all times during an outdoor program or event). If there is more restrictive guidance, it will be clearly stated for participants in the program or event invitation or registration.

Club COVID-19 Code of Conduct


In accordance with Washington State and CDC guidelines, the Bushwhacker Climbing Club has developed an operating plan for our programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please find the current guidance for participants and leaders in club activities on the COVID-19 Response page of the Bushwhacker Climbing Club website. All participants and leaders are expected to have reviewed the most current guidance at the time of the activity. This guidance is subject to change as the guidelines set forth by state and local government officials and public health departments continue to evolve.

When registering for or posting a program or event, and again on the day-of, participants and/or leaders/instructors/assistants should answer "no" to the following question:
  1. According to the CDC, have you had recent COVID-19 symptoms or exposure that indicates you should not be around others?
People who answer yes to this question may not participate in or lead an in-person Bushwhacker Climbing Club activity.

In accordance with our Bushwhacker Climbing Club Code of Conduct and out of respect for other members, the Bushwhacker Climbing Club expects all leaders and participants to honestly represent their vaccination status as a part of participation in any activity.

Individuals who do not comply with Bushwhacker Climbing Club COVID-19 Code of Conduct or the Bushwhacker Climbing Club COVID-19 Guidance will be removed from the roster and asked to leave the trip. If the leader or participant has questions or concerns, please contact the Bushwhacker Board of Directors.

By posting, registering for, or attending a Bushwhacker Climbing Club program or event, an individual indicates the following: I have read and I accept the above Bushwhacker Climbing Club COVID-19 Code of Conduct and the Bushwhacker Climbing Club COVID-19 Guidance. I understand that no organization can absolutely eliminate the risks associated with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. All individuals must take full responsibility for their actions and choices, understanding that during this time, programs and events come with heightened complexity and risk. I understand the guidance is evolving and will continue to change, and I agree to review current guidelines at the time of the activity. I agree to adhere to the Bushwhacker Climbing Club guidelines for participation during COVID-19 and I accept the additional risk of group recreation during a global pandemic.

The Bushwhacker Climbing Club has written this COVID-19 Code of Conduct and accompanying COVID-19 Guidance with the best interest of our community in mind. As leaders in group recreation, we’re committed to following state guidelines to recreate responsibly and slow the spread of the virus. Violation of code of conduct is a serious offense. If you believe someone has violated the Covid-19 Code of Conduct, please contact the Bushwhacker Board of Directors.


COVID-19 Guidelines FAQs


Do both indoor and outdoor programs and events require vaccinations?
Yes, starting March 1, 2021 the Bushwhacker Climbing Club requires vaccinations for participation in both indoor and outdoor programs and events.

Is a booster shot required for both indoor and outdoor programs?
Yes, starting March 1, 2021 everyone eligible for a booster shot, per CDC recommendations, is required to have one prior to participation in all in-person Bushwhacker programs and events.

Why are you requiring everyone to be fully vaccinated for indoor programs?
As leaders in group recreation, the Bushwhacker Climbing Club is committed to following state guidelines to recreate responsibly and slow the spread of the virus. We deeply care about the health and safety of our club members, so are taking action to help reduce the spread of COVID in our community. Additionally, due to the nature of many of our programs and events, participants tend to spend significant amounts of time in spaces, both indoor and outdoor, that make it challenging to maintain recommended distance from other participants.

Can a leader ask to see a participant’s COVID-19 vaccine card to confirm their participation on a trip?
Yes, leaders for all in-person programs and events must verify vaccination status following the Washington State Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Status guidelines.

Are there any exemptions for vaccine-required programs?
No, the Bushwhacker Climbing Club will not accept medical/religious exemptions or testing in lieu of vaccination.

Can a leader require everyone to wear face masks, even outside?
A leader of a particular outdoor program or event can request all participants to wear face masks, and if this is the case this requirement will be communicated to participants in the event email or registration.

The minimum requirement for face masks is as follows: All indoor programs and events will require participants to wear a proper fitting face mask at all times. For outdoor programs and events, it is recommended to wear proper fitting face masks when 6 feet distance can't be maintained.