MCAMountaineering Club at ASU
MCA logo
Mountains · Community · Action
How the Pieces Connect

One belief leads into the next.

This section keeps the same content as the original wireframe, but moves directly beneath the hero.

Wild Places

Nature possesses value beyond its usefulness to people.

Challenge

Difficult experiences can create growth and reveal capacity.

Community

Shared struggle creates trust, belonging, and mutual support.

Purpose and Action

Meaning becomes visible when people work together to help.

See a Problem

Turn concern into something people can act on together.

MCA gives members a network, shared skills, willing hands, and a structure for turning ideas into real projects.

Lead an Adventure

Build a route and prepare a team.

Create a Service Project

Respond to a need in the outdoors or community.

Teach a Skill

Pass knowledge forward.

Nature

Nature is more than the place where adventure happens.

[Write the explanation of why wild places possess value independent of recreation.]

[Discuss ecosystems, living beings, beauty, history, freedom, wonder, and our responsibility to care for places that do not exist solely for us.]

What's Happening

Upcoming events

SERVICE · DATE

Papago Cleanup

COMMUNITY · DATE

Opening Meeting + Journal Making

TRAINING · DATE

First-Aid Kit Making

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make”
— Jane Goodall

Find a challenge worth taking on.

Bring your idea, your effort, and your willingness to learn.

A program of the Mountaineering Club at ASU

Adaptive
Ascents

Adaptive Ascents supports young adults with disabilities who want more ways to explore and grow outdoors. Each experience begins with the person—their interests, comfort, communication, and support needs.

Led by staff with direct-care experience and CPR/First Aid certification.

There is more than one way in

Choose the starting point that fits.

The first hike is one option. You can plan for that day, stay connected for another date, or tell us that a different outdoor experience may be a better fit.

An introductory outing

Meet us at sunrise.

We are beginning with a small group so we can plan around each participant’s interests, comfort, pace, communication, and support needs.

When
Saturday, September 12 at 6:00 a.m.
Where
Papago Park · 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Bring
Water, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Hiking poles will be available.
Beforehand
Complete the interest form by September 5. We will follow up about pacing, accessibility, supervision, and other support needs.

Submitting interest does not automatically confirm a place. We will follow up with the participant and the people involved in their support before making a plan.

Built around the person

What helps us plan well.

People communicate interest, comfort, and choice in many ways. We welcome information from the participant and from family members, guardians, support people, or others who know them well.

01

Interests and goals

What seems enjoyable, meaningful, calming, challenging, or worth working toward.

02

Communication

How the participant shows interest, comfort, discomfort, choice, or a need for a break—through speech, sounds, movement, expression, behavior, AAC, gestures, or another way.

03

Pace, mobility, and endurance

Walking distance, terrain, mobility devices, rest needs, balance, physical assistance, and heat tolerance.

04

Sensory and emotional support

Noise, crowds, transitions, touch, weather, routines, signs of discomfort, and what helps the participant feel at ease.

05

Staffing and logistics

Whether a familiar support person should attend, transportation, equipment, supervision, and what MCA can responsibly provide.

Other ideas we want to hear about: bouldering · climbing · paddleboarding · kayaking · nature outings · campouts · service · community events
General interest form

Start with the person—not the paperwork.

This is an interest and planning form, not a medical intake or confirmed registration. Please do not include diagnoses, medical records, medication lists, or other private health documents. If a safety topic needs discussion, simply tell us to follow up.

01 Choose a starting point
02 Participant and contact
03 Interests, preferences, and goals

Choose any activities that may be of interest. No prior outdoor experience is required.

04 Communication and support

Choose anything that may help. You can explain more below.

05 Planning and logistics
06 Before you send
Ready to send?

Your answers will be formatted for an email to Adaptive Ascents. Your email app will open so you can review and press Send.

What happens next

Interest is the beginning of the conversation.

  1. 01
    We review the form

    We look at the participant’s interests, the requested activity, and the support or partnership needed.

  2. 02
    We learn together

    We connect with the participant and people who know their support needs. The format can be adapted to communication and comfort.

  3. 03
    We make a specific plan

    We confirm pace, communication, staffing, equipment, transportation, emergency expectations, and whether a qualified partner is needed.

  4. 04
    We confirm participation

    If the opportunity is a responsible fit, we send event details and the official ASU- or partner-approved waiver.

Questions are welcome

Let’s figure out the right first step.

Call 480-789-0859Text 480-789-0859[email protected]
About MCA

Why this club exists.

Tyler, Tess & Syd

[Shared introduction explaining how they shaped the founders.]

Tyler

[Tribute paragraph.]

Tess

[Tribute paragraph.]

Syd

[Tribute paragraph.]

Our Story

I wanted to get into mountaineering, but I didn’t see any clear pathways. It was hard to get into safely and affordably, and then it was hard to find other people willing to go with me. That was the original problem that led me to believe a club at ASU could help myself and others.

But there are also a lot of other changes I want to see in the world. The way I think is: well, let’s combine them (under the club). I work a lot with kids with disabilities, and I strongly believe they deserve access to nature—and to the challenge, hardship, and growth that can be found there—as much as anyone else. We have the ability to help create that access. I began to see the intersection: our mountaineering club could lend its manpower and energy to this initiative and help make those experiences possible.

Then, as “I” became “we,” a lot of new passions got thrown in—and that became our common ground. That passion is what continues to drive us forward.

So, we are becoming a network of driven people trying to make a difference, while helping one another make the differences each of us wants to see.

Our Mission

MCA exists to develop people while strengthening the communities and wild places around us. Through meaningful challenge, service, stewardship, and community, we create opportunities for people to learn, lead, and act.

Mountaineering is not the end goal; it is one of the environments where this work comes to life—where people rely on one another, discover what they are capable of, and take responsibility for something beyond themselves.

We believe personal growth and community impact go hand in hand: people become better by helping make the world around them better.

Meet the Team

Space for current leaders, advisors, and team members.

Anabelle

Anabelle

Team Member

[Short bio.]

Zahrah

Zahrah

Team Member

[Short bio.]

David Jacobs

David Jacobs

Advisor

[Short bio.]

Louis

Louis

Team Member

[Short bio.]

Patt

Patt

Team Member

[Short bio.]

Ani

Ani

Team Member

[Short bio.]

Sienna

Sienna

Vice President

[Short bio.]

Tony

Tony

President

[Short bio.]

Team Member 9

Trips Director

[Short bio.]

Team Member 10

Training Director

[Short bio.]

Team Member 11

Service Coordinator

[Short bio.]

Team Member 12

Partnerships Director

[Short bio.]

Team Member 13

Outreach Director

[Short bio.]

Team Member 14

Social Media Lead

[Short bio.]

Team Member 15

Team Lead

[Short bio.]

Adventure Index

Where we have been

"I dont need to know where i'm going I just need to know where i've been" - Tow Mator

Calendar

Club and member events

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat

Use the arrows, swipe horizontally, or scroll sideways to move between months.

Submit a Member Trip

[Explanation of which informal member trips may appear on the calendar.]

Bring an Idea to MCA

We’d love to help you build your idea.

Whether it is an adventure, service project, workshop, partnership, or something entirely new, you do not need to have everything figured out. Share what you are thinking, then choose a time to meet with us so we can help you take the next step.

Step 1

Tell us about your idea.

A few sentences are all we need before we meet.

MCA Community Pages

Community

Service Projects

Social Events

Leadership Opportunities

Adaptive Recreation

Scholarships & Access

Alumni

Service Projects

Partner With MCA

Propose a Project

Adaptive Recreation

View Upcoming Service

Social Events

Upcoming Events

Propose an Event

Host a Workshop

Between Peaks

Scholarships & Access

Alumni

MCA is still new, and we do not yet have an alumni community. We look forward to the day when former members can remain involved, reconnect, and help current students find their way beyond college.

Alumni Events

Future reunions, talks, informal gatherings, and trips that bring former and current members together.

Career Connections

A future network where alumni can share experience, introduce members to professional fields, and help students explore opportunities after graduation.

Connect With an Alum

As the alumni community develops, current members will be able to request a conversation with someone whose experience, career, or interests may be useful to them.

Partner With MCA

Build something useful with students who are ready to contribute.

We work best with partners who can help define a real need, shape a responsible role for students, and communicate what success would look like. A partnership can begin with one service day, one participant opportunity, one workshop, or a longer relationship.

Who We Work With

Many kinds of partners can have a place here.

The right structure depends on the people served, the work involved, the supervision required, and what MCA can responsibly provide.

Nonprofits & Community Groups

Volunteer support, project development, outreach, and recurring service.

Schools & Youth Programs

Outdoor experiences, skill-building, service, and student mentorship.

Disability-Serving Organizations

Adaptive opportunities shaped around participants and qualified support.

Parks & Land Managers

Stewardship, restoration, cleanup, monitoring, and public education.

Shelters & Rescue Organizations

Animal enrichment, volunteer days, supply projects, and community events.

Companies & Outdoor Organizations

Equipment access, training, sponsorship, expertise, and co-created programs.

Partnership Process

Start small enough to do it well.

01

Share the need

Tell us about your organization, the people or place involved, and the problem or opportunity you see.

02

Meet with MCA

We use the Calendly meeting below to clarify goals, capacity, supervision, safety, timing, and fit.

03

Design the first step

Together, we define responsibilities, communication, preparation, and a realistic first project or event.

04

Review and continue

Afterward, we document what happened, gather feedback, and decide whether the relationship should grow.

What a request means

Submitting this form begins a conversation. It does not guarantee that MCA can provide volunteers, funding, equipment, transportation, technical instruction, one-on-one support, or a particular date. We will be direct about what is possible and where a qualified partner is required.

Step 1

Tell us what you are building.

Give us enough context to make the first meeting useful. Rough ideas are welcome.

Partnership acknowledgment

Leadership Opportunities

Explore current leadership positions, responsibilities, expectations, and ways to express interest.

Team Lead

Team Leads make the club feel smaller, more personal, and more dependable. They help members move from simply attending events to preparing for and completing a meaningful shared objective.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a small team of members throughout the semester.
  • Plan and organize one major trip or expedition.
  • Prepare members through training, communication, and trip planning.
  • Coordinate transportation, gear, route information, and emergency planning.
  • Attend regular leadership meetings.
  • Document plans, contacts, and lessons for future leaders.

Good fit for someone who…

  • Enjoys helping people grow.
  • Can communicate consistently.
  • Is organized and dependable.
  • Takes safety seriously.
  • Is willing to ask for help when needed.

Time commitment

Roughly 2–4 hours during a normal week. More time around training days and the team’s major trip.

Experience needed

Some outdoor experience is helpful. You do not need to be the strongest climber or most experienced mountaineer. You do need to be honest about your limits and willing to keep learning.

President

The President keeps the different parts of MCA moving in the same direction. The role is less about personally doing everything and more about making sure leaders have what they need to succeed.

Responsibilities

  • Provide overall direction for the club.
  • Coordinate officers and Team Leads.
  • Run leadership meetings and oversee major club decisions.
  • Maintain communication with ASU, advisors, and outside organizations.
  • Make sure responsibilities are assigned and followed through.
  • Protect the club’s continuity, records, and long-term direction.

Good fit for someone who…

  • Communicates clearly.
  • Can make decisions without shutting others out.
  • Remains calm when plans change.
  • Is comfortable holding people accountable.
  • Cares about the whole organization rather than one specific program.

Time commitment

Around 4–7 hours most weeks. More during major events, recruitment, elections, and administrative deadlines.

Experience needed

Previous leadership experience is strongly helpful. Familiarity with club operations and MCA’s programs is important.

Vice President

The Vice President helps prevent good ideas from getting lost between planning and execution. It is a flexible role that responds to whatever the organization most needs.

Responsibilities

  • Support the President and other officers.
  • Help coordinate meetings, projects, and internal communication.
  • Track unfinished work and help leaders follow through.
  • Step in when the President is unavailable.
  • Help solve operational problems across the club.
  • Support major events and semester planning.

Good fit for someone who…

  • Notices what needs to be done.
  • Enjoys solving practical problems.
  • Can work across several different projects.
  • Communicates well with different personalities.
  • Is dependable without needing constant direction.

Time commitment

Around 3–5 hours most weeks. May increase around major events.

Experience needed

Prior leadership or project-management experience is helpful. Strong organization and communication matter more than technical outdoor skill.

Treasurer

The Treasurer helps MCA make ambitious plans without becoming financially irresponsible. This role protects both the club and its members by keeping money organized and transparent.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain financial records and budgets.
  • Manage reimbursements and purchase documentation.
  • Help leaders estimate costs for trips and events.
  • Track funding, dues, grants, donations, and fundraising income.
  • Help develop financial-assistance and gear-access programs.
  • Provide clear financial reports to club leadership.

Good fit for someone who…

  • Is careful and detail-oriented.
  • Is comfortable working with numbers.
  • Keeps good records.
  • Communicates honestly about financial limits.
  • Wants to improve access and affordability.

Time commitment

Around 2–4 hours most weeks. More during budgeting periods, reimbursements, and fundraising.

Experience needed

No accounting background is required. Spreadsheet skills and comfort learning ASU financial procedures are important.

Trips Director

The Trips Director helps transform exciting ideas into realistic plans. The role does not replace individual trip leaders; it gives them structure, support, and another set of eyes.

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate the semester trip calendar.
  • Support Team Leads and trip organizers.
  • Review route plans, logistics, permits, equipment, transportation, and emergency information.
  • Help determine whether proposed trips match member readiness.
  • Reduce scheduling conflicts between major trips.
  • Maintain trip-planning templates and records.

Good fit for someone who…

  • Loves route research and planning.
  • Thinks carefully about logistics.
  • Can identify missing information.
  • Balances ambition with realism.
  • Enjoys helping other people lead.

Time commitment

Around 2–4 hours most weeks. More before major expeditions and when building the semester calendar.

Experience needed

Meaningful hiking, backpacking, climbing, or trip-planning experience is helpful. Must be willing to research unfamiliar objectives rather than rely only on personal experience.

Training Director

The Training Director helps members prepare before they enter more serious environments. The goal is not to pretend every workshop creates an expert, but to give members practical foundations and clear next steps.

Responsibilities

  • Plan clinics, workshops, and recurring training events.
  • Connect training to upcoming club trips.
  • Organize conditioning events such as StairMaster sessions.
  • Find qualified instructors and trusted educational resources.
  • Help create beginner-friendly pathways into outdoor skills.
  • Maintain training materials for future leaders.

Good fit for someone who…

  • Enjoys teaching.
  • Can explain skills clearly.
  • Is patient with beginners.
  • Cares about preparation and safety.
  • Knows when an outside instructor is needed.

Time commitment

Around 2–4 hours most weeks. More during workshops or before major trips.

Experience needed

Experience with some outdoor skills is important. Certifications are valuable but not necessarily required for every training topic. The leader must stay honest about the limits of their expertise.

Service Coordinator

The Service Coordinator turns the club’s desire to help into organized, reliable action. This role makes sure partners can trust MCA to show up prepared and follow through.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and schedule service projects.
  • Coordinate projects involving kids with disabilities, shelter-dog walks, Papago cleanup, and restoration work.
  • Build relationships with nonprofits, parks, shelters, and community organizations.
  • Prepare volunteers with clear expectations, supplies, and safety information.
  • Track volunteer hours and project impact.
  • Help service remain a consistent part of MCA rather than an occasional addition.

Good fit for someone who…

  • Cares deeply about people, animals, and outdoor places.
  • Communicates professionally.
  • Is comfortable coordinating volunteers.
  • Follows through on commitments.
  • Enjoys building community partnerships.

Time commitment

Around 2–4 hours during planning weeks. Additional time during the service projects themselves.

Experience needed

No specialized outdoor experience is required. Volunteer, disability-support, nonprofit, or event-planning experience is helpful.

Partnerships Director

The Partnerships Director helps MCA gain access to resources and opportunities it could not create alone. The emphasis should be on real relationships, not simply asking companies for free gear.

Responsibilities

  • Build relationships with sponsors, nonprofits, outdoor organizations, instructors, and local businesses.
  • Develop partnership proposals and outreach messages.
  • Seek gear support, discounts, funding, training, and service opportunities.
  • Maintain ongoing communication with existing partners.
  • Keep records of contacts, agreements, and follow-ups.
  • Coordinate with the Treasurer, Service Coordinator, and other officers.

Good fit for someone who…

  • Enjoys meeting and contacting new people.
  • Writes and speaks professionally.
  • Can handle rejection without giving up.
  • Is organized about follow-ups.
  • Understands that partnerships should benefit both sides.

Time commitment

Around 2–4 hours most weeks. Some periods may be heavier during sponsorship and grant outreach.

Experience needed

No formal sales experience is required. Strong communication, professionalism, and persistence are important.

Media and Outreach

Media and Outreach helps people understand what MCA actually is. It should show the adventure, service, training, and friendships honestly without making the club look inaccessible or exaggerating its accomplishments.

Responsibilities

  • Photograph and document trips, service projects, training, and club events.
  • Manage social media and help update the website.
  • Create recruitment and promotional materials.
  • Collect member stories, trip reports, and photos.
  • Promote upcoming opportunities clearly and accurately.
  • Preserve a record of the club’s development over time.

Good fit for someone who…

  • Enjoys photography, writing, video, design, or social media.
  • Notices meaningful moments.
  • Can communicate consistently.
  • Wants to help new members feel welcome.
  • Is willing to attend and document different types of events.

Time commitment

Around 2–4 hours most weeks. More during recruitment periods and major events.

Experience needed

No professional media experience is required. Examples of past creative work are useful but not necessary.

Leadership Expectations

  • Prioritize member safety.
  • Lead with humility and integrity.
  • Be honest about your experience and limitations.
  • Teach what you know and continue learning.
  • Support fellow leaders and members.
  • Follow through on your responsibilities.
  • Create opportunities for others.
  • Leave places better than you found them.
  • Leave useful documentation for future leaders.

Not sure which role is right for you?

Leadership doesn’t always start with experience. If you’re interested in helping out but aren’t sure where you’d fit, I’d be happy to talk through the different roles and help you find one that matches your interests.

Leadership position(s) you’re interested in

Between Peaks

Pictures, poems, and a game of Hearts.

Poem Wall

[A member poem, journal fragment, or reflection.]

Pictures Between Trips

Photo space
Photo space
Photo space
Two-Player Hearts
Total — You: 0 · Computer: 0
Round — You: 0 · Computer: 0
Dealer: Computer
Press Start Game.
DRAW
52
Computer tricks
0
Your tricks
0

Choose 3 cards to pass

Select three cards. The computer will also pass three.

0/3 selected

Campfire

✧ MCA Resource Library
MCA Field Guide Library

Resources

Guides, checklists, planning tools, safety information, and club documents collected in one place. Resources will open as MCA Field Guides, printable PDFs, forms, or website pages depending on the material.

Library

Can’t find what you need?

Tell us what information would help you prepare for a trip, learn a skill, or participate more confidently. Useful requests may become future MCA Field Guides.

Request a Resource

Have something to contribute?

Members and instructors can suggest edits, submit notes, or help improve a guide. Contributions should be clear, sourced where appropriate, and honest about the limits of the author’s experience.

Contribute to the Library
Join MCA

Choose how you want to participate.

Join as a member, take responsibility as a leader, build a partnership, or bring us an idea that does not fit into a preset box.

01

Join as a Member

Attend trips, meetings, service projects, training, and social events while learning how MCA works.

Every member is expected to contribute to at least one MCA project by organizing an idea, joining a project team, or helping another member carry their project out.

Join on Sun Devil Central
02

Become a Leader

Organize one thing, support another leader, become a Team Lead, or explore a director or officer role.

03

Partner With MCA

For organizations, schools, families, parks, disability-serving groups, shelters, companies, and community partners.

04

Bring an Idea

Use MCA’s community and resources to shape a trip, workshop, service project, gathering, or something new.

Adaptive Program

Parents, guardians, participants, support people, and organizations can begin the adaptive intake process on its dedicated page.

Meeting Information

Next meeting: Tentatively Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Location to be announced.

New and returning members are welcome. Check the club calendar for the newest meeting and event details.

Common FAQs

Gear, experience, time commitment, trip costs, and how MCA compares with the Arizona State Outdoors Club.

Read the FAQs

Contact and Learn More

Email Tony at [email protected], explore the FAQs and Resources, or use the Bring an Idea page to schedule a 30-minute conversation.

Joining MCA

Common FAQs

Welcome to MCA’s website! First and foremost, MCA is a community. The club is centered around pushing ourselves mentally and physically in the mountains, but we also aim to support our members in all of their pursuits.

What kind of gear do I need?

You don’t need any special equipment to come on MCA trips. All necessary trip equipment is provided, though at some point you may choose to purchase your own boots or other personal equipment.

What if I don’t have any backpacking or mountaineering experience?

No worries. The point of this club is to decrease the barriers to outdoor activities and help more people go on sick adventures.

What is the difference between the Arizona State Outdoors Club and the Mountaineering Club at Arizona State University?

You should absolutely do both. MCA focuses more on larger objectives that are often out of state, while the Arizona State Outdoors Club offers a wider variety of outings that mostly stay in Arizona. MCA still goes on plenty of smaller trips for fun, skill-building, and team bonding.

What does the time commitment look like?

The amount of time you spend on trips, training, meetings, and social events is flexible. Every member is expected to contribute to at least one MCA project by organizing something, joining a project team, or helping another member carry their idea out. For more advanced objectives, participants will also need to complete enough preparation for leaders to confirm that everyone is ready.

How much do trips cost?

All of our day trips are free. For trips over school breaks, participants split shared costs such as gas, flights, and food. On the most advanced trips, rentals for specialized boots, crampons, and ice axes should generally cost no more than $50 per person. When an objective does not require that specialized equipment, MCA should have the necessary group equipment available for participants.