Reflections from the 2025 ACC Section Forum
Reflections from the 2025 ACC Section Forum
This past May, Section representatives from across the country gathered in Canmore for the Alpine Club of Canada’s 2025 Section Forum – a weekend of reconnection, shared purpose, and forward-looking conversations supported by section representatives, ACC staff and board members.
For four days, the Forum became a vibrant hub of dialogue, creativity, and community spirit. Members, Section executives, and office staff came together not just to reflect on where we’ve been – but to build momentum for where we’re going next.
A Basecamp for ideas and action
The Forum kicked off with a welcome dinner at the ACC Clubhouse, where introductions quickly gave way to laughter and story-sharing. Bri M., our membership coordinator and self-proclaimed “best trivia-master this valley has ever seen”, entertained the crowd with an ACC themed Trivia who (I think), team Powder Hounds won.
Over the next two days, participants rolled up their sleeves to tackle two workshops:
Pathways to Impact: Shaping the Member and Volunteer Journey at Every Stage and Leading the Way: Fostering current and future leaders’ development.
In the Member Engagement workshop, we surfaced fresh ideas on how to welcome and engage with new ACC members and volunteers, how to create lasting relationships, grow members into volunteer roles, sharing best practices, support diverse skill levels, and create a deeper sense of belonging within Sections. From streamlined digital tools to in-person mentorship, the discussions reflected both innovation and a deep sense of passion for the club and its missions.
This year’s Leadership Development workshop marked a fresh chapter in how we support volunteer leaders across the Club.
With input from Sections, the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) is reimagining the Leadership Development Course to better reflect the volunteer journey – from first-time trip participants to experienced leaders. The session focused on identifying training priorities for the next three years and strengthening mentorship at the Section level.
Guided by practical questions, participants shared how they onboard volunteers, what training exists locally, and how the ACC can better support progression and avoid burnout. Sections also explored hosting future courses, fostering regional collaboration and discussed how to balance technical skills training with leadership development.
Saturday morning, section representatives, staff and board members reconvened for a series of team updates and a strategic planning workshop, before welcoming members, in-person and online for the club AGM.
Making Adventure Accessible
A highlight of the weekend was the TrailRider demonstration with Rocky Mountain Adaptive (RMA) – a powerful hands-on experience that sparked important dialogue around inclusion and accessibility in the outdoors. The TrailRider, a single-wheeled adaptive mobility device, allows individuals with mobility limitations to explore backcountry trails with the help of a team.
Forum participants took turns piloting the TrailRider and acting as support crew, navigating simulated trail terrain and reflecting on how we can reduce barriers in Club programming. The experience reminded many of us that adventure should never be limited by ability and the role our Club can play in opening up the outdoors to whoever shares our love of alpine environments.
Finishing on a high note (Literally)
On Sunday, the Forum moved the meeting room to the mountains. Participants split off into small groups for a variety of guided outdoor activities – each one a celebration of the landscapes and community that bring us together:
- Rock climbing on Eyarhey Tatanga Woweyahgey Wakân (Sleeping Buffalo), where participants tackled classic Banff-area routes under sunny skies and the watchful gaze of bighorn sheep.
- Hiking on Mînî Rhuwîn (Sulphur Mountain), with panoramic views over the Bow Valley and plenty of trail conversations that continued the weekend’s themes of connection and renewal.
- Via Ferrata in the Bow Valley, offering a thrilling (and very vertical) experience for those eager to push their comfort zones.
These outings offered a reminder of the shared passion at the heart of the Club: to explore, protect, and connect through wild places.
Looking Ahead
As we shift into summer, the work continues: final testing of our new IT platform transition, clearer insurance guidance, a growing Section Handbook, and renewed energy behind volunteer support. But the Forum made one thing abundantly clear – The ACC Club is filled with thoughtful, driven, and deeply committed people.
Thank you to everyone who attended, facilitated, supported, and participated. Your presence and contributions made this Forum a success, and it couldn’t be done without you.
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