FAQ

What is the Post?

Post 58 is a volunteer-based, student-led organization for students ages 14 - 18 in the Portland, OR area.  Students in the Post get opportunities to try challenging outdoor activities as a way to connect with the natural real world, build resilience, group living skills and leadership.   Students engage in outdoor adventures, including rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, mountaineering, etc., all under the guidance of experienced adults. Most of our trips are to destinations in the Pacific Northwest, but we visit many other mountain ranges and climbing areas as well. For more information, please see our about page.

What are advisers?

Advisers are the fabulous adults who make Post 58 possible. On the surface, their job is to ensure that the trips we provide are safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. However, they actually do so much more, from suggesting and organizing trips, to teaching students, to remembering to pack the “top-tarts.” (Pop-Tarts eaten on the summit of a mountain) They are volunteers and role models who dedicate their time and expertise to help our students grow. It is because of them that our community can be as positive and welcoming as it is.

How much of a commitment is the Post?

Post members are required to attend monthly meetings. In addition, we expect that all members will join us on certain training weekends, the annual weekend snowshoe trip, and will participate in one service project and one fundraiser per year.

How often are meetings?

Meetings are held on the second or third Monday of every month, from 7-9 pm at 1201 SW 12th on property owned by Northwest Academy. The first Chapter meets on the second Monday and the second one meets on third Monday. Meetings during the summer are occasionally held at different times or places; please check the calendar for details on the next meeting.

How often are trips?

This varies month to month, especially since Oregon is often rainy. We offer about 120 trips per year. In general, one service project, one fundraiser, and one climb night are offered each month. Usually, we will also offer one to two outdoor trips per month during the school year, and many more trips during the summer.

When will you offer ___________?

Though no two years are the same, as most activities are dependent on weather, we tend to offer different activities at different times of the year. Caving tends to be offered in the fall, rock climbing tends to be offered in the fall and spring, and snowshoeing tends to be offered in the winter. Conditioning hikes and snow school take place during the Spring, before the mountaineering season begins in the late spring. Different trips are offered each year, and there is never any guarantee as to what will be offered or when we will offer it.

Who is eligible to join the Post?

Anyone between the ages of 14 - 18 who has an interest in the activities we offer is eligible to join the post. Members must commit to attending monthly meetings, and must also complete one service project and one fundraiser per year. Participation in the annual snowshoe trip, typically offered in February, is also expected.

Do I have to be an expert climber/ mountaineer to join the Post?

Not at all! The majority of our members had very little, if any, climbing experience before joining the Post. Learning new skills is a big part of what the Post is about. That being said, if you are an expert climber, we also offer trips and opportunities for you. If you ever feel like our trips are not meeting your needs as a climber, please contact us.

How much does joining the Post cost?

Dues for this year are $355 and will cover membership through January of 2025. Financial aid is available; please ask Peter Green, to request.

How do I join the Post?

The first step to becoming a member is to email Carlo Hamacher and tell him know you’d like to be put on the waiting list. Once you’re on the list, we’ll contact you as space opens up. Our new year starts in October, so that is generally when we take on new members.

In the meantime, you can come to a meeting and introduce yourself. We’d love the chance to meet you and show you what the Post is all about.

How does the Post minimize risk on its trips?

Post advisers are required to complete a multi-year training regimen before they can lead a climbing trip with the Post. Multiple advisers are present on every trip, and we try to keep a good ratio of advisers to students. In addition, our trips are offered in a hierarchy, to ensure that students are qualified for each trip they are on. For instance, we rate mountain climbs A, B, and C, and ask that students complete two A climbs before a B climb, and two B climbs before a C climb. Advisers are trained in first aid. Depending on the type of trip, they may carry certain equipment, such as a GPS or SPOT emergency beacon as well.

Who do I contact if I have a question about a specific trip?

The best person to contact would be the adviser in charge of that trip, which should be listed under the details for the trip on our calendar in the member area. If you do not see contact information there, please contact us, so we can forward your message to the appropriate adviser, or obtain their contact information for you.

What are advisers?

Advisers are the fabulous adults who make Post 58 possible. On the surface, their job is to ensure that the trips we provide are safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. However, they actually do so much more, from suggesting and organizing trips, to teaching students, to remembering to pack the “top-tarts.” (Pop-Tarts eaten on the summit of a mountain) They are volunteers and role models who dedicate their time and expertise to help our students grow. It is because of them that our community can be as positive and welcoming as it is.

What qualifications are required to become an adviser?

Becoming an adviser is a time commitment, but a very rewarding one. Advisers don’t have to be experts, but must have some outdoor experience, and must complete training before leading trips. They may serve as trip assistants or chaperones with less training or experience. This training includes first aid, avalanche, and rock climbing certification.

How do I become an adviser?

If you are interested in becoming an adviser, please contact the director. We also recommend that you attend our next post meeting, (see the calendar) so you can meet current advisers and students, and learn more about the Post.

How do I request financial aid for a trip?

Financial aid is available for all trips. You can make a request by emailing the director.

Where can I find the Roster?

Here, in the member area. Please note that it is password protected.

Where can I find the Post Bylaws?

Here, in the member area. Please note that it is password protected.

I need help finding _______ ?

If you are looking for a document pertaining to a specific event, check the calendar first, then try contacting the appropriate Steering Committee member / the former webmaster / the president.

If you are looking for a webpage, try the member area.

If you are looking for prospectuses, route reports, or waivers from past trips, they are linked on the steering committee page (password is different from the rest of the member area).

I need the password for the roster or steering committee page

Please contact the Director at Peter@post58.org.

How do I join the Steering Committee?

The Steering Committee is the Post’s student leadership body. Students interested in joining can request to join in late summer. Then, a nominating committee will selct the candidate(s) they feel are best for each position, and the entire Post will vote on their selections at the September general meeting. The Steering Committee is a great way to further your involvement with the Post, and learn important leadership skills. That said, it’s a commitment. In addition to attending all General Meetings, Steering Committee members have one extra meeting per month to attend, and they must make their Post work a priority in their lives. If you are interested in joining the Steering Committee, try chatting with current members to find out which position would be right for you. (A list of current members and positions is available on the second page of the roster.)