Two activities stood out last year in the extremely engaged section on Colorado’s Front Range. We formed a group called the Climbing Posse that met after work to climb. The dates were announced in our monthly e-mail, and each meeting was organized by a volunteer. Besides getting on the rock, the purpose of this group was to foster a sense of AAC community and “ownership” in the section, develop new volunteer leaders, mentor less experienced climbers, and give new members a chance to network. About 25 members participated, and we hope to expand this program in 2014.

The Front Range Section dinner, an affordable grass-roots event designed to attract all members, was held at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden. The legendary George Lowe was the speaker. Highlights included a costume contest (black-tie thrift store) and a storyboard contest. Approximately 140 people showed up, with at least half of them in costume. The most humorous storyboard portrayed George Lowe landing his plane and following Sasquatch footprints to a cave, where he discovered Jim Donini inside. We plan to make this dinner an annual section event.