Purpose

The Ken Nelson Memorial Climbing Award is presented to honor a member of the Everett Mountaineers for distinguished service to the climbing program. It symbolizes the heritage of volunteerism and leadership, which is so vital to the Mountaineers.

History

The award was established in 1986 in memory of Ken Nelson. Ken was a very active Everett Climbing Committee member who died in a tragic mountaineering accident on Mt. Robson. Originally, the Branch intended to dedicate a climbing rock in his name, but when the project was canceled this award was conceived instead. The award is a perpetual plaque, kept by the recipient for one year, with names added in subsequent years. A, smaller plaque is given to the recipient to keep permanently.

Nominations

The Climbing Committee is responsible for the selection of the recipient while adhering to the criteria within this policy. The Committee Chair shall lead the Committee through the selection process. Written nominations for award candidates may come from the Climbing Committee or from Everett Branch members. After reviewing each nomination, if the Committee decides to make an award, they shall prepare a summary of the recipient's history for appropriate publication.

Eligibility

The criteria for choosing the award recipient are: graduation from a Mountaineers Basic Climbing Course or Basic Climbing Equivalency; exemplary service to the Everett Branch climbing program (e.g. leads Branch climbs, instructs a Basic and Intermediate field trips, member of the Climbing Committee, etc.); humanitarianism.

Presentation

The past year's Climbing Committee Chair or her/his designee shall present the award at the Annual Banquet.

Recipients