Hi All
My son on 17. He is not yet a member. I am wondering if there is a younger group of members in their 20s that me might be able to meet. He is a gentle chap. Enjoys climbing can belay indoors. He likes wild camping and has done this alone up kinder a few times. He really could do with some mates to get out there with. Thank you Dave Coyne
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John Farrow writes:
Hi Dave,
I fear you, your son and the Club are caught by the law. The Club admits only those 18 and over as members. The law obliges anyone under 18 involved in Club activities to be accompanied by one of its parents or an adult declared – in writing – to be in loco parentis – standing in for the parent. If you look at the Club’s Rules on the website you will see there is following the main body a Child Protection Policy which sets out the issue in detail.
The Club isn’t only caught by the law in this matter. If there were an incident involving an unaccompanied under 18 year old – still technically a child – it’s likely the Club’s insurance cover would be invalid or more accurately that of the members’ affected, since the Club itself isn’t insured. It’s being a paid up BMC member that provides cover. If the parent or person in loco parentis not a BMC member that would be another complication.
I had the dubious pleasure of needing to try to understand these issues.
Best wishes, John Farrow