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Alpha Stage


The L.A. Times is running a story entitled, "Search for Missing
Climbers Called Off."
Three experienced climbers reached the top of Mt. Hood, in Oregon,
on December 8th. But something went horribly wrong on the way
back down.
According to the article Hood River County Sheriff Joe Wampler
indicated that, "further rescue efforts would not be worth the risks of
avalanches and the approaching storm." The sheriff said, "This time of
year Mt. Hood is a dangerous place to be."

According to the article, "The episode has stirred debate about
whether climbing in the upper reaches of the Cascades should be
banned in cold-weather months, and whether high-altitude hikers
should be required to bring emergency-locator devices."


Discussion-Starters for Younger Children

  • Ask your child(ren) if they think it would be fun to climb a
    mountain. Why/why not?

  • What kind of equipment do your child (ren) think they would
    bring with them if they went mountain climbing? Why?

  • Do your child(ren) think it might be dangerous to go mountain
    climbing? What parts of mountain climbing could be dangerous?

  • There are some incredible pictures of Mt. Hood HERE! Take a
    look at them with your child(ren).

Discussion-Starters for Older Children

  • Vocabulary Terms to Discuss: Risk; Treacherous; Autopsy;
    and, Summit.

  • Why would people take on the dangers associated with
    mountain climbing? Is it fair to ask why people would take on
    the dangers associated with crossing the street? Why/why not?

  • Should anybody be allowed to climb mountains who wants to
    do so, or should there be a test required before people can
    climb above a certain point? Encourage your child(ren) to
    support their opinions.

  • Pose: Imagine that the sheriff of Hood County had asked your
    opinion as to whether or not the search should continue, three
    days ago. What would you have told him? Why?

  • Take a look at the pictures of Mt. Hood located HERE! What
    would it feel like to be lost on Mt. Hood and unable to get
    down?
Why Climb?
December 21, 2006
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