The climbing in the Melville Group, according to guide book author David Jones, "offers the finest climbing in the Battle Range" From the classic S.W. Ridge of Mt. Moby Dick (French Alpine PD+, 5.1); or Mt. White Jacket, the S.E. Ridge (French Alpine AD, 5.6), or NE traverse (French Alpine PD+, 5.1), to the Billy Budd/Claggart traverse (4th class), in the Westfall Group....a popular choice when the 2005 GMC was held there. The climbing is interesting and varied, and there are many routes to challenge all levels of ability.

The camp is self-guided, self-catered and self-managed, therefore participants should have the requisite skills to contribute to a successful and safe Camp. Most, if not all routes will involve glacier travel, so participants should have knowledge of crevasse-rescue techniques. Also participants will be required to contribute to the Camp by accepting some pre/post Camp tasks and maybe some daily tasks/trip leading while there.

Camp access will be vehicle to Golden, then south to McMurdo Creek (Approx. 4 to 5 hrs. from Calgary), then helicopter into the Camp at Houston Glacier. To minimize helicopter costs, participants are restricted to 50lbs total gear, (including personal tent, clothing, food/drinks.) Large group cooking and storage tents, plus stoves and kitchen equipment are supplied.

Details on Cost: The camp fees per week this year are estimated to be $490 per person. The Section Camp is run on a break-even basis with all costs being shared equally among the participants. The actual cost will not be known until the final accounting is complete. Additional fees may be required or refunds may be issued depending on final costs. If you are purchasing something on behalf of the camp please have your purchase approved by your camp manager first and submit your receipts to the Treasurer (address below). Expenses submitted after September 15, 2009 will not be refunded. Section policy is that the camp coordinator and week managers receive a free camp. Full accounting for the entire trip will be provided to all participants once all of the bills are in so that you know where the money went.

Booking: To reserve a spot we require a non-refundable fee of $490 with your completed application form. Click on the application form link below, print the form, complete it and mail it in with your cheque. We cannot hold a spot for you until we receive both your application form and your cheque. Your application must include volunteering for specific tasks. Failure to indicate a willingness to help with the chores or leading will result in the application being returned.

Please make cheques payable to ACC Calgary Section together with your application form to:

ACC Calgary Section Camp
PO Box 1995
Calgary, AB
T2P 2M2

Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds given upon cancellation. Once the camp is finished and all accounting is completed, there is a possibility of a refund, but no guarantee of one.