At the Federation of Mountain Clubs of British Columbia (FMCBC), we are committed to supporting outdoor clubs and helping them bring their visions to life. This season, we are excited to share the progress of two outstanding clubs—Varsity Outdoor Club Vancouver and Rock On Collective—who have been putting their 2024 FMCBC grants to great use. These clubs are using the funds to foster outdoor recreation, through mentorship, community, and the enjoyment and preservation of backcountry.

Varsity Outdoor Club Vancouver: Rebuilding the Sphinx Bay Hut

After an unexpected permitting hiccup with BC Parks delayed their plans, the Varsity Outdoor Club (VOC) Vancouver team pushed forward with determination, completing the much-anticipated rebuild of the Sphinx Bay Hut in Garibaldi Park. Despite alpine conditions that saw temperatures plummet, the project went off without a hitch.

VOC President, Adam Steele, reflected on the success, sharing the excitement of the crew and how the team pulled off 28 hours of labor to complete the project.

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Club member Ryan MacDonald described the intense work:

“By evening, we had the last tongue and groove installed on both sides, the last of the vapor barrier installed, and the hut was once again waterproof. We retired to the cooking tarp, enjoyed some curry, and talked about the history of the VOC and what makes it so cool. We all fell into bed exhausted—just in time for the last arm of the storm to slam into us.”

Though conditions were tough, with torrential rain and challenging terrain, the team persevered. Duncan MacIntyre, another member, shared his reflections on the effort:

“Jeff works like a waterfall: ceaseless and always pounding… we kept hammering away in the dark by the light of our headlamps, racing to get work done before the rain started up again.”

The new hut is now ready to welcome adventurers, standing as a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. This project, made possible by the 2024 FMCBC grant, will provide shelter for generations of outdoor enthusiasts for years to come.

Photo Credit: Ryan MacDonald

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FMCBC Grant in Action with Varsity Outdoor Club

Rock On Collective: Mentorship and Rock Climbing

Meanwhile, Rock On Collective (ROC) has been taking advantage of the fall weather to inspire and educate through their mentorship program. Thanks to the FMCBC grant, Rock On Collective has organized several events aimed at teaching new skills on the rock and fostering a sense of community.

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Rock On Collective in Action using their 2024 FMCBC Grant

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Over the last month, Rock On Collective has hosted a Multi-pitch course and a Rock Rescue course at Skaha Bluffs, along with a social climb day at Kelowna Boulderfields.

These events have provided mentors and mentees alike with the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow in their climbing abilities.

In the words of the Rock On Collective team:

“So much joy, laughter, and new knowledge shared within the group!”

Seeing the smiles and excitement of participants is a true reflection of what FMCBC grants are all about—empowering clubs to create impactful, community-building experiences in BC’s stunning wilderness.

We are so proud of the hard work and passion shown by both Varsity Outdoor Club Vancouver and Rock On Collective, and we can’t wait to see more from these and other FMCBC grant recipients.

Stay tuned for more stories of how these grants are making a difference across the province.

-The FMCBC Team