Intro to rockclimbing - enough to do non-technical

Question
Hi, I've never done any rock climbing, and am not sure how "technical" I want to get about it. However, I was hiking up Cornell Mtn in the Catskills, and came to the ledge from the north that leads to the summit of this mountain. It's about a 25 foot high "scramble." I couldn't climb it. I was wondering, how applicable is an intro lesson at a rock climbing school such as EMS in New Paltz,NY to being able to confidently negotiate a good scramble without special gear (in other words, just in regular hiking attire, hiking boots and maybe gloves).  Thanks.  

Answer
Dear Ron---many people get sucked into climbing because they want to go just a little further up the mountain.

It takes a lot of experience to judge whether or not it is safe to scramble ahead.

The American Alpine Club publishes an annual accident report, and it shows even experienced climbers fall on "easy" terrane where they are un-roped.

The class can't hurt, but it is only a start.

For more on climbing safety and developing judgement, please see, my book, "Ultrasafe, A Guide to Safer Rock Climbing," available at Amazon.com.

Good Luck

George Allen