The council climbing committee is dedicated to providing quality training and activities above and beyond the basic camping experiences of the Boy Scouts of America. Climbing programs are operated within the BSA.
Climb On Safely is the Boy Scouts of America’s procedure for organizing BSA climbing/rappelling activities at a natural site or a specifically designed facility, such as a climbing wall or tower. All unit-sponsored/planned climbing activities, regardless of where they are held, fall under Climb On Safely. This applies to a single unit, or multiple units, that may be participating in a joint unit climbing activity.
There is inherent risk in climbing and rappelling. With proper management, that risk can be minimized. Leaders should be aware that Climb On Safely is an orientation only, and does not constitute training on how to climb or rappel. Climb on Safely training may be obtained from the BSA Online Learning Center.
Adult Topping Out
Topping Out is a climbing tower instructor's course for adults that spans two evenings and two weekends. Climb on Safely is a prerequisite, and may be taken online at My.Scouting.org. The classes must be attended in the correct sequence: an evening class, a two-day tower class at Tellepsen Scout Camp, a second evening class, and a two-day real rock class at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, near Fredericksburg, TX.
Participants learn about climbing equipment such as cams, stoppers, hexs, and anchors. Participants also learn how to effectively supervise climbing and rappelling activities at the SHAC’s climbing towers and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Individuals who satisfactorily demonstrate the skills necessary to be an instructor will receive tower instructor status.
Register for Climbing Training
Youth Topping Out
Youth Topping Out is an instructor training class for youth, male and female, who have a desire to become BSA trained climbing/rappelling instructors-in-training. Climb on Safely is a prerequisite and may be taken online at My.Scouting.org. The class consists of an evening meeting, a two-day tower class at Tellepsen Scout Camp, followed by another evening class and a two-day real rock class at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, near Fredericksburg, TX. The students should have a desire to advance their climbing instructor skills to be applied for unit climbing and rappelling activities or possibly for council summer camp staff work.
About the Climbing Committee
The council climbing committee was started in 2000. The climbing committee conducts climbing training and supports climbing activities at camporees, summer camp, Order of the Arrow events, and thousands of unit climbing events.