COPE AND CLIMBING
SCOUTING COPE AND CLIMBING
COPE and Climbing Resources
Belay On Manual – The Belay On manual is a reference for challenge course and climbing programs operated within the BSA. Belay On is available online in PDF format at no cost to BSA members, who are free to use it in BSA programs for non-commercial purposes. The publication will not be available in printed form from BSA Supply Group. Councils are free to reproduce Belay On as needed for their local training programs.
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.
Cave Safely Cave Softly – Learn before you go. Caving can be an exciting unit activity, but requires knowledge and preparation. This guide can help. For more information refer to the NSS Guide to Responsible Caving.
Canyoneering Safely – Another exciting adventure for units prepared with the right knowledge and equipment. This guide will help in that preparation and keep Scouts and leaders safe.
Climbing Merit Badge
Climbing is not a sport that requires tremendous muscular strength, it demands mental toughness and the willingness to practice hard to master a set of skills. The adventure of climbing can also provide a new way to enjoy the outdoors.
Local COPE and Climbing Committee Resources
COPE and Climbing Staff Training Syllabi
The links below are to key items that support your council’s COPE and climbing program. These PDFs were updated in February 2015. Updates to the website will be made periodically. PDFs are official training documents. Word documents may be customized. Please share these with others who are involved in COPE and climbing programs.
Foundation (common to COPE and climbing)
Climbing Specific
COPE Specific
Activity Consent Form
If non-Scout groups use COPE or climbing facilities, all participants need to have an Activity Consent Form and Approval by Parents or Legal Guardian completed. In the event the council’s legal team does not have one specific to the council, the BSA’s Activity Consent Form can be used for this purpose.
ACCT Membership
The Boy Scouts of America has negotiated an ACCT membership discount for councils and volunteers. ACCT is the world’s leading advocate, educator and standards developer for the Challenge Course industry and a crucial partner of the Boy Scouts of America. ACCT standards are the foundation of our COPE training and facility management. NCAP standards PS-206, SQ-409 and FA-715 reference ACCT standards for COPE programs, including requiring ACCT membership. Refer to the document below for details on how to qualify and apply for this discounted membership. Questions? Email [email protected].
COPE and Climbing Training Course Codes/Cards
Documents for COPE and Climbing Professional Inspections
- Request for Proposal for BSA Challenge Course Inspections
- Suggested Agreement With Independent Contractors and Consultants
Risk Management Resources
Advisory on OSHA Regulations for Challenge Course Worker Safety pdf
- CHECK Explanation
- Posters, No. 616833
- Stickers, No. 616234
- Hang tag, No. 616832
Contacts
For additional support, please reach out to the COPE or Climbing representative in your National Service Territory listed below. For a map of National Service Territories click HERE
National COPE and Climbing Subcommittee Chair
NST Name Home Council Email
1 Joseph Davis Cascade Pacific [email protected]
2 Brandt Jones Crossroads of the West [email protected]
3 Steve Dodson Greater Los Angeles Area [email protected]
4 John Winter Winnebago [email protected]
5 Sherry Davis Ozark Trails [email protected]
6 John Harrits Three Harbors Council [email protected]
7 Lynn Johnson Alamo Area [email protected]
8 Andy Miller Quapaw Area [email protected]
9 Matt Kuntz Tecumseh Council [email protected]
10 Bill Scanlan Theodore Roosevelt Council [email protected]
11 Austin Van Niel Pine Tree Council [email protected]
12 Jerry Clark Westmoreland-Fayette [email protected]
13 Jeff Campbell New Birth of Freedom Council [email protected]
14 Randy Hinckley Flint River [email protected]
15 Nick Belli Piedmont [email protected]
16 Kevin Murphy Southwest Florida Council [email protected]
