All Climbing and rappelling must be supervised by a mature, conscientious adult at least 21 years of age who understands the risks inherent to these activities. This person knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of the youth in his or her care. This adult supervisor is trained in and committed to compliance with the eight points of the Boy Scouts of America's Climb On Safety procedure. One additional adult who is at least 18 years of age must also accompany the unit. Units with more than 10 youth in the same session must have an additional adult leader at least 18 years of age for each 10 additional youth participants. In other words, a group of 11 to 20 youths would require at least three (3) adult leaders; a group of 21 to 30 youths would require four (4) adult leaders, and so on.

The adult supervisor is responsible for ensuring that someone in the group is currently certified in American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR (a 6½-hour course). In addition, the two-hour module "First Aid-When Help is Delayed" is required. A course of equivalent length and content from another nationally recognized organization can be substituted. A higher level of certification such as emergency medical technician (EMT), licensed practical nurse (LPN/LVN), registered nurse (RN), and licensed health-care practitioner is also acceptable. The ARC's Emergency Response, a 43½-hour course that includes CPR, is highly recommended.

A qualified rock climbing/rappelling instructor who is at least 21 years of age must supervise all BSA climbing/rappelling activities. The climbing/rappelling instructor has successfully completed a minimum of 10 hours of climbing/rappelling instructor training from a nationally or regionally recognized organization, a climbing school, a college-level climbing/rappelling course, or is a qualified BSA climbing/rappelling instructor.

Require evidence of fitness for the climbing/rappelling activity with at least a current BSA Personal Health and Medical Record, class 1==a complete health history from a parent or legal guardian. The adult supervisor should adapt all supervision, discipline, and precautions to anticipate any potential risks associated with individual health conditions. If a significant health condition is present, an examination by a licensed health-care practitioner should be required by the adult supervisor before permitting participation in climbing or rappelling. The adult supervisor should inform the climbing/rappelling instructor about each participant's medical conditions.

All BSA climbing/rappelling activities must be conducted using an established or developed climbing/rappelling site or facility. A qualified climbing/rappelling instructor should survey the site in advance of the activity to identify and evaluate possible hazards and to determine whether the site is suitable for the age, maturity, and skill level of the participants. The instructor should also verify that the site is sufficient to safely and comfortably accommodate the number of participants in the activity within the available time. An emergency evacuation route must be identified in advance.

The climbing/rappelling instructor should verify that the proper equipment is available for the size and ability level of participants. Helmets, rope, and climbing hardware must be approved by the UIAA (Union Internationale des Association d'Alpinisme) and /or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). All equipment must be acquired new or furnished by the instructor.

Records must be kept on the use and stress (number of hard falls) on each item of equipment, which must be specifically designed for climbing/rappelling. Outside providers should be asked if they are aware of any stresses that have been put on their equipment. Any rope or webbing that has been subjected to more than three (3) hard falls or that is four (4) years old (whatever its use) must not be used. Refer to the Project COPE manual. No. 34371, concerning records that must be kept and made available even by outside providers.

When planning, remember the following:

● Obtain written parental consent to participate in climbing/rappelling activities for each participant.

● In the event of severe weather or other problem, share the climbing/rappelling plan and an alternate with parents and the unit committee.

● Secure the necessary permits or written permission for using private or public lands.

● Enlist the help of a qualified climbing/rappelling instructor

● Be sure the instructor has a topographic map for the area being used and obtains a current weather report for the area before the group's departure.

The instructor assumes responsibility for monitoring potentially dangerous environmental conditions, which may include loose, crumbly rock: poisonous plants: wildlife: and weather. The buddy system should be used to monitor concerns such as dehydration, hypothermia, and an unusually high degree of fear or apprehension. The adult supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the group leaves no trace of its presence at the site.

Each participant should know, understand, and respect the rules and procedures for safely climbing and rappelling and should be oriented in "Climb On Safely" guidelines. BSA members should respect and follow all directions and rules of the climbing instructor. When participants know the reasons for rules and procedures, they are more likely to follow them. The climbing instructor must be strict and fair, showing no favoritism. BSA unit climbing is limited to top roping. A separate belay should be used for all BSA unit rappelling activities. Climbers are required to wear UIAA-approved climbing helmets during all climbing and rappelling activities.

 Ventura County Council Approved Climbing/Rappelling Instructors

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