Scouting America
Climbing Instructors Course
December 27-29, 2026
Scouting America is offering a Artificial Structure Climbing Instructors Course to be held on December 27-29, 2026 at Camp Mattatuck in Plymouth, CT. The course will only cover the skills used at a tower or constructed facility. It will not cover climbing skills at a natural rock site.
The goal is to ensure that you can safely and effectively manage a climbing program for your camp, district or unit. It will help you to solidify your knowledge of climbing and to bring it into line with the current Scouting America policies. This course is intended for any adult (18+) who meets the prerequisites and is interested in teaching the basics of climbing and rappelling.
The course will begin on Sunday, December 27, 2026 at 6:30 pm at Camp Mattatuck, 221 Mount Tobe Road, Plymouth, CT 06782.                    Eat dinner before you arrive.
The course will be a combination of classroom and hands-on learning at a tower as well as a bouldering wall. The course concludes at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, December 29, 2026.
The fee of $100 covers the cost of the course as well as meals. You will be sleeping on beds and mattresses in a heated cabin at Camp Mattatuck. Bring your own bedding. You may also bring your own harness, helmet and climbing shoes but they are not required. We will supply all the climbing equipment that you will need.
We will supply breakfast, lunch and dinner on Monday as well as breakfast and lunch on Tuesday. Please let me know if there are any special dietary needs.
You should have a basic understanding of the concepts of climbing such as belaying, knots and equipment in order to enroll in this course.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a certificate as a “Level 1 or Level 2 Climbing Instructor for Artificial Structures”.
Level 1 is a 1-year certificate for those 18 or older who meet all competencies, can apply them to routine, familiar program delivery situations with supervision and support.
Level 2 is a 3-year certificate for those 21 or older who fully meet all competencies, can apply them to solving most non-routine situations, and can provide leadership to other staff. You are then able to act as a “Qualified Instructor” to run a unit, district, or council climbing/rappelling activity.
For questions or to reserve a place, please email Chris Moon at usagymct@aol.com.
Register online on the following webpage:
https://scoutingevent.com/ Update this link
Please bring the following items with you to the course:
• A completed Annual Health and Medical Record Part A and B. Found at www.scouting.org
• A copy of your current Climb On Safely card (Take the course on the My.Scouting.org site)
Questions and information:
Chris Moon
usagymct@aol.com
Cell: 203-217-7871