Introduction to setting up, operating, and taking down the Scouterhorn; NCAC's Spectrum Sports "Drop-A-Rock" 24' mobile climbing tower.

What can be done with the Scouterhorn? Have FUN! And share the fun with others? Beyond that, the Scouterhorn can support recruiting and merit badge requirements.

Recruiting

Are you looking for a “hands-on” way to promote your programs? Consider using our 24′ mobile climbing tower, the Scouterhorn. Unit leaders can become trained tower operators, then rent the Scouterhorn for unit and district events. At least two adults must be trained, one of whom must agree to be the person in charge—the Scouterhorn Lead—and responsible for safe operation and reporting of all incidents, even near misses.

Teach the Climbing Merit Badge

If you are a Climbing Merit Badge counselor (or interested in becoming one), we can show you how to use the Scouterhorn to satisfy all climbing, belaying, and rappelling requirements for the badge. That training also qualifies you to be a Scouterhorn Lead.

Training

Youth 18 and above and adults are eligible to become Scouterhorn Leads to run the Scouterhorn.

There are two parts to become a Scouterhorn Lead: an online portion and in-person, hands-on training.

Online training (please take before attending on-site training):

When you register for training, the Climbing Committee will create a user account for you and you will be sent login instructions to take the online training. Be sure to review the videos. [If you do not get a notice, send an email to NCAC.COPE@gmail.com with your name, phone number, district, and email address you want to use for your online account.]

Hands-on training:

Training will include set up, operation, and take down. This training is good for one year from day of training or from most recent assessment (e.g., staffing a council or district use of the Scouterhorn).

We will demonstrate three modes of operation: auto-belay only, belay-assisted climb, all-manual belay.

• Scouterhorn Leads must be proficient with at least auto-belay only mode (climbers must be able to climb without assistance to succeed).
• Scouterhorn Leads who are experienced with belaying (or interested) will learn to provide belay-assisted climb (climbers get assistance from an additional rope so they only come down when they want to).
• Scouterhorn Leads who are experienced with climbing will learn all-manual belay (auto-belay is not used; required for supporting the climbing merit badge).

The mode(s) you offer when you are the Scouterhorn Lead depends on which you are staffed and experienced to provide.

Value to you

You will be gaining experience by assisting at the White Oak/Potomac District Cub Scout Day Camp at the Scouterhorn during the training. Please bring a water bottle, snacks, bug spray, a camp chair, and sunscreen. Feel free bring a bag lunch to stay and assist after the morning training or to come early and observe prior to the afternoon training. Training is good for one year from the date of training completion.

All participants will go home with an NCAC Swag Bag with goodies.

Volunteers Needed at Event

• Youth, do you want to earn SSL hours? Sign up for additional hours at the climbing station as a youth day volunteer.
• Adults, want to have fun assisting for more than one day during the WOD/Potomac climbing event at Day Camp?

Contact Michelle Manning at michelle_manning@hotmail.com. The Scouterhorn will be running at camp on Tuesday 6/21 through Thursday, 6/23.

Final ask

We need Scouterhorn Leads and Assistants. We hope you will volunteer to staff the Scouterhorn when we offer it during Council and District events. You can keep your qualifications active by serving on staff.

As of June 2022, we need at least two trained people per day from 18 to 23 July 2022, 3:00 - 5:00 pm, to offer the Climbing Merit Badge during Camp Snyder Scouts BSA Specialty Week 2022. Click here to register as an adult volunteer (https://scoutingevent.com/082-49917-132751). Send email to NCAC.COPE@gmail.com for the code.