Highly skilled, outdoor hands-on program covering PPC Level II Climbing Instructor (CI) training.  By completing this training, you will be a qualified Level I CI and can help Level II CIs run exciting rock climbing programs!  With practice and proficiency, you can return for an evaluation to become a Level II CI.    

In BSA, a Level II CI works with another CI to set up rope and webbing around boulders and trees (or bolts and chains) to create a safe, top-roped rock climbing area.  The CIs then run climbing programs that anyone can enjoy! 

Topics include gear inspection and management, knots and rigging, site selection and safety, teaching skills, ground school, running program, and emergency procedures.     

CIs are encouraged to return and practice their skills at any PPC monthly Sunday Scout Leader Intro to Climbing (SLIC) session.  After developing your proficiency, you may schedule a one-day written and practical Level II CI evaluation on any date of one of our monthly Sunday SLIC sessions.  By BSA’s Climb On Safely rules, a unit who has a Level II CI and one other CI can have unit-run climbing outings at any suitable rock face such as  Allamuchy State Park (Stanhope), Rick’s Rocks (Blairstown) or Ralph Stover State Park (Buck’s County, PA).

Qualification is good for two years from evaluation with records of active instruction (CI logbook).  Requalification is done by presenting a CI logbook and retaking the one-day written and practical evaluation.

To bring Scouts climbing at Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation (MASR), Level II CIs must present their CI logbook, an inventory and inspection record for each piece of their gear being used at MASR, and arrange one additional evaluation with Council climbing program staff.  This Council staff evaluation also qualifies Level II CIs to help as paid staff and run Council climbing programs at MASR for units without their own CIs and gear. 

(NOTE: Non-PPC participants should verify that this training meets their Council’s CI staff requirements.)

Prerequisites:  

Participants need to have indoor or outdoor experience with climbing and rappelling.  You will need basic skills that you can get from a climbing gym, or by climbing with a qualified friend or instructor, or by participating in any of our open climbing events such as monthly Sunday SLIC.  The prerequisites are:

1. BSA registered adult.  (See http://join.ppbsa.org/volunteer/ to register.)
2. Take BSA Climb On Safely (COS) training on-line. (https://my.scouting.org/) Bring proof to class.
3. Current BSA Annual Health and Medical Record, including Part C.  Bring a copy to class. 
4. Minimum 21 years old (Minimum 18 years old with prior approval and space available)
5. Competence in basic climbing skills as found in BSA Climbing merit requirements 5, 7-11.  Essentially, you need to have done 3 climbs, 3 rappels, belay someone on 3 routes (climbing and rappelling), be proficient at BSA commands, and be able to tie Figure-eight (on a bight and follow-through), grapevine (double fisherman) and webbing water knots. 
6. Bring your own commercial or tied webbing climbing harness, climbing helmet, leather palmed gloves.    

Items 1 – 5 are mandatory.  Item 6 is strongly recommended.  

Registration includes cabin camping, program materials and food for the weekend.