Climbing is an activity in Scouting that requires specialized training to facilitate outings for your unit.

Level I Instructors may assist in conducting climbing operations, and Level II Instructors may supervise climbing operations within the Shenandoah Area Council and other Scout Councils with which we have reciprocal agreements for sharing instructors.

Level I and Level II Climbing Instructor Training will be offered at Camp Rock Enon Scout Reservation (CRE) over several dates in April, May, and June 2026.

This course will cover BSA NCAP Climbing standards, safety, gear, setting up anchor systems, operations, emergency scenarios, and other related climbing information. This course will also include instructions on operating the SAC Mobile Climbing Wall.

The training will be conducted in several phases, and parts will be repeated to facilitate participation. There is an online video conference phase and an in-person phase held at CRE. If a participant is unable to attend one or more of the scheduled sessions, contact the course director to see if we can accommodate other arrangements.

Climbing harnesses and helmets will be provided, or participants may use their harnesses and helmets, subject to inspection and approval by the Course Director. All other gear will be provided. Personal gear other than helmets and harnesses may not be used.

LEVEL 1 INSTRUCTOR: Maximum 5 students - must be at least 18 years old. Certification is good for 1 year.

To complete the course for Level 1 Climbing Instructor certification, participants must do the following:

• Complete the assigned home reading material and knot practice
• Watch three pre-recorded training videos and pass competence exams for each
• Attend two 8-hour long on-site hands-on instruction and climbing training with a skills evaluation held at Camp Rock Enon
• Level 1 Session A - Sunday, April 12th or Sunday, April 26th 
• Level 1 Session B - Sunday, April 19th or Sunday, May 3rd

LEVEL 2 INSTRUCTOR: Maximum 7 students - must be at least 21 years old. Certification is good for 3 years.

To complete the course for Level 2 Climbing Instructor certification, participants must do the following:

• Watch two pre-recorded training videos and pass competence exams for each
• Attend two 8-hour long on-site hands-on instruction and climbing training with a skills evaluation held at Camp Rock Enon
• Level 2 Session A - Sunday, May 17th or alternate dates available on June 7,8, or 9 
• Level 2 Session B - Sunday, May 24th or alternate dates available on June 10,11, or 12