Scouting Adventure Center Climbing Wall Certification Course!

Reach new heights in Scouting! Become a certified Climbing Instructor and help deliver safe, exciting climbing adventures at the Scouting Adventure Center. Don’t miss your chance to join the team!
 

Become a BSA qualified Great Rivers Council Level I or Level II Climbing Instructor through this hands on, skills focused training course. Completion qualifies you to serve on the Great Rivers Council Indoor Climbing Program staff and help operate the indoor climbing wall at the Scouting Adventure Center.

Course Topics

• Gear Inspection & Management
• Life Safety Systems
• Bouldering
• Climbing Skills & Techniques
• Belaying
• Safety & Emergency Procedures
• How to Staff and Run a GRC Climbing Wall Event

Course Structure

This is a 3-session training event with 1 Open Session. (Participants may select the dates they would like to take the course, but must take the course in order: 1a, 1b, 2, Attend 1 Open Climb Session)

Step 1: Level I Certification (Attend a Session 1a and a Session 1b)

Must attend:

• Session 1a Dates:  Thursday, May 21 5:30 to 8:30 PM or Saturday, May 23 9:00 AM to Noon
• Session 1b Dates:  Saturday, May 23 1:00 to 4:00 PM or Thursday May 28 5:30 to 8:30 PM or Saturday May 30 9:00 AM to Noon

Step 2: Level II Certification (Attend a Session 2 and an open climb)

Must complete Level I first and also attend:

• Session 2 Dates: Saturday, May 30 1:00 to 4:00 PM or Thursday, June 4 5:30 to 8:30 PM
• Attend 1 Open Climb Session: 1st Saturday of every month

Registration

Registration is FREE, but registration is required.

Prerequisites

Participants must:

• Be 21 years old (or turning 21 soon)
• Be a BSA-registered adult
• Register at: https://beascout.scouting.org
• Complete BSA Climb On Safely Training online (https://myscouting.scouting.org/)
• Review the Climb On Safely Guide (https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/cope/climb-on-safely/)
• Be physically capable of belaying a climber

Equipment

• All necessary climbing equipment is provided, including: Ropes, harnesses, carabiners, helmets, climbing shoes, and more.
• Personal Equipment: You may bring your own helmet and/or harness; these must be approved by COPE & Climbing Staff.
• Optional Items:  Leather gloves, Climbing shoes
• Required Classroom Supplies: 3- Ring binder for handouts, Notebook and pen/pencil for taking notes

Benefits of Becoming a Climbing Instructor

NEW: Discounts for Unit Climbing Events

Units can take advantage of special discounted rates for climbing events when they provide trained, certified adult climbing leaders. This option significantly lowers program costs for Packs, Troops, and Crews—making climbing more accessible for Scouts while recognizing and rewarding leaders who invest in training.

How it works:  When a unit supplies its own qualified instructors, the unit only pays for facility space rental. There is no perclimber program fee.

Example: Big Savings for Your Unit

• Standard 2-hour climbing event (20 climbers): $350
• Same event with unit-provided instructors: $50
• Total savings: $300

That’s over 85% savings just by having trained leaders on your roster—funds that can be reinvested into other unit activities.

Build Meaningful Outdoor Leadership Skills

Gain real world experience in belaying, safety systems, anchors, and climbing instruction—skills that transfer to both Scouting and personal outdoor adventures.

Boost Your Confidence & Technical Expertise

You’ll learn how to manage gear, run safe climbing operations, respond to emergencies, and coach climbers of all levels.

Become Part of an Elite Program Team

Joining the Climbing Program staff means becoming part of a trained, close-knit team that delivers high quality adventures across the council.

Help Youth Grow Through Adventure

Your instruction helps Scouts build courage, resilience, teamwork, and trust—core values that last a lifetime.

Serve at Fun, High Energy Council Events

From open climbs to lock-ins and program weekends, instructors get front row access to some of the council’s most exciting events.

Earn Recognized BSA Certifications

Achieve Level I and Level II qualifications that allow you to facilitate and staff climbing events at the Scouting Adventure Center

Make a Difference While Having a Great Time

You’re not just helping kids climb walls—you’re helping them overcome fears, discover strengths, and accomplish goals.

Personal Growth & Accomplishment

Mastering new skills, teaching others, and contributing to the Scouting mission offers a rewarding sense of purpose.