Climbing Merit Badge

Introduction

The Climbing Merit Badge is an exciting opportunity for scouts to learn about the sport of climbing. Scouts will learn about the different types of climbing, the equipment needed, and the safety measures required to climb safely.

Merit Badge Requirements

1. Explain the following: a. The difference between climbing and rappelling. b. The difference between bouldering and belaying. c. Three types of climbing: bouldering, top-rope climbing, and lead climbing.
2. Explain how the following climbing equipment works: a. Rope, cord, and webbing. b. Climbing hardware (carabiners, runners, rappel devices, webbing, cord, and rope). c. Climbing shoes and harnesses.
3. Explain the importance of using a rope and proper climbing hardware when climbing. Explain the importance of knots used in climbing.
4. Explain how to belay a climber correctly and safely. Explain the importance of communication between climber and belayer during the climb.
5. Explain how to rappel correctly and safely. Explain the importance of communication between climber and belayer during the rappel.
6. Explain how to climb and descend using proper techniques.
7. Explain the following: a. The importance of using a spotter when bouldering. b. How to properly use a crash pad when bouldering. c. The importance of using a helmet when climbing.
8. Participate in a minimum of three hours of actual climbing (including time spent getting ready to climb and taking down the climbing site).
9. Explain the Leave No Trace principles as they apply to climbing and rappelling. Explain the climbing and rappelling rules of the Boy Scouts of America.

Lesson

Hey there, scouts! Are you ready to climb to new heights and earn your Climbing Merit Badge? Let's get started!

First, let's talk about the different types of climbing. Bouldering is climbing without ropes or harnesses, usually on shorter walls or rocks. Top-rope climbing is when a rope is anchored at the top of a climb and the climber is attached to the rope with a harness and belayed from below. Lead climbing is when the climber attaches the rope to anchors as they climb, and the belayer takes in the slack from below.

Now, let's talk about equipment. You'll need a harness, climbing shoes, a helmet, and a rope. Carabiners, runners, rappel devices, webbing, cord, and rope are all important pieces of hardware used in climbing. Make sure you know how to use them properly!

Safety is key in climbing. Always use proper equipment and knots, and make sure you have a spotter when bouldering. Communication is also important between the climber and belayer. Make sure you know how to belay and rappel correctly and safely.

Now, let's get climbing! Make sure you participate in at least three hours of actual climbing time. And don't forget to follow the Leave No Trace principles and the climbing and rappelling rules of the Boy Scouts of America.

Questions

• What are the three types of climbing?
• What equipment do you need for climbing?
• Why is safety important in climbing?
• What is belaying and why is it important?
• What is rappelling and why is it important?
• What are the Leave No Trace principles?
• What are the climbing and rappelling rules of the Boy Scouts of America?

Remember, if you have any questions or need help completing the Climbing Merit Badge, don't hesitate to reach out to your merit badge counselor. Good luck!

Schedule

Week	Requirements
Week 1	Requirements 1-3
Week 2	Requirements 4-5
Week 3	Requirement 6
Week 4	Requirements 7-8
Week 5	Requirements 9-10