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BS Summer Camp

Cope and Climbing

In the Scouts America, "COPE and Climbing" refers to a program where "COPE" stands for "Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience," which is a ropes course or challenge course designed to build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through various activities like low and high rope courses, while "Climbing" represents additional climbing activities like rock climbing or rappelling, often offered alongside the COPE program at many Scout camps; both aspects emphasize learning through physical challenges and group collaboration. 

Key points about COPE and Climbing:

·         COPE focus:

This program focuses on activities that test personal boundaries, encourage communication, and build trust within a group through various challenges on a ropes course, including low and high elements. 

·         Climbing component:

Beyond the COPE course, many Scout camps also offer dedicated climbing experiences, including rock climbing, rappelling, and sometimes even ice climbing, with proper training and safety protocols. 

·         Benefits:

COPE and Climbing activities are used to develop leadership skills, enhance physical abilities, and foster a sense of camaraderie within a group. 

·         Safety standards:

The BSA emphasizes safe practices in both COPE and climbing activities, requiring trained instructors and adherence to established climbing guidelines. 

 

Purpose of the Middle Tennessee Council Cope and Climbing Committee

The purpose of the Cope and Climbing Committee is to promote safe and fun programs to the youth and leaders in the Middle Tennessee Council. This will be accomplished by appropriate guidance and support from the trained volunteers of the committee.

 

Chairman: Conor Jones contact for information about the committee jflannery@mtcbsa.org 

 

Meetings are every First Wednesday of Every month Via Zoom at 6:00 pm 

 

COPE and Climbing Resources

Belay On Manual – The Belay On manual is a reference for challenge course and climbing programs operated within Scouting America. Belay On is available online in PDF format at no cost to Scouting America members, who are free to use it in Scouting America programs for non-commercial purposes. The publication will not be available in printed form from Scouting America Supply Group. Councils are free to reproduce Belay On as needed for their local training programs. 

Climb On Safely is the Scouting America’s procedure for organizing Scouting America climbing/rappelling activities at a natural site or a specifically designed facility such as a climbing wall or tower.

Cave Safely Cave Softly – Learn before you go.  Caving can be an exciting unit activity, but requires knowledge and preparation.  This guide can help. For more information refer to the NSS Guide to Responsible Caving. 

Canyoneering Safely – Another exciting adventure for units prepared with the right knowledge and equipment.  This guide will help in that preparation and keep Scouts and leaders safe.

Climbing Merit BadgeClimbing is not a sport that requires tremendous muscular strength, it demands mental toughness and the willingness to practice hard to master a set of skills. The adventure of climbing can also provide a new way to enjoy the outdoors.

Local COPE and Climbing Committee Resources

 

COPE and Climbing Staff Training Syllabi

The links below are to key items that support your council’s COPE and climbing program. These PDFs were updated in February 2015. Updates to the website will be made periodically. PDFs are official training documents. Word documents may be customized. Please share these with others who are involved in COPE and climbing programs.

Foundation (common to COPE and climbing)

  • COPE and Climbing Foundation Level I pdf | doc

  • COPE and Climbing Foundation Level II pdf | doc

Climbing Specific

COPE Specific

Activity Consent Form

If non-Scout groups use COPE or climbing facilities, all participants need to have an Activity Consent Form and Approval by Parents or Legal Guardian completed. In the event the council’s legal team does not have one specific to the council, the Scouting America’s Activity Consent Form can be used for this purpose.

ACCT Membership

Scouting America has negotiated an ACCT membership discount for councils and volunteers. ACCT is the world’s leading advocate, educator and standards developer for the Challenge Course industry and a crucial partner of Scouting America. ACCT standards are the foundation of our COPE training and facility management. NCAP standards PS-206, SQ-409 and FA-715 reference ACCT standards for COPE programs, including requiring ACCT membership. Refer to the document below for details on how to qualify and apply for this discounted membership. Questions? Email outdoorprograms@scouting.org.

COPE and Climbing Training Course Codes/Cards

Documents for COPE and Climbing Professional Inspections

Risk Management Resources

Advisory on OSHA Regulations for Challenge Course Worker Safety pdf

 

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