Climbing

Climbing Merit Badge was introduced March 1, 1997.

1. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that may occur during climbing activities, including hypothermia, blisters, sprains, abrasions, and fractures.
2. Present yourself properly dressed for belaying, climbing, and rappelling (i.e., appropriate clothing, footwear, and a helmet; rappellers must also wear gloves).
3. Location. Do the following:
   1. Explain the mountaineers (free climbers) climbing classifications and apply the classifications to the rock faces or walls where you will demonstrate your climbing and rappelling skills.
   2. Evaluate the safety of a particular climbing area. Consider weather, visibility, the condition of the climbing surface, and any environmental hazards.
   3. Determine how to summon aid to the climbing area in case of an emergency.
4. Verbal signals. Explain the importance of using verbal signals during every climb and rappel. With the help of the merit badge counselor or another Scout, demonstrate the verbal signals used by each of the following:
   1. Climbers
   2. Rappellers
   3. Belayers
5. Rope. Do the following:
   1. Describe the kind of rope acceptable for use in climbing and rappelling.
   2. Show how to examine a rope for signs of wear or damage.
   3. Discuss ways to prevent a rope from being damaged.
   4. Explain when and how a rope should be retired.
   5. Properly coil a rope.
6. Knots. Demonstrate the ability to tie each of the following knots. Give at least one example of how each knot is used in belaying, climbing, or rappelling.
   1. Figure eight on a bight
   2. Figure eight follow-through
   3. Water knot
   4. Grapevine knot
   5. Bowline on a coil
7. Harnesses. Correctly put on at least ONE of the following:
   1. Commercially made climbing harness
   2. Knotted leg-loop seat sling
   3. Swiss seat sling
   4. Diaper sling
8. Belaying. Do the following:
   1. Explain the importance of belaying every climber and rappeller.
   2. Belay three different climbers ascending a rock face or climbing wall.
   3. Belay three different rappellers descending a rock face or climbing wall.
9. Climbing. Do the following:
   1. Show the correct way to tie into a belay rope.
   2. Climb at least three different routes on a rock face or climbing wall, demonstrating good technique and using verbal signals with a belayer.
10. Rappelling. Do the following:
    1. Using carabiners and a rappel device, secure your climbing harness or seat to a rappel rope.
    2. Tie into a belay rope set up to protect rappellers.
    3. Rappel down three differenet rock faces or three rappel routes on a climbing wall. Use verbal signals to communicate with a belayer, and demonstrate good rappelling technique.
11. Demonstrate ways to store rope, hardware, and other gear used for climbing, rappelling, and belaying.