The Climbing Merit Badge is a great way for Boy Scouts to learn the basics of mountain climbing. To earn the Climbing Merit Badge, Scouts must demonstrate a set of skills related to mountain climbing and outdoor safety. Here are the requirements for earning the Climbing Merit Badge, along with a helpful worksheet to track your progress.
Requirements
- Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in mountain climbing activities, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
- Describe the gear and equipment needed for mountain climbing, including the proper care and maintenance of each.
- Select a proper climbing site and identify its hazards.
- Demonstrate proper knot tying techniques suitable for mountain climbing.
- Demonstrate proper belaying techniques.
- Demonstrate proper rappelling techniques.
- Demonstrate, explain, and practice the “buddy system” when climbing.
- Discuss the availability, proper use, and personal responsibility associated with using the BSA’s “Climb On Safely” guidelines.
Worksheet
Scouts can use the following merit badge worksheet to help them track their progress in completing the requirements for the Climbing Merit Badge. This worksheet should be uploaded to the Scout’s eScouting profile, along with all supporting evidence, prior to their meeting with their Merit Badge Counsellor.
| Requirement # | Description | Completed? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in mountain climbing activities, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards. | |
| 2 | Describe the gear and equipment needed for mountain climbing, including the proper care and maintenance of each. | |
| 3 | Select a proper climbing site and identify its hazards. | |
| 4 | Demonstrate proper knot tying techniques suitable for mountain climbing. | |
| 5 | Demonstrate proper belaying techniques. | |
| 6 | Demonstrate proper rappelling techniques. | |
| 7 | Demonstrate, explain, and practice the “buddy system” when climbing. | |
| 8 | Discuss the availability, proper use, and personal responsibility associated with using the BSA’s “Climb On Safely” guidelines. |
Conclusion
The Climbing Merit Badge is a great way for scouts to learn the basics of mountain climbing. The above requirements and worksheet should help you earn the merit badge. Good luck!