Jim Banko Climbing Instructor and Committee Member Troop 89, Great Bend, PA

1. Jim Banko Climbing Instructor and Committee Member Troop 89, Great Bend, PA

2. Agenda • Introductions • What is Climb On Safely? • Your Expectations • Climb On Safely – The 8 Points • Breaking the Chain of Bad Judgment • The Next Step • Closing

3. Introductions • Who are you? • What is your regular job? • Where are you from? • What is your position with your Troop? • What outdoor activities do you regularly participate in?

4. What is Climb On Safely? • Climb On Safely establishes the guidelines by which BSA climbing and rappelling activities are to be directed • Standardizes the qualifications expected of adults leading climbing and rappelling activities • Patterned after the successes of Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, and Project COPE

5. Your Expectations • Why are you here? • What do you hope to get out of this course?

6. Climb On Safely – The 8 Points • Qualified Supervision • Qualified Instruction • Physical Fitness • Safe Area • Equipment • Planning • Environmental Conditions • Discipline

7. Qualified Supervision • All climbing and rappelling activities must be supervised by: • A mature adult at least 21 years old • An additional adult at least 18 years old • Groups with more than 10 youths must have one additional adult at least 18 years old for every 10 additional youths

8. Qualified Supervision • The adult supervisor must ensure that someone in the group is currently certified in American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR • The module “First Aid – When Help is Delayed” is also recommended by BSA • A higher level of certification is also acceptable • EMT, LPN, RN, or a licensed physician

9. Qualified Instructors • All climbing and rappelling activities must be supervised by: • A qualified rock climbing instructor at least 21 years old • A minimum of 10 hours of instructor training for climbing and rappelling must be obtained from: • A nationally recognized organization • A climbing school • A college-level climbing/rappelling course • OR a qualified BSA Climbing Instructor

10. Physical Fitness • The supervising adult must require evidence of fitness for climbing and rappelling activities with at least a current BSA Personal Health and Medical Record – Class I • The supervising adult must adapt his/her supervision to anticipate any potential risks associated with individual health conditions

11. Physical Fitness • If significant health conditions are present, an examination by a licensed health-care practitioner should be required by the supervising adult BEFORE permitting participation in climbing and rappelling activities • The supervising adult should ensure that the Climbing Instructor is aware of each participant’s medical condition

12. Safe Area • All BSA climbing and rappelling activities must be conducted using an established or developed climbing/rappelling site or facility. • A qualified Climbing Instructor should survey the site in advance and evaluate it

13. Safe Area • Ensure that the site is adequate to accommodate all participants within the available time • Identify an emergency evacuation route in advance

14. Equipment • The Climbing Instructor should verify that proper equipment is available for the size and skill level of all participants • Helmets, rope, and climbing hardware must be approved by UIAA or CEN

15. Equipment • Records must be kept for all equipment • When was it put into service? • How many hard falls has it been subjected to? • Rope or webbing subjected to more than 3 hard falls or that is 5 years old must not be used

16. Planning • Obtain written parental consent • In the event of severe weather or other problems, share the climbing/rappelling plan and any alternate plan with the parents and unit committee • Secure permits or written permission for using private or public lands

17. Planning • Enlist the help of a qualified Climbing Instructor • Be sure the instructor has maps of the area and is aware of the weather forecast before setting out • Carrying an electronic means of communication is highly recommended by BSA

18. Environmental Conditions • The Climbing Instructor is responsible for monitoring potentially dangerous environmental conditions • Loose, crumbly rock • Poisonous plants • Wildlife • Inclement weather

19. Environmental Conditions • Use the buddy system to monitor for dehydration, hypothermia, or an unusually high level of fear or apprehension • The supervising adult is responsible for ensuring that the group adheres to the philosophy of Leave No Trace

20. Discipline • Each participant must be oriented with Climb On Safely, and understand and respect the rules and procedures • All participants should respect and follow all instructions and rules of the Climbing Instructor

21. Discipline • All rules should be presented before the activity and reinforced again before climbing or rappelling begins • The Climbing Instructor must be strict and fair, showing no favoritism

22. General Comments • The supervising adult’s relationship with the youth should reinforce the importance of following instructions • The Climbing Instructor is responsible for all procedures and for safely conducting the climbing/rappelling activity

23. General Comments • The supervising adult works with the Climbing Instructor and is responsible for all matters outside of the climbing/rappelling activity

24. General Comments • A capable instructor has experience in teaching climbing and rappelling to youth, acknowledges personal limitations, and exercises good judgment in a variety of circumstances

25. General Comments • Having climbing skills is not enough – the instructor must have the ability to teach and the ability to empathize with youth that may be apprehensive about climbing

26. Breaking the Chain of Bad Judgment • While it is the responsibility of the Climbing Instructor to monitor for unsafe conditions, it is helpful for everyone to: • Be willing to recognize their own poor judgment • Be aware that a moderate level of stress may sharpen their thinking and judgment • Use problem solving strengths that optimize choices

27. Breaking the Chain of Bad Judgment • While it is the responsibility of the Climbing Instructor to monitor for unsafe conditions, it is helpful for everyone to: • Be alert for groups of poor judgments, one building on top of another • Avoid repeating errors by reviewing the original poor judgment as soon as chain has been broken

28. The Next Step • BSA Climbing Instructor • Topping Out – BSA Climbing and Rappelling Manual • This manual may be a valuable resource for unit leaders in complying with Climb On Safely guidelines • BSA Climbing Director

29. Closing • Did you attain what you had come here for? • Any questions? • Do you have any suggestions for improving this course?