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