Climbing

1. Complete at least four different climbs, each of which should be listed in a climbing guidebook.
   If you have done this already, or if you hold the Scout section Climber Activity Badge, move straight on to step 2.

2. Know how to put on a harness and helmet, and the calls used in climbing.

3. Understand and demonstrate the proper use of a belay device.

4. Experience at least one session (two hours) of single-pitch climbing on a man-made climbing wall, either indoors or outdoors.

5. Be able to use information given in a climbing guidebook. Explain the grading systems for climbs.

6. Select at least five separate climbs, locate the starts on the ground and climb them. The standard on an artificial wall should be grade 5+ or 6. On a natural face it should be ‘very difficult’.

7. Abseil down a face of not less than 15 metres using a safety rope.

8. Demonstrate how to care for the equipment used and explain what you should look out for when equipment is nearing the end of its life.

Requirements on the previous page are referenced by REQ

Previous Badges

• If you held the Scout Climbers badge you meet REQ 1

You will fully complete the badge if:

• You join a climbing club OR

• Take part in multiple climbing activities outdoors where you:

  • • Climb at least 5 routes (Very Difficult outdoors or 5+ indoors) and train for at least 2 hours at an indoor climbing wall.

    • Abseil more than 15 metres using a belay device and proper safety gear.

    • Show progression and commitment

    • Demonstrate safe use of harnesses/helmets, understand climbing grades, and keep a logbook.

Take part in an abseiling activity:

• At a climbing arena, Scout/school residential, or

• Abseil more than 15m using a safety rope.

 Record with photos/videos as proof!

[REQ 2, 3 & 7]

Indoor Climbing Session

Join an indoor climbing session for at least 2 hours

• Focus on belaying, safety calls, and climbing technique.

• Capture evidence with photos/videos.

[REQ 3 & 4]

Complete 4 different climbs listed in a:

• Published climbing guidebook, or

• Approved climbing centre with graded routes and sloped walls.

• These can include: rock faces, boulders, ice climbs & cliffs

Most climbing centres use professional grading and rotate routes frequently. This matches the Scout badge criteria and can be a reasonable adjustment — check with your leader first.

[REQ 1]

Five Graded Routes

Complete 5 different climbs:

• Natural rock: at least “Very Difficult” grade, from an official climbing guidebook, or

• Artificial wall: at least grade 5+ (or harder).

Log each climb and take photos or videos if possible.

[REQ 1, 2, 3, 6, 8]

Knowledge & Equipment

Learn and demonstrate the following:

• How to interpret a climbing guidebook and explain grading systems

• How to care for and inspect climbing equipment, including ropes, helmets, harnesses, belay devices, and carabiners

• How to explain when equipment should be retired or replaced

Show your understanding to your leader.

[REQ 5, 8]

Climbing Grades

https://youtu.be/cD4XHKBwe3I

https://www.sportrock.com/post/understanding-climbing-grades

Equipment & Gear Guides

Belaying: https://youtu.be/CFIz4cBFVro

Harnesses Guide: https://youtu.be/aRrLfR7rnw0

Checking Gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPFZqVgsICc 

Climbing Routes

https://smc.org.uk/publications/climbing

Edinburgh Indoor Climbing Arena