Vertical Skills Stage 2

Vertical Skills - Stage 2 Competencies & Requirements

1. I have been climbing on an artificial wall or natural rock formation.
   • Scouts have tried either climbing in the context of a supervised “bouldering” or a top roped climbing lesson.
2. I know the safety rules for being at the top of or the bottom of a cliff face.
   • Scouts do not play or get close to a cliff edge unless an adult is present. Scouts do not look over a climbing cliff edge unless tied in with a climbing rope.
   • Scouts do not play, rest or stand below a cliff face where rocks, dirt and other things could fall down.
   • Scouts always have a climbing helmet on when at the bottom of a climbing site.
   • Scouts never push or throw anything over a cliff edge.
3. I can properly put on a climbing helmet.
   • Scouts can properly adjust their helmets so that they fit snuggly to stay central on the head and not slide forward or back easily.
   • The chin strap and attachment straps to the helmet are snug, but do not interfere with breathing or talking.
4. I can identify and name the parts of a carabiner.
   • Scouts can identify the gate, spine, nose, hinge, latch, basket (where the rope sits), crotch (where the attachment connects), barrel and spring on a carabiner.
     • See Carabiners.pdf for lots of information on carabiners and all their parts.