Vertical Skills Stage 3

Vertical Skills - Stage 3 Competencies & Requirements

1. I have correctly tied a figure-8 follow-through knot.
   • Scouts can tie the knot to a mastery level with a firm feel to the knot, symmetry with no twists or cross-overs in the knot, with a 5–10 cm tail at the end of the knot.
2. I know when and where I should have a climbing helmet on.
   • Scouts know a helmet is to be worn for any climbing activity where a fall or loss of body control could result in impact to the head, or when a person or an object could fall onto a climber, belayer or spectator.
3. I know the safety rules for climbing/rappelling on an artificial climbing wall.
   • Scouts can describe the safety rules for climbing/rappelling on an artificial wall, including supervision by a qualified instructor; the importance of climbers, belayers and spectators wearing helmets; careful inspection of knots, harnesses and belays before beginning to climb; prohibition of horseplay in the climbing vicinity; and the importance of being belayed when climbing.
4. I know how to care for, handle and store a climbing rope, harness, helmet and climbing webbing.
   • Scouts can describe the care and handling of climbing equipment, including storage in a clean dry place out of direct sunlight; eliminating exposure to ANY petroleum products or ANY chemicals (such as battery acid); preventing the growth of mold on equipment; inspection by sight and feel of all equipment at every use, looking for damage, wear, discolouration and incompleteness; preventing participants from standing on, throwing down or dropping equipment; and ensuring the equipment is only used for its intended purpose.
5. I know the basic outdoor Leave No Trace rules for an outdoor climbing site.
   • Scouts can list the seven principles of Leave No Trace.
   • Scouts do disturb any flora or fauna to set up a climb or use a climbing site.
6. I have completed a climb to the top of an artificial climbing wall.
   • Scouts (using a top rope climbing method) can climb to the top of a climbing wall under their own power.
7. I can put on and adjust a climbing harness.
   • Scouts can put a harness on with the leg loops and waist belt adjusted properly and securely tightened.
8. I know the safety rules for participating on an aerial/ ropes challenge course.
   • Scouts climb under supervision and with permission from the challenge course instructor.
   • Scouts follow the challenge course instructors’ directions and the safety rules for the site.
   • Scouts always wear climbing helmets.
   • Scouts are supportive and do not distract others.Scouts respect and look after the equipment.
9. I know the difference between: a. single-pitch, b. multi-pitch, c. top-rope, d. lead climbing e. seconding climbing methods.
   • Scouts can describe what is happening with the rope, belayer and the climber in each of these five climbing methods: a. single-pitch, b. multi-pitch, c. top-rope, d. lead climbing, e. seconding climbing methods.