The Sam Houston Area Council COPE and Climbing Program delivers premier outdoor adventure, leadership development, and safety-focused training that goes far beyond traditional camping experiences. Designed to serve Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Exploring, the program provides youth and adult leaders with opportunities to challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills through professionally managed COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) and climbing activities.
Leadership & Program Commitment
The council’s COPE and Climbing Committee provides overall leadership and direction for all COPE and climbing activities within the council. Comprised of trained Level I and Level II Instructors, Directors, and experienced Scouters, the committee works collaboratively with council leadership and related committees—including training, camping, safety, and risk management—to ensure a well-rounded, high-quality program.
The committee is dedicated to offering exceptional training and engaging programs that support advancement, leadership growth, and high-adventure experiences for Scouts of all ages. Its primary mission is to support units and camps by delivering safe, exciting, and meaningful outdoor opportunities while developing and sustaining a strong corps of trained COPE and climbing leaders.
Program Opportunities
COPE and climbing activities are integrated throughout the council’s year-round outdoor program, including:
- Council and district events
- Summer and winter camp programs
- High-adventure experiences and specialty sessions
- Unit and multi-unit climbing and rappelling activities
- Partnerships with professional organizations and other councils to expand opportunities
These programs provide progressive challenges for participants of all experience levels, from introductory climbing to advanced high-adventure experiences.
Safety First: Climb On Safely
All climbing and rappelling activities within the Sam Houston Area Council are conducted in strict accordance with National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP), Belay On (COPE & Climbing Manual) and Climb On Safely: A Guide to Unit Climbing and Rapelling, Scouting America’s official procedures for training instructors and organizing climbing and rappelling events.
These standards apply to every unit-sponsored activity—whether held at a natural rock site, climbing tower, or indoor wall—and apply equally to single-unit and joint-unit events. By adhering to these procedures and conducting regular facility and equipment inspections, the council ensures that every participant experiences climbing and COPE activities in a safe, well-supervised environment.
Building the Future of Adventure
A key priority of the Sam Houston Area Council COPE and Climbing Program is the recruitment, development, and retention of qualified instructors and leaders. Through ongoing training, mentorship, and succession planning, the council continues to grow a strong network of skilled volunteers and staff dedicated to delivering exceptional outdoor experiences.
The result is a dynamic COPE and climbing program that inspires confidence, builds leadership, and creates unforgettable adventures—helping Scouts safely reach new heights both on and off the climbing wall.
Training and Advancement
The Sam Houston Area Council places a strong emphasis on instructor development and youth leadership. Training opportunities include:
- Climb On Safely and related safety orientations
- Climbing Level I and Level II Instructor training
- COPE and climbing skills instruction for youth and adults
- Camp staff and instructor development programs
- Leadership and advancement opportunities such as Climbing Merit Badge and COPE-related awards
These programs ensure that both youth and adults gain the skills, confidence, and leadership experience necessary to safely conduct and participate in climbing and COPE activities across the council.
Register for Climbing & COPE Training
Climbing Training
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Introduction Course for Climbing (and COPE)
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Climb On Safely
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Prerequisites: None
Description: Climb On Safely covers eight key safety points about climbing and rappelling and is required training for at least one adult leader on any type of Scouting outing that involves climbing or rappelling.
• Basic understanding of Climbing Program Policies
• Climb On Safely online training is an orientation only, and does not constitute training on how to climb or rappel.
Course length: 15 min, online course
Certification length: 2 years
Taught by: Online Learning Center at my.scouting.org
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Foundation Courses for Climbing (and COPE)
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COPE and Climbing Foundation Level I
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Prerequisites:
• Climb on Safely taken online
• age 18+
• climbing experience recommended
Description: The training will cover the skills and information needed to staff LOW COPE as well as Climbing and Rappelling activities on Artificial Surfaces (towers and walls).
Covers: Leave No Trace, Challenge By Choice & Setting Goals, Age Appropriate Guidelines, Warm-ups and Initiative Games, Spotting, Dealing with Fear, Safety Measures & Accident Prevention, Life Safety Systems, Climbing and Rappelling (Tower/Wall), Equipment Control & Inventory, Pre-use Inspections and Reporting, Effective Teaching Using EDGE
Certification qualifies: staff a climbing or COPE event with direct Level 2 or climbing director supervision
Course length: 14 hrs
Certification length: 1 year
Taught by: Council COPE and Climbing Committee and COPE and Climbing Program Trainer
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| COPE and Climbing Foundation Level II |
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Prerequisites:
• COPE and Climbing Foundation Level I
• age 21+
Description: The training will test current COPE and Climbing knowledge and skills. Additionally, the course will cover the skills and information needed to supervise low COPE activities as well as Climbing and Rappelling activities on Artificial Surfaces (Towers and Walls) at permissible locations.
• Certification qualifies: • supervise low COPE, bouldering, and climbing and rappelling activities on artificial surfaces (towers and walls)
• teach Climbing Merit Badge
Course length: 14 hrs
Certification length: 3 years
Taught by: Council COPE and Climbing Committee and Council COPE and Climbing Program Trainer
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Youth Course:
Cope and Climbing Foundation Instructor in Training (IIT) |
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Prerequisites:
• Climb on Safely taken online
• age 16-17
• COPE experience recommended
• Earned the Climbing Merit Badge recommended
Description: The training will cover the skills and information needed to staff LOW COPE as well as Climbing and Rappelling activities on artificial surfaces (towers and walls).
Covers: Leave No Trace, Challenge By Choice & Setting Goals, Age Appropriate Guidelines, Warm-ups and Initiative Games, Spotting, Dealing with Fear, Safety Measures & Accident Prevention, Life Safety Systems, Climbing and Rappelling (Tower/Wall), Equipment Control & Inventory, Pre-use Inspections and Reporting, Effective Teaching Using EDGE
Certification qualifies: While COPE and climbing events NEED to be staffed by a qualified Level 2 and a qualified Level 1, IITs can provide ADDITIONAL support COPE and climbing events.
Course length: 14 hours
Certification length: 1 year
Taught by: Qualified Instructor or Council COPE and Climbing Committee |
Climbing
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Youth Course:
Climbing Instructor in Training (IIT)
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Prerequisites:
• Climb on Safely taken online
• age 16-17
• COPE experience recommended
• Earned the Climbing Merit Badge recommended
Description: Learn to teach Scouts how to climb and rappel at the unit, district or council level.
Covers: Site Selection & Management, Environmental Conditions, Rock Climbing & Technique, Anchoring, Bouldering, Teaching Climb On Safely, Teaching Climbing Merit Badge
• Certification qualifies: While Climbing events NEED to be staffed by a qualified Level 2 and a qualified Level 1, Climbing IITs can provide ADDITIONAL support Climbing events.
Course length: 14 hours
Certification length:
Taught by: Qualified Instructor or Council COPE and Climbing Committee |
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Climbing Level I
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Prerequisites:
• Climb on Safely taken online
• age 18+
• climbing experience recommended
Description: Learn to teach Scouts how to climb and rappel at the unit, district or council level. The training covers the skills and information needed to staff any Climbing Program
Covers: site selection and management, environmental conditions, rock climbing and technique, anchoring, bouldering, teaching Climb On Safely, teach Climbing Merit Badge
• Certification qualifies: • Staff real rock programs, council climbing towers, council climbing walls, and council bouldering walls with a Level 2 or climbing director present
• teach Climbing Merit Badge
Course length: 14 hrs
Certification length: 1 year
Taught by: Council COPE & Climbing Committee
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Climbing Level II - Artificial Surface
Climbing Level II -Real Rock Surface
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Prerequisites:
• Climb on Safely taken online
• Climbing Level 1
• age 21+
• Competence in basic climbing skills as found in Climbing Merit Badge requirements 5, 7-11.
Description for artificial surfaces: tests current climbing and repelling knowledge and skills, covers the skills and information needed to supervise climbing activities at permissible locations, expands Level 1 knowledge using troop or personal equipment and gear brought by the participant. The training expands on existing knowledge and focuses on event and site management and incident resolution so that an Instructor may lead a unit properly and with confidence, utilizing artificial structures.
Learn the skills and information needed to supervise climbing activities at permissible locations. Expands Level 1 knowledge using troop or personal equipment and gear brought by the participant. Training expands on existing knowledge and focuses on event and site management and incident resolution so that an Instructor may lead a unit properly and with confidence in a natural area. Tests current climbing knowledge and skills.
Covers: site selection and management, rock climbing and technique, anchoring, standards recap, and proper structure operations
Certification qualifies: • supervise climbing and rappelling activities with at least one additional climbing instructor to assist the lead Instructor for unit-based climbing events to maintain a 6:1 youth to adult ratio.
• teach Climbing Merit Badge
Course length: 21 hrs
Certification length: 3 years
Taught by: COPE and Climbing Program Trainer or Council Climbing Committee and Council COPE and Climbing Program Trainer
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Climbing Director
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Prerequisites:
• At least COPE Level 1, Climbing Level 1, or COPE and Climbing Foundation Level 1
• Climb on Safely
• age 21+
Description: Learn skills and information needed to supervise climbing activities at permissible locations. Expands Level 1 knowledge using troop or personal equipment and gear brought by the participant. Expands on existing knowledge and focuses on event and site management and incident resolution so that an Instructor may lead a Unit properly and with confidence in a natural area. Tests current climbing knowledge and skills.
Covers: site selection and management, rock climbing and technique, anchoring, standards recap
Certification qualifies: • staff climbing/rappelling bouldering, natural rock, indoor and tower activities • function as Lead Instructor with at least one additional Climbing Instructor to assist the Lead Instructor for unit-based climbing events to maintain a 6:1 youth to adult ratio.
• teach Climbing Merit Badge • lead climbing/rappelling bouldering, natural rock, indoor and tower activities • Supervise Climbing and Rappelling activities
Course length: 2 weekends OR 1 week-long course
Certification length: 5 years
Taught by: National Camping School
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COPE
COPE is an acronym for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience. It comprises a series of outdoor challenges, beginning with basic group-initiative games and progressing to more complex low-course and high-course activities. Some of these events involve a group effort, whereas others test individual skills and agility. Participants climb, swing, balance, jump, and rappel as well as think through solutions to a variety of challenges. Most participants find that they can do much more than they initially thought that they could.
Project COPE is an exciting outdoor activity that can attract and keep older youth in Scouting. It is designed to meet the needs of today's youth who are seeking greater physical and mental challenges. The underlying goals of a Project COPE course are consistent with the methods of Scouting. Group activities are ideal for emphasizing the patrol method and developing leadership. Individual activities help promote personal growth. Participation is entirely voluntary.
A Project COPE course provides an opportunity for each participant to achieve success as an individual and as a member of a patrol or team. The activities are not designed to be competitive or to be races against time. The objectives include building teams, solving problems, making decisions, and developing trust, communication, leadership, planning, and self-esteem as team members cooperate to achieve goals they have agreed upon.
All COPE activities require a currently certified COPE director and currently certified COPE facilitators.
Project COPE Information Sheet COPE Activity/Goal Assessment Chart
The Project COPE manual (34371) describes facilities and equipment for low- and high-course activities that help develop communication, planning, teamwork, trust, leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, and self-esteem among participants.
COPE Facilitator Training
COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) is an exciting program that teaches important lessons, and the classroom is unlike any other. COPE uses mental and physical challenges, low and high above ground to teach confidence, self-esteem, trust, leadership, team building and problem-solving. As a COPE facilitator, you'll help participants climb, swing, balance, jump, and think of solutions to a variety of activities.
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Introduction Course for COPE (and Climbing)
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Climb On Safely
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Prerequisites: None
Description: Climb On Safely covers eight key safety points about climbing and rappelling and is required training for at least one adult leader on any type of Scouting outing that involves climbing or rappelling.
• Basic understanding of Climbing Program Policies
• Climb On Safely online training is an orientation only, and does not constitute training on how to climb or rappel.
Course length: 15 min, online course
Certification length: 2 years
Taught by: Online Learning Center at my.scouting.org
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Foundation Courses for COPE (and Climbing)
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COPE and Climbing Foundation Level I
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Prerequisites:
• Climb on Safely taken online
• age 18+
• climbing experience recommended
Description: The training will cover the skills and information needed to staff LOW COPE as well as Climbing and Rappelling activities on Artificial Surfaces (towers and walls).
Covers: Leave No Trace, Challenge By Choice & Setting Goals, Age Appropriate Guidelines, Warm-ups and Initiative Games, Spotting, Dealing with Fear, Safety Measures & Accident Prevention, Life Safety Systems, Climbing and Rappelling (Tower/Wall), Equipment Control & Inventory, Pre-use Inspections and Reporting, Effective Teaching Using EDGE
Certification qualifies: staff a climbing or COPE event with direct Level 2 or climbing director supervision
Course length: 14 hrs
Certification length: 1 year
Taught by: Council COPE and Climbing Committee and COPE and Climbing Program Trainer
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| COPE and Climbing Foundation Level II |
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Prerequisites:
• COPE and Climbing Foundation Level I
• age 21+
Description: The training will test current COPE and Climbing knowledge and skills. Additionally, the course will cover the skills and information needed to supervise low COPE activities as well as Climbing and Rappelling activities on Artificial Surfaces (Towers and Walls) at permissible locations.
• Certification qualifies: • supervise low COPE, bouldering, and climbing and rappelling activities on artificial surfaces (towers and walls)
• teach Climbing Merit Badge
Course length: 14 hrs
Certification length: 3 years
Taught by: Council COPE and Climbing Committee and Council COPE and Climbing Program Trainer
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Youth Course:
Cope and Climbing Foundation Instructor in Training (IIT) |
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Prerequisites:
• Climb on Safely taken online
• age 16-17
• COPE experience recommended
• Earned the Climbing Merit Badge recommended
Description: The training will cover the skills and information needed to staff LOW COPE as well as Climbing and Rappelling activities on artificial surfaces (towers and walls).
Covers: Leave No Trace, Challenge By Choice & Setting Goals, Age Appropriate Guidelines, Warm-ups and Initiative Games, Spotting, Dealing with Fear, Safety Measures & Accident Prevention, Life Safety Systems, Climbing and Rappelling (Tower/Wall), Equipment Control & Inventory, Pre-use Inspections and Reporting, Effective Teaching Using EDGE
Certification qualifies: While COPE and climbing events NEED to be staffed by a qualified Level 2 and a qualified Level 1, IITs can provide ADDITIONAL support COPE and climbing events.
Course length: 14 hours
Certification length: 1 year
Taught by: Qualified Instructor or Council COPE and Climbing Committee |
COPE
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Youth Course:
COPE Instructor in Training (IIT) |
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Prerequisites:
• Climb on Safely taken online
• age 16-17,
• COPE and climbing experience recommended
Description: Provides an introduction to COPE, instilling the goals of COPE, NCAP Standards, how to sequence and process a group, trust activities, zip line, Low COPE and an introduction to High COPE.
Covers: goals and features of COPE, sequencing and processing, stories and tall tales, trust activities, low course activities, high course activities
Certification qualifies: • while COPE events need to be staffed by a qualified Level 2 and a qualified Level 1, COPE IITs
can provide additional support COPE events.
Course length: 16.5 hours
Taught by: Qualified Instructor or Council COPE Committee |
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COPE Level I
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Prerequisites:
• Climb on Safely taken online
• COPE and climbing experience recommended
• age 18+
Description: Covers the skills and information needed to staff any climbing program. Provides an introduction to COPE, instilling the goals of COPE, NCAP Standards, how to sequence and process a group, trust activities, zip line, Low COPE and an introduction to High COPE.
Covers: Goals & Features of COPE, Sequencing & Processing, Stories & Tall Tales, Trust Activities, Low Course Activities, High Course Activities
Certification qualifies:• staff council COPE programs, council climbing towers, council climbing walls, and council bouldering walls with a level 2 or climbing director present
Course length: 16.5 hrs
Certification length: 1 year
Taught by: Qualified Instructor or Council COPE Committee
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COPE Level II
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Prerequisites:
• Climbing Level 1, COPE Level 1, COPE and Climbing Foundation Level 1, OR COPE and Climbing Foundation Level 2
• age 21+
Description: Learn the skills and information needed to supervise COPE activities at permissible locations. Expand on the knowledge learned in COPE Instructor 1, focusing on sequencing, low and high COPE incident resolution, zip line emergency procedures, COPE course pre-use inspection, and set-up. Tests current COPE knowledge and skills
Covers: Goals & Features of COPE, Group Development, Sequencing & Processing 2 hours Stories & Tall Tales, Trust Activities, Low Course Activities, High Course Activities, Standards Recap
• Certification qualifies: • lead low COPE and high COPE events • function as Lead Instructor for COPE events with the assistance of at least one additional Level 1 or 2 COPE Instructor to maintain a 12:1 youth-to-instructor ratio for Low COPE and a 6:1 youth-to-instructor ratio for High COPE. 6:1 youth-to-adult ratio. • Supervise COPE activities • teach the Climbing Merit Badge
Course length: 16 hrs
Certification length: 3 years
Taught by: Council COPE Committee and Council COPE and Climbing Program Trainer
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COPE Director
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Prerequisites:
• COPE and Climbing Foundation Level II
• Climbing Level II
• age 21+
Description: • tests current COPE knowledge and skills. Additionally, the course will cover the skills and information needed to supervise COPE activities at permissible locations.
• expands on the knowledge learned in COPE Instructor 1, focusing on sequencing, low and high COPE incident resolution, zip line emergency procedures, COPE course pre-use inspection, and set-up.
Covers: Goals & Features of COPE, Group Development, Sequencing & Processing 2 hours Stories & Tall Tales, Trust Activities, Low Course Activities, High Course Activities, Standards Recap
Certification qualifies: • lead low COPE and high COPE events • function as Lead Instructor for COPE events with the assistance of at least one additional Level 1 or 2 COPE Instructor to maintain a 12:1 youth-to-instructor ratio for Low COPE and a 6:1 youth-to-instructor ratio for High COPE. 6:1 youth-to-adult ratio. • COPE and Climbing Foundations Level 2" and "Climbing Level 2" . ADD "At Least COPE Level 1, Climbing Level 1, or COPE AND Climbing Foundation Level 1", Climb on Safely
Certification length: 5 years
Taught by: National Camping School
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Resources
About the Climbing Committee
The climbing committee conducts climbing training and supports climbing activities at camporees, summer camp, Order of the Arrow events, and thousands of unit climbing events.
Contacts