Upper Limits Rock Climbing Merit Badge

• At least four Merit Badge Counselors are on staff at Upper Limits, which allows us to keep the counselor-student ratio low to give more personal attention.

• Depending on the number of participants, classes run between three and four hours. Merit Badge classes are offered on Saturday and Sunday mornings 10:00am – 8:00pm May 1st through September 30th. October 1st through the end of April they are offered Saturday and Sunday mornings 9:30am – 3:30pm and Saturday afternoons 4:00–10:00pm . An Upper Limits Manager must approve other dates and times.

• As outlined in the Climbing Merit Badge Requirements booklet, all skills must be satisfactorily completed before obtaining the badge. ALL SCOUTS & TROOP LEADERS MUST READ THE CLIMBING MERIT BADGE BOOKLET, & DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF ALL 12 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECEIPT OF MERIT BADGE. Upper Limits counselors will teach a 2-hour belaying course (Rock Gym 101) and a follow up rappelling course after which the scouts will be tested on the other miscellaneous requirements, including knot tying. Inability to answer questions or show proficiency of skills will result in non-receipt of the Merit Badge. In such a case there will be no refund of any fees. Scouts who do not receive the badge on their first attempt can return within 4 months for a fee of $10.00.

• Please refer to the Climbing Merit Badge booklet for the new CPR requirement. Upper Limits counselors do not teach CPR, therefore this Merit Badge requirement must be met by receiving the First Aid Merit Badge or current CPR training. Upper Limits counselors will not sign off on the 1st two requirements, please complete and sign off on these requirements before your trip to Upper Limits for receipt of Merit Badge.

• The cost of the Merit Badge Class, which includes a day pass and equipment rental, is $40 per person. (Shoes are not included--Athletic shoes work fine.) If you have ten or more scouts the cost will be $35 ($5 discount). No more than 15 scouts per Merit Badge class. Larger groups will be divided accordingly.

• Troop leaders or adults accompanying the group are encouraged to take the first part of the class with the scouts (2-hour Rock Gym 101 Class) so that they understand the rules of the gym, and are able to supervise the group appropriately. Adult leaders will learn how to belay for a climber in this class-- they do not have to climb. The cost of this class is $30 a person. With groups of 10 or more, the price drops to $25 a person.

• Anyone who will be climbing only and not participating in a class must pass a belay check or be accompanied by someone belay certified. Monday nights are scout night. Scouts climb for $6.00 if they are wearing their scout uniform. (Groups of 10 or more must make reservations. This rate is not available during holiday hours.) Tuesday - Friday the daily fee is $10.00 per person ($2 discount). Saturday - Sunday the daily fee is $12.00 per person ($2 discount). Gear rental is not included in daily fees. Harness Rental—$3.00, Belay Device Rental—$3.00, Shoes (optional, gym shoes are fine)—$4

• Reservations are required. A non-refundable $15 deposit per person is required to secure the reservation. There is a minimum of 2 persons and a maximum of 15 for each class. Participants must be on time for the class or the $15 deposit will be forfeited and the class will be closed.

• All participants must have a signed liability waiver on file at Upper Limits. Those under 18 will also need their parent’s initials and signature on the waiver. Waivers will be collected at the front desk before activities begin, and climbers will not be allowed to participate if the waivers are not filled out completely.

• Troop leaders are responsible for providing the Merit Badge cards.