COPE & CLIMBING

C.O.P.E.

Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience

COPE Is designed and operated to accomplish eight key goals. COPE consists of a series of obstacles and challenges designed to foster problem-solving skills and group interaction. These goals are accomplished by forcing the group to work together, communicate with each other, and trust the group decision as they attempt a solution to the obstacle.

Eight Key Goals

Communication
Planning
Trust
Teamwork
Leadership
Decision-Making
Problem Solving
Self-Esteem

Program

Initiative Games – The trail to forming an effective team starts with getting to know your group members. A series of fun and extremely participatory games will quickly help team members learn more about each other as they prepare for future challenges on the course.
Low Cope – A program designed solely for breaking barriers and developing the eight key goals within the group. This is done through team initiative games, trust exercises, and other techniques provided by our highly trained staff.
High Cope – A program that takes low COPE to new heights. This program directly builds from the eight key goals developed in Low COPE and adds helmets, harnesses, and Rope, 20+ feet in the air! Recommended for those that want to take teamwork to a whole other level.

COPE Program Requirements

Groups may have a minimum of 8 individuals – any less and the experience would not be as beneficial.
A maximum group size of 36 for the COPE course is set to ensure everyone has a chance to participate.
Reservations must be made at least 30 days before the requested date to secure proper staffing.
Payments must be made upon making a reservation unless otherwise arranged.
All participants must have a completed BSA Health Form Part A & B before participating.

Indian Nations Council is proud to offer the COPE Program at both Mabee Scout Reservation & Graves Scout Reservation (Outer Limits).

Council COPE Contacts

Please contact us for rates, scheduling, and availability.

Danny Forthman, COPE Committee Chair
(918) 230-3899
d4thman@yahoo.com

CLIMBING

The council climbing committee is dedicated to providing quality training and activities above and beyond the basic camping experiences of the Boy Scouts of America.

Climbing & Rappelling Policy

Climb on Safely

There is an inherent risk in climbing and rappelling, but with proper management, that risk can be minimized. Climb On Safely is the Boy Scouts of America’s procedure for organizing BSA climbing/rappelling activities at a natural site or a specifically designed facility, such as a climbing wall or tower. Leaders should be aware that Climb On Safely is an orientation only and does not constitute training on how to climb or rappel. All unit-sponsored/planned climbing activities, regardless of where they are held, fall under Climb On Safely. Climb on Safely training may be obtained from the BSA Online Learning Center.

Belay On

As of 2016, the Belay On manual replaces the old Project COPE manual and Topping Out as a reference for challenge courses and climbing programs operated within the BSA. Belay On is available HERE, at no cost to BSA members, who are expected to use it in BSA programs for non-commercial purposes. Belay On describes recommended techniques for setting up and carrying out a climbing activity. It applies to climbing facilities such as towers, vertical and horizontal walls as well as natural features such as cliffs and rock faces.

Climbing Training Renewal Clarification

The following is provided to clarify the requirements to remain current in your training. These details should provide every instructor with an opportunity to renew their training and remain current in the skills, techniques, and topics that apply to your efforts. Following the completion of training, each instructor has several ways to maintain their training at any level.

Recall – Any Level 1 expires after 1 year, any Level 2 expires after three years.

Every individual 16+ or older must complete Foundations training before pursuing climbing or COPE training.

Most instructors that complete Foundations training show the skills needed to Lead a climbing activity using towers or walls on Council property and they receive a Level 2 for Artificial Climbing Structures (ACS)

ACS renewal options: attend a training event as a participant, serve as staff at a training event, or serve as staff at the ZBASE Outdoor Adventure event in the spring or fall. 3-year renewal from the date of the event.

After Foundations training, completion of Climbing Instructor (CLI) training usually qualifies anyone for Level 1. Typically, most instructors function as a Level 1 for 6-12 months and then return to a training event to demonstrate their skills to receive a Level 2 completion. Any individual can attempt Level 2 in their initial training but practice and experience are important for success.

A CLI Level 2 is only received during a training event to assure that all skills are observed by the training staff to confirm competency.

CLI renewal options: attend a training event as a participant, serve as staff at a training event, or serve as staff at our fall VOA outdoor climb event or other outdoor council events.

CLI Level 1 - 1 year term - annual renewal.

CLI Level 2 - 3 year term - 3-year renewal.

For Climbing Instructor in Training – anyone 16-18-year-old's - you are on an annual renewal so your help with any council events can keep you stay current in the training you have completed.

A CLI Level 2 covers all requirements for both Artificial Structures and Natural areas so you do not need to maintain an ACS Level 2 if you are current in CLI Level 2.