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Climbing & Abseiling
There's a great deal of information on the Climbing & Abseiling page so you may find it useful to jump to the section you're looking for from the links below:Introduction to the County Climbing Advisor & support team
Overview of Scout Association Climbing & Abseiling activities
Taking part in Scout Climbing & Abseiling activities
How to arrange training as a Scout Association Climbing & Abseiling leader / instructor
How to arrange an assessment for a Scout Association Adventurous Activity Permit for Climbing & Abseiling
Further Information
County Climbing Advisor's Report 2010
Rock Climbing on Natural Rock Outcrops & Crags – Peak District, 2011
County Climbing Team
Introduction
Hello folks, welcome to the Climbing Activities section of the Birmingham County Scouts website. We hope that you will find this section of the website useful and that it will point you in the right direction to find further information and advice.
Hello folks, welcome to the Climbing Activities section of the Birmingham County Scouts website. We hope that you will find this section of the website useful and that it will point you in the right direction to find further information and advice.
My role as the County Climbing Advisor is to encourage participation by our members in climbing & abseiling activities (both on artificial climbing walls / towers and outdoors on natural rock faces / crags) in a safe and proper manner by all involved.
I have been the County Climbing Advisor since obtaining my MLTB SPA (Single Pitch Award) in April 2000, and I am also a member of the Tame Valley SAS (Scout Active Support) "Sasquatch" unit.
I was introduced to climbing as a young Scout in the mid 1970's by my Scout Leader (father) and since then I have enjoyed climbing at many locations throughout the UK and Europe (and have taken part in a number of mountaineering trips to the Alps, Pyrenees, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bolivia). I have also been active during this period in assisting and leading & supervising climbing activities for Scouts at District and County events.
I am supported by the County Climbing Team which comprises members of the Tame Valley "Sasquatch" SAS and other authorised climbing instructors from throughout Birmingham Scout County. The "Sasquatch" unit are an integral part of the County Climbing Team and volunteer their time generously to assist on climbing events throughout the County, and also operate a regular Wednesday evening climbing and training session for Scouts and instructors at Blackwell Court throughout the Autumn, Winter, and Spring months.
Climbing has moved on a long way since I first started climbing in the mid 1970's – there have been significant developments in equipment manufacture, clothing, climbing standards, training facilities, and instructing methods / techniques. Climbing is currently the fastest growing participation sport in the country – particularly indoor climbing amongst the younger generations.
Therefore, I believe we are very fortunate in Birmingham County to be able to provide our young members with a great opportunity to take part and experience the thrill (in most cases for the very first time) of climbing and abseiling activities through both Blackwell Adventure and the County Climbing Team. We have two excellent climbing facilities at Blackwell Court in the form of the indoor climbing wall and the outdoor climbing & abseiling tower and I would encourage you all to contact the County Climbing Team or Blackwell Adventure and have a go!
Martin Ramsay
County Climbing Advisor
July 2011
For further information and specific queries relating to climbing & abseiling activities, please feel free to email me at martin.ramsay@birminghamscouts.org.uk.
Overview of Scout Association Climbing & Abseiling activities
Everyone who leads an adventurous activity for young people within Scouting is required to hold an activity permit for that activity, thus leaders wishing to lead climbing & abseiling activities must hold a permit for climbing & abseiling.
A climbing / abseiling permit is time limited (up to a maximum of five years but generally up to three years for climbing) at which point it expires. If you wish to continue leading the activity for young people you will need to apply for a new permit.
The vast majority of climbing & abseiling undertaken by young members is Single Pitch Climbing. A Single Pitch Climb is one that can be completed without any intermediate stances, and from which the climber can safely walk off un–roped from the top, or can be safely lowered to the bottom of the climb. In the case of outdoor climbing the approach to the climbing route should be non–tidal without any serious difficulties on approach or retreat. For further information on Single Pitch Climbing & Abseiling refer to Fact sheet FS120452.
There are three levels of permit available:
• Personal – These permits allow under 18's to take part in the activity without the need for someone with a leadership or supervisory permit to be present.
• Leadership – These permits allow you to lead an activity for a group of young people. You need to remain with the group throughout the activity.
• Supervisory – These permits allow you to remotely supervise a number of groups taking part in the activity (up to a maximum of 3 rope systems at a time but depending on permit restrictions). When supervising more than one rope system the holder of a Single Pitch Climbing supervisor permit needs to designate a rope leader for each group. This rope leader can then act as the be–layer (but only for the current activity while the permit holder is supervising).
For further information on the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme, please refer to Fact sheet FS120100.
For further information on climbing & abseiling permits, please refer to Assessment Checklists AC120906, AC120905, and AC120900.
Everyone who leads an adventurous activity for young people within Scouting is required to hold an activity permit for that activity, thus leaders wishing to lead climbing & abseiling activities must hold a permit for climbing & abseiling.
A climbing / abseiling permit is time limited (up to a maximum of five years but generally up to three years for climbing) at which point it expires. If you wish to continue leading the activity for young people you will need to apply for a new permit.
The vast majority of climbing & abseiling undertaken by young members is Single Pitch Climbing. A Single Pitch Climb is one that can be completed without any intermediate stances, and from which the climber can safely walk off un–roped from the top, or can be safely lowered to the bottom of the climb. In the case of outdoor climbing the approach to the climbing route should be non–tidal without any serious difficulties on approach or retreat. For further information on Single Pitch Climbing & Abseiling refer to Fact sheet FS120452.
There are three levels of permit available:
• Personal – These permits allow under 18's to take part in the activity without the need for someone with a leadership or supervisory permit to be present.
• Leadership – These permits allow you to lead an activity for a group of young people. You need to remain with the group throughout the activity.
• Supervisory – These permits allow you to remotely supervise a number of groups taking part in the activity (up to a maximum of 3 rope systems at a time but depending on permit restrictions). When supervising more than one rope system the holder of a Single Pitch Climbing supervisor permit needs to designate a rope leader for each group. This rope leader can then act as the be–layer (but only for the current activity while the permit holder is supervising).
For further information on the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme, please refer to Fact sheet FS120100.
For further information on climbing & abseiling permits, please refer to Assessment Checklists AC120906, AC120905, and AC120900.
Taking part in Scout Climbing & Abseiling activities
There are several ways in which members can take part in climbing & abseiling activities within Birmingham Scout County:
Climbing & abseiling on artificial walls & towers
There are several ways in which members can take part in climbing & abseiling activities within Birmingham Scout County:
Climbing & abseiling on artificial walls & towers
- Climbing Team's Wednesday evening (6.30 – 9.00pm) climbing sessions at Blackwell Court activity centre throughout October to June each year.
- By taking part in future District and County based events e.g. District Camps and County Camps (where these activities form part of the program for your particular section). Click here for more information about forthcoming county activities.
- By contacting Blackwell Adventure for climbing & abseiling instruction based at Blackwell Court.
- By taking part in events which are organised by your leader (but only where your leader has enlisted the support of a Scout Association climbing instructor that holds a valid Adventurous Activities Permit for the activity).
- By utilizing a commercial indoor climbing wall provider e.g. Redpoint Climbing Wall and Creation Climbing Wall based in Birmingham. Leaders should be aware of POR Rule 9.9. Use of Professional Centres and Instructors. The BMC have a useful Climbing Wall Directory on their website.
- By taking part in the County Climbing Team's program of outdoor rock climbing events based in the Peak District.
- If you are an Explorer Scout, Network member, SAS member, or climbing instructor – by taking part in future Explorer Scout Climbing Weekends.
- By taking part in future activity events organised by your District e.g. Tame valley "Sir Eric Clayson Event", Rea Valley's "Forwards" badge weekend etc. For further information, please contact your District Commissioner direct.
- By taking part in events which are organised by your leader (but only where your leader has enlisted the support of a Scout Association climbing instructor that holds a valid Adventurous Activities Permit for the activity).
- By taking part in a weekend course organised by a National Scout Activity Centre e.g. Yr Hafod Scout Centre.
How to arrange training as a Scout Association Climbing & Abseiling leader / instructor
Members are strongly advised to undertake a structured training course and consolidate their experience by operating under the supervision of experienced / authorised County instructors prior to presenting themselves for assessment for a climbing activity permit.
There are several ways in which members can receive training:
Members are strongly advised to undertake a structured training course and consolidate their experience by operating under the supervision of experienced / authorised County instructors prior to presenting themselves for assessment for a climbing activity permit.
There are several ways in which members can receive training:
- By regularly attending the County Climbing Team's Wednesday evening (6.30 – 9.00pm) climbing sessions at Blackwell Court activity centre throughout October to June each year. These evenings are geared towards climbing & abseiling on artificial walls and structures.
- By attending a training course organised by neighbouring Scout Counties (where the course is open to other Counties) – please check websites for neighbouring Counties for further details.
- By attending a course organised by a National Scout Activity Centre e.g. Yr Hafod Scout Centre.
- By attending a NBG award training course such as the CWSA (Climbing Wall Supervisors Award) or SPA (Single Pitch Award). These courses are highly recommended, and especially the SPA training course for candidates seeking to extend their authorisation to include operating on natural rock outcrops & crags.
For further information, please contact Yr Hafod Scout Centre, Plas y Brenin, Mountain Leader Training England, or Mountain Leader Training Wales.
How to arrange an assessment for a Scout Association Adventurous Activity Permit for Climbing & Abseiling
Leaders and members are advised that they must not lead and / or supervise Scout Association climbing & abseiling activities unless they have a valid adventurous activity permit signed-off by their responsible commissioner, and they must always operate within the scope of any restrictions set out in the permit.
There are several ways in which members can arrange an assessment:
For information relating to the rules and guidance that relates to climbing & abseiling activities, refer to Fact Sheet FS120084 Scout Led Activities Index.
For information regarding opportunities on how to develop skills and experience after assessment – contact the County Climbing Advisor.
Instructors holding an adventurous activity permit for climbing & abseiling are reminded that they must keep their skills up to date at all times and maintain a log book recording details of personal climbing and instructing experience.
Leaders and members are advised that they must not lead and / or supervise Scout Association climbing & abseiling activities unless they have a valid adventurous activity permit signed-off by their responsible commissioner, and they must always operate within the scope of any restrictions set out in the permit.
There are several ways in which members can arrange an assessment:
- By attending an assessment course organised by the County Climbing Advisor
- By attending an assessment course organised by neighbouring Scout Counties (where the course is open to other Counties) – please check websites for neighbouring Counties for further details.
- By attending a course organised by a National Scout Activity Centre e.g. Yr Hafod Scout Centre.
- NOTE – if you already hold a NGB award such as the CWSA (Climbing Wall Supervisors Award) or SPA (Single Pitch Award), you will be exempt from a formal technical assessment by an assessor but you will still need to be assessed on your knowledge of the Scout Association activity rules, require a CRB check, and responsible commissioner's sign–off as to personal suitability.
For information relating to the rules and guidance that relates to climbing & abseiling activities, refer to Fact Sheet FS120084 Scout Led Activities Index.
For information regarding opportunities on how to develop skills and experience after assessment – contact the County Climbing Advisor.
Instructors holding an adventurous activity permit for climbing & abseiling are reminded that they must keep their skills up to date at all times and maintain a log book recording details of personal climbing and instructing experience.
Further Information
The BMC (British Mountaineering Council) provide a large amount of very useful technical information on climbing and climbing equipment (much of which is free to download). The technical committee articles on climbing equipment make interesting reading. Also, for those instructors operating outdoors, the BMC's regional access database provides useful information on crag access / restrictions etc.
The Scout Association's official technical manual for climbing & abseiling activities is Rock Climbing by Libby Peter, publisher reference ISBN 0–9541511–1–9. This book is very well written and illustrated and is recommended for general reference.
The BMC (British Mountaineering Council) provide a large amount of very useful technical information on climbing and climbing equipment (much of which is free to download). The technical committee articles on climbing equipment make interesting reading. Also, for those instructors operating outdoors, the BMC's regional access database provides useful information on crag access / restrictions etc.
The Scout Association's official technical manual for climbing & abseiling activities is Rock Climbing by Libby Peter, publisher reference ISBN 0–9541511–1–9. This book is very well written and illustrated and is recommended for general reference.
County Climbing Advisor's Report 2010
2010 has been an action packed year for climbing in Birmingham Scout County. The County Climbing Team have been very busy throughout the year providing regular climbing & abseiling instruction, training, and instructor support to individual Scout groups and providing assistance at several District and County events (including the County "Scout Fun Day" for special needs children, Rea Valley District Cub Camp, Spitfire District Camp, Tame Valley's "Eric Clayson" event, Rea Valley District Scout Climbing Badge course, and 220th Birmingham Scout Climbing Badge course).
At the heart of this support is the regular Wednesday climbing evenings held at Blackwell Court indoor climbing wall / climbing tower throughout the Autumn, Winter and Spring seasons. This Wednesday evening meeting is open to all members and we can provide instruction for groups, Scout climbing badge courses, and instructor training leading to assessments.
This year"s County outdoor rock–climbing events based in the Peak District have proved very popular – a total of 8nr climbing days were organised at the Roaches, Baslow Edge, Harborough Rocks, Windgather Rocks, and Birchens Edge. A full spectrum of British weather was encountered – wind, rain, cold, and strong sunlight, but I am pleased to say that all groups went away having experienced an enjoyable day"s activity (even if I say so !). The events were supported by:
Finally, special thanks should be given to the County Climbing Team members and all climbing instructors from across the County who have volunteered their services on so many of these events during the year.
Martin Ramsay, County Climbing Advisor
2010 has been an action packed year for climbing in Birmingham Scout County. The County Climbing Team have been very busy throughout the year providing regular climbing & abseiling instruction, training, and instructor support to individual Scout groups and providing assistance at several District and County events (including the County "Scout Fun Day" for special needs children, Rea Valley District Cub Camp, Spitfire District Camp, Tame Valley's "Eric Clayson" event, Rea Valley District Scout Climbing Badge course, and 220th Birmingham Scout Climbing Badge course).
At the heart of this support is the regular Wednesday climbing evenings held at Blackwell Court indoor climbing wall / climbing tower throughout the Autumn, Winter and Spring seasons. This Wednesday evening meeting is open to all members and we can provide instruction for groups, Scout climbing badge courses, and instructor training leading to assessments.
This year"s County outdoor rock–climbing events based in the Peak District have proved very popular – a total of 8nr climbing days were organised at the Roaches, Baslow Edge, Harborough Rocks, Windgather Rocks, and Birchens Edge. A full spectrum of British weather was encountered – wind, rain, cold, and strong sunlight, but I am pleased to say that all groups went away having experienced an enjoyable day"s activity (even if I say so !). The events were supported by:
- 17th Sutton Coldfield East Scouts
- 18th Sutton Coldfield Scouts
- 24th Birmingham Explorers (Cole Valley South)
- 81st Birmingham Explorers (Cole Valley)
- 218th Birmingham Woodgate Pioneer Scouts
- 220th Birmingham St Agnes Scouts
- 234th Birmingham Scouts (Spitfire District)
- 236th Birmingham St John's Scouts / Explorers (Tame Valley)
- 255th B'ham St Mary's Scouts (Tame Valley)
- 1st Brittania Scouts (Leicestershire County)
Finally, special thanks should be given to the County Climbing Team members and all climbing instructors from across the County who have volunteered their services on so many of these events during the year.
Martin Ramsay, County Climbing Advisor
Rock Climbing on Natural Rock Outcrops & Crags – Peak District, 2011
Scouts / explorer scouts / network members / leaders & climbing instructors are welcome to come along and participate in a number of outdoor rock–climbing day events on single–pitch natural rock outcrops and crags based in the Peak District.
The events are open to any interested groups or individuals who wish to come along and sample some rock–climbing on natural rock under the instruction of authorised County climbing instructors. The events also provide a suitable opportunity for climbing instructors seeking to gain some outdoor experience.
Dates & climbing locations: note that one or two of the climbing venues may be changed dependant upon group numbers, age, and ability. Sessions will generally start at approximately 10.00am and finish at about 4.30pm.
Climbing equipment: all climbing equipment will be provided including helmets & harnesses.
Clothing & footwear: individuals are advised to wear warm suitable activity clothing (including trousers) and ensure they bring a wind / waterproof jacket and trousers. Gym (plimsoll) thin sole training shoes are recommended for climbing.
Food & drink: individuals should bring along a packed lunch & drinks.
Age & experience: no previous climbing experience is necessary, but participants should ideally be a minimum of 11 years of age.
Cost: £3.50 per person per event (to cover hire / purchase of equipment).
Available places: maximum of 12nr individuals per day
For further information contact: the County Climbing Advisor
Scouts / explorer scouts / network members / leaders & climbing instructors are welcome to come along and participate in a number of outdoor rock–climbing day events on single–pitch natural rock outcrops and crags based in the Peak District.
The events are open to any interested groups or individuals who wish to come along and sample some rock–climbing on natural rock under the instruction of authorised County climbing instructors. The events also provide a suitable opportunity for climbing instructors seeking to gain some outdoor experience.
Dates & climbing locations: note that one or two of the climbing venues may be changed dependant upon group numbers, age, and ability. Sessions will generally start at approximately 10.00am and finish at about 4.30pm.
- Saturday 16th April (Roaches)
- Sunday 22nd May (Baslow Edge)
- Saturday 18th June (Burbage Rocks)
- Saturday 16th July (Birchens Edge)
- Sunday 11th September (Windgather Rocks)
- Saturday 8th October (Harborough Rocks)
Climbing equipment: all climbing equipment will be provided including helmets & harnesses.
Clothing & footwear: individuals are advised to wear warm suitable activity clothing (including trousers) and ensure they bring a wind / waterproof jacket and trousers. Gym (plimsoll) thin sole training shoes are recommended for climbing.
Food & drink: individuals should bring along a packed lunch & drinks.
Age & experience: no previous climbing experience is necessary, but participants should ideally be a minimum of 11 years of age.
Cost: £3.50 per person per event (to cover hire / purchase of equipment).
Available places: maximum of 12nr individuals per day
For further information contact: the County Climbing Advisor
County Climbing Team
Scouts & Leaders – are you seeking any of the following?:
DATES: Wednesday evenings 6.30pm – 9.00pm throughout the Autumn / Winter / Spring seasons (October to July each year)
VENUE: Blackwell Court Activity Centre, Agmore Road, Blackwell – Indoor Climbing Wall (Outdoor Climbing Tower used during May / June / early July)
COST: £3.00 per person / night to cover hire of all equipment & use of facility
AGE / EXPERIENCE: Individuals of all ages and levels of climbing ability are welcome. No previous climbing experience is necessary.
GROUP SESSIONS: Groups are welcome (subject to the size of group and availability of climbing team instructors).
For further information contact: County Climbing Advisor
Scouts & Leaders – are you seeking any of the following?:
- Instruction in learning to climb / belay / or to improve your climbing ability
- Instructor training & permit assessment for leading scouting parties in climbing & abseiling activities
- Instruction for Scout Climber's Badge
- Group instruction for an evenings climbing entertainment?
DATES: Wednesday evenings 6.30pm – 9.00pm throughout the Autumn / Winter / Spring seasons (October to July each year)
VENUE: Blackwell Court Activity Centre, Agmore Road, Blackwell – Indoor Climbing Wall (Outdoor Climbing Tower used during May / June / early July)
COST: £3.00 per person / night to cover hire of all equipment & use of facility
AGE / EXPERIENCE: Individuals of all ages and levels of climbing ability are welcome. No previous climbing experience is necessary.
GROUP SESSIONS: Groups are welcome (subject to the size of group and availability of climbing team instructors).
For further information contact: County Climbing Advisor
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