Climbing and the Trail to Eagle
Climbing is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Climbing Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 11 main requirements for Climbing. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Explain the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in climbing and rappelling activities.
- b.Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur during climbing activities.
- 2
Learn the Leave No Trace principles and Outdoor Code.
- 3
Present yourself properly dressed for belaying, climbing, and rappelling.
- 4
Explain how climbing difficulty is classified. Evaluate the safety of a particular climbing area.
- 5
Explain the importance of using verbal signals during every climb and rappel.
- 6
Describe the kinds of ropes used for climbing and rappelling. Show how to examine a rope for wear or damage.
- 7
Demonstrate the ability to tie required knots for belaying, climbing, and rappelling.
- 8
Correctly put on a commercially made climbing harness.
- 9
Belay three different climbers and three different rappellers.
- 10
Climb at least three different routes on a rock face or climbing wall.
- 11
Using a carabiner and rappel device, descend at least three different routes.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Climbing Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Climbing, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Climbing is usually earned summer camp or outdoor event. Summer camp and merit badge weekends are the most common places to finish it.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 2 weeks for a demanding badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 13 Climbing requirements for you.
Climbing Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Climbing merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Climbing is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Climbing merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Climbing in about 2 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Climbing merit badge?
Climbing is most often earned summer camp or outdoor event. Any registered merit badge counselor for Climbing can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Climbing merit badge have?
Climbing has 11 main requirements with 2 sub-requirements, for 13 items in total.
