The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is a well-known nonprofit organization that offers young people the opportunity to learn new skills and participate in a variety of different activities. Increased interest in rappelling has spurred the BSA to become aware of its inherent risks and establish a requirement for adult leaders to become certified in climbing/rappelling and meet the minimum qualifications to lead a Boy Scout group in this activity.
Instructor
To be a rappelling instructor within the BSA, you must qualify for and complete the BSA climbing instructor certification which is good for two years. This certificate of completion can be obtained from a currently-trained BSA climbing director. A climbing instructor has completed a minimum of 10 hours of climbing/rappelling instruction from a reputable institution such as a college or climbing school.
Qualifications
You must already possess rappelling knowledge, have climbing experience and have your own gear. This is not a learn-to-rappel course but a certification that you possess the necessary knowledge to be an instructor. You must be at least 21 years old, a member of the Boy Scouts of America and trained in the BSA Climb on Safely procedures. You must complete an American Red Cross three-day climbing/rappelling staff training and first-aid training.
Dangers
More accidents occur during unit rappelling activities than when the council manages the rappels, according to the BSA. Also, they found more accidents occur during rappelling than climbing activities. Accidents decrease when a responsible adult offers qualified training to the youth.
Responsibilities
The adult instructor is responsible for all safety matters and concerns. The instructor manages the technical aspects of the activity, making certain that all procedures are closely followed.
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