For more information see Instructor Course

If you are interested please contact Paul Espinoza for more details.

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What's the first step in the...
CIEC Climbing Instructor-in-Training Apprenticeship
California Inland Empire  High Adventure Climbing Team

Taking the 3 day CIEC Instructor & Instructor-in-Training Course is only the first step to becoming a BSA climbing instructor.  The indoor portion will explain BSA policy and procedure, providing a good foundation for your apprenticeship. During the outdoor course you will learn new skills and observe experienced climbers setting anchors and demonstrating other skills that you  must gain later in your apprenticeship.  Instructor-in-training candidates be prepared to invest considerable time and be advised you will incur expenses to become a BSA instructor.

• Prerequisites:  Bring and be prepared to present your current First Aid card, CPR card, BSA registration card, YPG card and class 2 or 3 medical form. If you do not have these documents at the indoor course we will hold your certificate until proof is supplied.

• Equipment:  Other than leather gloves IIT candidates are provided all climbing equipment needed for the outdoor portion of this course.

• Test:  Candidates take a written test on the contents of the indoor course.  You may want to obtain and read Climb on Safely and Topping Out prior to attending the indoor course.

• Knots and Ropes:  During both the indoor and the outdoor portion of the course IIT candidates are required to demonstrate figure eight, figure eight on a bight, figure eight follow-through, single and double fisherman's, bowline, and water knots, as well as clove, Munter, and Prussik hitches.  IIT Candidates also demonstrate checking a rope for damage and coiling a rope for storage.

  During the outdoor portion of course...

• IIT Candidates are shown the correct orientation for putting on a harness and how to correctly perform all safety checks.
   

• IIT Candidates are taught the correct orientation for putting on a helmet for fit and safety.
   

• Bouldering:  Safe spotting techniques are demonstrated after which candidates practice spotting each other to demonstrate proficiency.

• Top Rope Anchors:  IIT Candidates will observe instructors candidates set SERENE anchors for top rope climbing and rappelling safety. This introduces them to skills they will acquire during their IIT apprenticeship.  Suggestions for where and how IITs can obtain training and practice setting tope rope anchors and related skills are provided.

• Belay:  IIT Candidates learn and are required to demonstrate competent belaying skills and the ability to effectively teach others how to belay.   IIT Candidates are observed belaying from the bottom for a climb and from the top for a rappel.  IIT Candidates are evaluated on belaying and related skills.

• Climbing/Rappelling:  IIT Candidates are expected to learn and demonstrate good climbing and rappelling techniques.  Solid skill is more important than the rating the routes candidates climb.  The objective is to help scouts develop good beginning to intermediate climbing skills in order to facilitate a safe and fun outing.  

• Safety Lines:  IIT Candidates will clip into all safety lines and describe when, how and why it should be used.

• Conducting an Outing:  IIT Candidates will help Instructor Candidates conduct an actual climbing outing with scouts who are provided following the guidelines outlined in Topping Out.  A large part of the evaluation involves IIT Candidates ability to effectively communicate with and manage the scouts in their care.

• After this course you will be asked to gain specific, detailed instruction on setting top roped anchors to continue your apprenticeship.  A structured anchor course is highly recommended.  These are available through organizations such as AMGA and BSAOBNELAY.

If you have any questions regarding the instructor course, e-mail Paul Espinoza.

Who can be a CIEC Climbing Instructor in Training?
California Inland Empire Council High Adventure Climbing Team

Adult scouters with little or no prior climbing experience with a desire to learn top roped climbing skills

16 to 17 year old scouts can become an Instructor-in-Training if sponsored by an adult instructor

CHALLENGE...

Are you a physically fit scouter with a wish to run climbing programs with your troop or camp?

Do you have the time to travel and gain experience over one or more climbing seasons?

Climbing equipment is very expensive - are you or your troop willing to cover the expense?

Here are the 5 steps of apprenticeship in becoming an CIEC climbing instructor