Official Merit Badge Programs with Certified Counselors
Vertical Rock is proud to offer official BSA Climbing Merit Badge programs led by certified Merit Badge Counselors. Our programs cover all required knowledge and practical skills for earning the badge, and we also serve Girl Scouts, American Heritage Girls, and other youth groups with age-appropriate climbing experiences. All programs are held at our Manassas location and are available daily.
Choose the Right Program for Your Troop
Learn the Ropes Course
Ages 14+ | 6 Hours | Manassas
Girl Scout and Introductory Programs
All Ages | 2 Hours | Manassas
Save on the Merit Badge Program by Adding It to a Lock-In
Booking a lock-in at our Manassas location? Add the Climbing Merit Badge program for $100 per participant, which is $25 less than the standard rate. A minimum of 6 merit badge participants is required.
How the Merit Badge Day Works
1. Register Your Troop
Contact us to schedule your date and confirm participant count. Minimum of 6 scouts required for the merit badge program.
2. Arrive and Gear Up
We fit everyone with harnesses and shoes and make introductions before the session begins.
3. Learn the Fundamentals
Your certified counselor covers safety, knots, belay technique, communication, and all required knowledge topics.
4. Get on the Wall
Scouts put skills into practice on our roped walls and bouldering areas under direct counselor supervision.
5. Complete Requirements
The counselor guides scouts through all practical and knowledge requirements during the full 6-hour session.
3. Earn the Badge
Scouts leave with the documentation and sign-off needed to receive their official BSA Climbing Merit Badge.
3. Earn the Badge
Scouts leave with the documentation and sign-off needed to receive their official BSA Climbing Merit Badge.
Scout Program Pricing
All programs include gear, equipment, and certified instruction. Contact us to confirm current pricing and availability.
BSA Climbing Merit Badge
Age: 14+
Duration: 6 hours
$375
(min. 6 participants or $750 minimum)
Merit Badge during Lock-In
Age: 14+
Duration: During lock-in
+$100
per participant (min. 6)
Girl Scout / Introductory Climbing
Age: All ages
Duration: 2 hours
Starting at $375
All programs held at the Manassas location. Email info@climb-va.com to discuss scheduling and group size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is required for the Climbing Merit Badge program?
The BSA Climbing Merit Badge program requires participants to be 14 or older, in line with BSA guidelines. Our Girl Scout and introductory climbing programs are open to all ages.
Does our troop need any climbing experience?
No experience is needed for any of our programs. Our certified counselor starts from the very beginning, covering all knowledge and practical requirements during the session. Beginners are always welcome.
What if some scouts have already completed part of the merit badge?
We offer Partial Merit Badge sessions for scouts who have already completed some requirements. Contact us at info@climb-va.com to discuss which requirements have been met and how we can structure the session accordingly.
Is there a minimum group size?
Yes. A minimum of 6 merit badge participants is required to run the program, or a $750 minimum booking applies. If your troop is smaller, contact us and we can explore options.
Can we combine the merit badge program with a lock-in?
Yes, and we recommend it. Adding the merit badge program to a Manassas lock-in costs $100 per participant instead of $125, saving your troop money while making a full overnight event out of the experience.
Do you offer programs for Girl Scouts?
Yes. We offer 2-hour guided climbing programs designed specifically for Girl Scouts, American Heritage Girls, and similar groups of all ages. These sessions support badge-earning goals while giving scouts a genuine confidence-building experience on the wall.
Youth Programs
The ideal P.E. replacement for your child; in a fun and safe environment!
Family Learn Ropes
Family time is fun for all ages! Climbing is a sport that can be done with all ages indoor or outside.
High School Meetup
No Experience Necessary and EVERYONE WELCOME!