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.
No Merit Badge Needed
Just Want To Climb?
Book a private group event and enjoy 2 full hours of climbing, no badge requirements or coursework.
Perfect for scout troops, youth groups, team outings, and friends.
How the Merit Badge Day Works
1. Register Your Troop
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.
6. 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.
BSA Climbing Merit Badge
Age: 11+
Duration: 6 hours
$125
(min. 6 participants or $750 minimum)
Merit Badge during Lock-In
Age: 11+
Duration: During lock-in
All programs held at the Manassas location.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MERIT BADGE
All climbers are required to fill out our participant waiver & a Merit Badge Addendum. If you are the troop leader or organizer of this event, please notify your troop (parents or legal guardians of minors) to click on the "Sign Our Waiver" link on the home page of our website and complete the waiver.
Scout Climbing Merit Badge Course at Vertical Rock
Help your Scouts reach new heights—literally. Our Climbing Merit Badge course at Vertical Rock Manassas is a structured, gym-based program that walks Scouts through the current 2025 Scouting America Climbing Merit Badge requirements, combining classroom-style learning with real climbing on VR’s climbing walls. Scouting America
Scouts will follow the outlined course requirements set forth by Scouting America and Vertical Rock and will cover rock climbing basics, first aid, Leave No Trace principles, proper clothing, equipment needed, helmets, safety checks, communication, belaying concepts and rappelling skills (when included). They’ll then put these skills into practice by climbing multiple routes and participating in supervised belay and rappel activities appropriate to their age, ability, and our gym policies. Scouting America+2Filestore+2
This course is typically offered as a single extended session (about 6 hours) and is designed so most Scouts can complete all or nearly all of the merit badge requirements in one visit. Final sign-off is at the discretion of the registered Merit Badge Counselor.
ABOUT
6 HOURS
ONE
EXTENDED SESSION
ALL OR NEARLY
ALL REQUIREMENTS
Scout Program Pricing
01
Registered Scouts
Be registered Scouts working on the Climbing Merit Badge
02
Parent/Guardian Waivers
Waiver and Merit Badge Addendum must be completed online or at the counter before the program begins.
03
Athletic Clothing & Socks
Wear comfortable athletic clothing and socks; all technical climbing gear is provided
04
“Climb On Safely”
Agree to follow and have read Scouting America’s "Climb On Safely" procedures Filestore+1
05
Follow Vertical Rock Rules
Follow Vertical Rocks Rules and Regulations
Arrive ready to learn, climb, and ask great questions!
We strongly encourage Scouts (and parents) to read the official Climbing Merit Badge requirements and pamphlet in advance so they arrive ready to learn and ask good questions. Scouting America+1(opens in new tab)
Helpful Merit Badge Resources
You can share these official and widely-used resources with your unit:
Climbing Merit Badge – Official Requirements (Scouting America) Scouting America
Free Climbing Merit Badge Pamphlet (PDF) Scouting America+1
Climb On Safely – Scouting America Safety Guidelines (PDF) Filestore
Belay On – COPE & Climbing Manual (PDF) Scouting America+1
Climbing Merit Badge Worksheets & Helps – U.S. Scouting Service Project usscouts.org+1
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the course, and is it all in one day?
Our standard course runs about 6 hours in a single session (depending on skill and ability) at Vertical Rock Manassas, including orientation, classroom/ground school, and lots of time on the wall
Will my Scout complete the entire Climbing Merit Badge in this course?
The class is built around the full set of 2025 Climbing Merit Badge requirements (hazards and first aid, LNT/Outdoor Code, rope and knots, CHECK system, belaying, climbing routes, rappels, and gear storage). Most Scouts complete all or nearly all requirements during the session; final completion and sign-off are up to the Merit Badge Counselor based on each Scout’s participation and performance. Scouting America+1
What should Scouts bring?
Comfortable athletic clothing, socks, a filled water bottle, and any unit-specific permission/health forms. We provide ropes, harnesses, helmets, belay devices, and (as available for rent) climbing shoes.
Are parents or leaders required to stay?
At least two-deep leadership from the unit must remain on site throughout the event, in keeping with Scouting America’s Youth Protection and Climb On Safely guidelines. Parents are welcome (and encouraged) to stay and watch from our viewing areas. Filestore+1
Does this course certify Scouts as belayers or independent climbers?
No. This is an educational merit badge class, not a professional certification. Vertical Rock and Scouting America policies still govern who may belay or climb independently, and under what supervision. Any future belay privileges at the gym require passing our own belay checks and following our rules.
Can non-Scout siblings or friends participate?
This program is specifically structured around the Climbing Merit Badge requirements. Non-Scout climbers are welcome to book separate day passes or group events with Vertical Rock, but they will not be included in badge instruction or advancement.
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
Perfect for Toddlers to Advanced / Competition Climbers
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!
