Upper Limits Girl Scout High Adventure Badge

1. At least four Merit Badge Counselors are on staff at Upper Limits, which allows us to keep the counselor-student ratio low.

2. Depending on the number of participants, classes run between three and four hours. High Adventure classes are offered on Saturday and Sunday mornings 10:00am – 8:00pm May 1st through September 30th. October 1st through the end of April they are offered Saturday and Sunday mornings 9:30am – 3:30pm and Saturday afternoons 4:00–10:00pm . An Upper Limits Manager must approve other dates and times.

3. All scouts should review and be familiar with the basic terminology as outlined in the Girl Scout Book: Sports and Recreation--High Adventure.

4. The cost of our High Adventure Class is $40 per person. If there are ten or more climbers, the cost will be $35 per person ($5 discount). The class includes a climbing pass for the day and equipment rental (Shoes not included-Athletic shoes work fine).

5. Troop leaders or adults accompanying the group are encouraged to take the first part of the class (2-hour Rock Gym 101 Class) so that they understand the rules of the gym, and are able to supervise the group appropriately. Adult leaders will learn how to belay for a climber in this class—they do not have to climb. The cost for adults is $30 per person. With groups of 10 or more, the price drops to $25 per person.

6. Anyone who will be climbing only and not participating in a class must pass a belay check or be accompanied by someone belay certified. Monday nights are scout night. Scouts climb for $7.50 if they are wearing their scout uniform. Groups of 10 or more must make reservations. The daily fee is $12.00 per person ($3 discount). Gear rental is not included in daily fees. Harness Rental—$3.00, Belay Device Rental—$3.00, Shoes (optional, gym shoes are fine)—$4

7. Reservations are required. A non-refundable $15 deposit per person is required to secure the reservation. There is a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 15 persons for each class.

8. All participants must have a signed liability waiver on file at Upper Limits. Those under 18 will need their parent or guardian’s signature in order to participate. Climbers will not be allowed to participate if the waivers are not filled out completely.

All Girl Scout Groups should contact their local council to find out about appropriate approval for instruction, equipment, and the site of activities. Upper Limits requires a waiver to be signed by each participant, and proof of our one million dollar liability insurance policy is available upon request.

To achieve the High Adventure Badge, girls are required to complete the following requirements as outlined in the Girl Scout Booklet:
2-Skill Builders
2-Technology Activities
1-Service Project
1-Career Exploration Activity
2-Additional Activities

At Upper Limits, our High Adventure Program will complete skill builders #2, #5, and #6. Our 3-4 hour class will cover basic climbing stretches, an introduction to rock climbing equipment, preventative safety checks on equipment and climber / belayer, knot tying, climbing commands, climbing and belaying, and an introduction to rappelling.

The following sequence of activities has been outlined for your convenience, and includes additional activities related to climbing.
Technology Activity #1 & Career Exploration Activity #1
• Upper Limits: www.upperlimits.com
• Outward Bound: www.outwardbound.com
• National Outdoor Leadership School: www.nols.edu/NOLSHome.html (printed guides for the last two resources are also available at Upper Limits)
Technology Activity #2 or #3; Service Project #5
• Develop a brochure, poster, or decorate our bulletin board with pictures from your visit at Upper Limits. We will post all projects.
Career Exploration Activity #2
• Interview an Upper Limits Instructor