Greater St. Louis Area Scouting is proud to offer multiple different Challenge Course and Climbing opportunities for our Scouts! These include two high and low ropes courses, three climbing towers, and natural rock face climbing and rappelling.
Challenge Courses
Our council has two Challenge Courses, one each at S bar F Scout Ranch and Beaumont Scout Reservation. The Challenge Course is a program for youths and adults that includes a series of outdoor challenges — beginning with basic group initiative games and progressing to more complicated low-course and high-course activities. Some of these events involve a group effort while others test individual skills and agility. Participants climb, swing, balance, jump and think through solutions to a variety of challenges. Most participants find that they can do much more than they initially thought they could.
There are eight major goals of the Challenge Course:
- Leadership development
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Self-esteem
- Trust
- Decision-making
- Teamwork
- Have FUN!
The low course consists of group initiative games and events, which help participants learn to work together using communication and trust to achieve their goals. While individual coordination and strength are helpful, participants accomplish the low-course events with the support and combined efforts of their team.
The high course is an individual exercise and builds self-esteem. It is conducted 30 feet in the trees and allows the participant to challenge him/herself to become more aware of individual strengths and limitations. Every participant on the course wears a harness connected to a safety line.
Our Challenge Courses provide an opportunity for each participant to achieve success as an individual and as a member of a patrol or team. The events are not designed to be competitive or to be races against time. The more important objectives include building confidence, developing leadership skills and attaining a sense of common cooperation among team members.
Your unit provides the trained Challenge Course Instructors for each group of 13 maximum. Two trained leaders are required to lead the group.
Reserve the S-F Scout Ranch Course HERE.
Reserve the Beaumont Scout Reservation Course HERE.
For information about all the programs and training for our challenge and climbing programs see this flyer. Click Here
Rock Climbing & Rappelling
The Greater St. Louis Area Council has multiple options when it comes to rock climbing and rappelling. From man-made climbing towers to natural rock faces, your Scouts will love the excitement and challenge a climbing out provides!
Climbing Tower
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to climb to the top of a mountain, or rappel down a rope from the heights of treetops? The skills that you will learn here are the basics that every expert climber had to master when they first started to climb and rappel.
Climbing Towers are available to Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturers and Explorers at Beaumont Scout Reservation, Camp Warren Levis, and Camp Lewallen. All three towers are lit for night climbing and are available for evening rentals. The pack, troop, crew or post provides its own certified Climbing Instructors.
Reserve the Beaumont Scout Reservation climbing tower HERE.
Reserve the Camp Lewallen climbing tower HERE.
Reserve the Camp Warren Levis tower HERE.
Rock Climbing
Ready for something more advanced? Come experience the thrill of peering over the edge of cliffs at S bar F Scout Ranch. Climbing equipment is available for units with trained rock climbing instructors.
Units can choose from Freedom, Ranger Falls, Collarbone or Baby Snake cliffs at S bar F. Camping sites are even available on top of the cliffs along the Little St. Francis River or near Castle Rock at S bar F.
Only reserve the amount of gear that the number of your Climbing Instructors can supervise; read the note below to determine if you need to reserve 1 or 2 sets of gear. Don’t over reserve!
All the needed climbing gear is provided, no personal climbing gear is allowed. There are 2 sets of gear, enough for 2 climbs and 2 rappels in each set. If your unit has 3 or fewer Climbing Instructors only reserve 1 set of gear. The number of participants is not a determining factor since Instructors can only supervise 1 site at a time. If you have 4 or more Instructors you could reserve both sets of gear if your Instructors think it will be necessary. Only Troop aged Scouts and older may participate in this activity.
For information about all the programs and training for our challenge and climbing programs see this flyer. Click Here
Reserve the S-F rock climbing cliffs HERE.
Camp at the great campsites at Pine Ridge Scout Camp and climb & rappel at nearby Giant City Illinois State Park, just a 15 minute drive from camp. Scouts climb & rappel at some great rock faces at the Devil’s Standtable sites at the park. Some of the faces are higher than the ones at S bar F and offer some different challenges.
Scouting units must provide their own trained rock climb instructors. Climbing equipment is available for a fee.
Reserve the Pine Ridge rock climbing cliffs HERE.
Become a Challenge Course Instructor
Challenge Courses test Scouts both physically and mentally. The low courses are all about team building and problem solving. The high courses are about getting of the ground and testing your grit. By becoming an instructor you can lead your Scouts through these amazing experiences.
The Course
Our council has two Challenge Courses, one each at S bar F Scout Ranch and Beaumont Scout Reservation. The Challenge Course is a program for youths and adults that includes a series of outdoor challenges — beginning with basic group initiative games and progressing to more complicated low-course and high-course activities. Some of these events involve a group effort while others test individual skills and agility. Participants climb, swing, balance, jump and think through solutions to a variety of challenges. Most participants find that they can do much more than they initially thought they could.
The Initial Challenge Course Instructor training course teaches Scouters the basic skills of safety, equipment, games and fun that both of our challenge courses offer. Our council has a course at S bar F and Beaumont Scout Reservation. We offer Initial Challenge Course Instructor weekend training at S bar F OR Beaumont (your choice) and then the newly trained Instructors are qualified to take the one-day orientation at the other course.
A Wednesday night meeting and weekend training course is required to be eligible to become a qualified leader for our challenge courses. Our council’s courses at S bar F and Beaumont Scout Reservation are different from each other but all offer the challenges that Scouts and Venturers enjoy. All programs and sites use the same policies and procedures. Be prepared for a great outdoor training experience so that your young people can have a super challenge course experience. You must be at least 18 years old to take the training. This training is very active and high energy -there is no sitting around and it is all outdoors (rain or shine). Don’t sign up thinking that this training is lecture and theories.
2026
Initial Weekend Training Schedule
Wednesday Evening Session
For training at S Bar F or Beaumont
7pm at Beaumont (Emerson Center, downstairs in Theatre Room): You will get trained on knots, receive a detailed equipment list, and training about equipment and what to bring for the weekend training and camping.
Initial Weekend Training at S Bar F Scout Ranch
Saturday
Meet at Nim’s Lake Overlook parking lot at S Bar F Scout Ranch at approximately 7:00am. We hike out of the parking lot at 7:30am sharp.
Sunday
We will finish the training about 5pm.
Initial Weekend Training at Beaumont Scout Reservation
Saturday: meet at parking lot adjacent to the Camp May
Swimming pool at approximately 7:30am. We hike from there
At 8am sharp.
Sunday: We will finish training about 5pm
2026 Training Course Dates
Spring 2026 @ S Bar F: Wed. May 6 & Sat.-Sun. May 16-17
Fall 2026 for Beaumont: Wed. Sept. 2 & Sat.-Sun. Sept. 12-13
Challenge Course 1-Day Orientation
If you took your Initial Challenge Course Training at S bar F or Beaumont and would also like to be qualified as an Instructor for the other Challenge Course, take the one-day orientation at the other course. While both of our Challenge Courses have the same procedures and equipment, they have different events and layouts and some very different challenges – take advantage of both great courses!
*You must have successfully completed the Initial Challenge Course weekend training at S bar F or Beaumont to be eligible for the one-day orientation at the other course. You can sign up for both Initial and One-Day training now but you must complete the weekend training to do the One-Day.
Spring 2026: Sunday, June 28 2026
2026 Spring Beaumont Scout Reservation 1 Day Challenge Course Orientation
This One-day orientation is held at Beaumont. Take this orientation to be eligible for qualification as an instructor for both S bar F and Beaumont. Both of our Challenge Courses have the same procedures and equipment but each has its own unique events and layout. You can only take this orientation if you successfully completed the Initial Challenge Course Training at S bar F Scout Ranch.
Meet at the parking lot next to the swimming pool at Beaumont at 8am, the course will be completed by 4pm.
Fall 2026: Sunday, October 25 2026
2026 S bar F 1 Day Challenge Course Orientation
This One-day orientation is held at S bar F Scout Ranch. Take this orientation to be eligible for qualification as an instructor for both S bar F and Beaumont. Both of our Challenge Courses have the same procedures and equipment but each has its own unique events and layout. You can only take this orientation if you successfully completed the Initial Challenge Course Training at Beaumont.
Meet at the large parking lot on the Main Road at S bar F just before the turn off to Huck’s Cove at 8am, the course will be completed by 4pm.
2026 Beaumont Scout Reservation 1 Day Challenge Course Orientation
This One-day orientation is held at Beaumont. Take this orientation to be eligible for qualification as an instructor for both S bar F and Beaumont. Both of our Challenge Courses have the same procedures and equipment but each has its own unique events and layout. You can only take this orientation if you successfully completed the Initial Challenge Course Training at S bar F Scout Ranch.
Meet at the parking lot next to the swimming pool at Beaumont at 8am, the course will be completed by 4pm.
For more information please check out the attachment on each registration.
Late Sign-ups: If you want to sign up for the training course after the registration closes please contact the Training Director below. They will be able to give you the needed information.
Questions? Contact the Challenge and Climbing Training Director gslac.cc.training@gmail.com
Course Fees
Initial Training Weekend: $25 - This includes a bandana, notebook, and two patches
One-Day Orientation: $5
FAQ's
Age: You must be at least 18 years old to take the training.
Fitness: The training is very active and high energy. There is not sitting around and take place outdoors, rain or shine. This course is not lectures and classroom work.
Be Prepared for a great outdoor training experience so that your Scouts can have a summer Challenge Course experience!
Other Questions?
Contact:
Charlie Blair
Challenge Course Training Director
314-913-0425
gslac.challenge.director@gmail.com
Bob Backer
Challenge and Climbing Training Director
314-852-0682
gslac.cc.training@gmail.com
Challenge Course Training Flyer
For information about all the programs and training for our challenge and climbing programs see this flyer. Click Here
Become a Rock Climbing & Rappelling Instructor
You will receive site specific training for the natural climbing areas at S bar F Ranch and Pine Ridge Scout Camp (actual climbing will take place at Giant City State Park). Instruction for how to use the climbing towers at Beaumont, Camp Lewallen, and Camp Warren Levis will be given on the instructional weekends. Climbing training qualifies you to take your unit climbing at our council’s climbing program sites and to lead rappelling on the Beaumont Tower (Scouts BSA or Venturing only, Cub Scouts are not allowed to rappel). S bar F Scout Ranch has permanent anchors installed for climbing and rappelling.
The Wednesday night and weekend training course is required to become a Qualified Rock Climbing/Rappelling Instructor for the Greater St. Louis Area Council sites.
Training Schedule
Wednesday Evening Session
7pm at Beaumont (Emerson Center, downstairs in Theatre Room): You will get trained on knots, receive a detailed equipment list, and training about equipment and what to bring for the weekend training and camping at S Bar F.
Saturday
We’ll meet at 7:30 am on Saturday at the Castle Rock parking lot at S bar F Scout Ranch.
Sunday
Training on the cliffs at S bar F will finish around noon on Sunday. The training will reconvene 60-90 minutes later at the Camp Lewallen tower at spring training or Beaumont Climbing tower at fall training. You will learn the operations of the Beaumont, Camp Lewallen and Camp Warren Levis towers. We plan to finish up by 4pm.
2026 Training Course Dates
Spring 2026: Wed. May 27 - Beaumont & Sat.-Sun. June 6-7 - S-F Scout Ranch
Fall 2026: Wed. Aug. 12 - Beaumont & Sat.-Sun. Aug. 22-23 - S-F Scout Ranch
Pine Ridge Rock Climbing & Rappelling/Giant City Park
GUIDES to help 1st time Pine Ridge/Giant City Climbing Instructors
Are you a little hesitant to lead your unit on a climb site you’ve never seen? If you’re trained as a Giant City State Park Climbing Instructor but not comfortable taking your unit to Pine Ridge Scout Camp and the great climbing areas at the nearby Giant City IL SP some help is available! Please take advantage of the help that is being offered so that this great climbing area will remain an exciting resource for our Scout BSA troops. You may be hesitant to lead climbing at an area where you haven’t been trained; our Giant City Guides can help ease that anxiety.
***Please Note: PER COUNCIL POLICY CUB SCOUT PACKS CANNOT USE THIS CLIMBING PROGRAM.***
Pine Ridge is just minutes away from Giant City State Park which has great climbing & rappelling sites. The Council Climbing Committee has identified the Devil’s Standtable site as the best for climbing and rappelling for our units. We have designed our gear for the climbing and rappelling sites only for the Devil’s Stand Table. Council gear is not to be used at any other site at Giant City State Park or any other site.
A group of Scouters who are certified as Climbing Instructors and familiar with the Giant City climbing sites will:
- meet you at our Pine Ridge Scout Camp to check out the climbing gear
- guide your unit to the Devil’s Standtable climbs at Giant City SP
They can make sure you are setting up using the best anchor trees for rappelling or climbing.
They won’t lead your unit’s climbing program; they want to guide you thru the set up process. Contact Steve McKeown via text @ 618.925.3888 to arrange for a Giant City Guide to help with your climbing experience. Only contact Steve by texting. Steve is a very experienced climber in the S. IL climbing community, he and other local climbing Scouters are offering this help because Giant City State Park is such a great climb site and they want the climbing units in the Greater St. Louis Area Scouting to experience programs at Pine Ridge Scout Camp.
Course Fees
Initial Training Weekend: $25 - This includes a bandana, notebook, and two patches (If you have take Challenge Course Training, bring your notebook and the fee is only $5.)
FAQ's
Age: You must be at least 18 years old to take the training.
Fitness: The training is very active and high energy. There is not sitting around and take place outdoors, rain or shine. This course is not lectures and classroom work.
Be Prepared for a great outdoor training experience so that your Scouts can have a super climbing experience!
Other Questions?
Contact:
Brent Keil
Climbing Training Course Director
314-681-5042
gslac.climbing.director@gmail.com
Bob Backer
Challenge and Climbing Training Director
314-852-0682
gslac.cc.training@gmail.com
Rock Climbing and Rappelling Training Flyer
For information about all the programs and training for our challenge and climbing programs see this flyer. Click Here
Become a Climbing Tower Instructor
Lead your Den, Pack, Troop, or Crew on a day of climbing at one of the Greater St. Louis Area Council's 3 climbing towers at Camp Lewallen, Camp Warren Levis, and Beaumont Scout Reservation!
The Course
This Saturday morning training course is required to become a Qualified Climbing Tower Instructor for the Greater St. Louis Area Council sites. You will receive site specific training for the climbing towers at Beaumont, Camp Lewallen, and Camp Warren Levis. Tower training qualifies you to take your unit climbing at all council climbing tower sites.
Training Schedule
Beaumont tower training:
Meet at 8:00am on Saturday at the parking lot beside the tower. Tower is on the right just past Cub World.
Camp Warren Levis tower training:
Meet at 8:00 am on Saturday at the tower. Which is behind the Ranger station. Parking Lot is across the road from the Ranger Station.
The training lasts until 1pm; bring lunch and plenty of water. Starting at 1pm, everyone participating in the training will need to have TWO YOUTH arrive, who will give participants the opportunity to demonstrate the climbing instructor skills learning in the morning. We expect to wrap up by 5pm.
Upon completion of the training and skills demonstration, participants will receive a 2 year certification card to be a Climbing Instructor for our 3 towers.
2026 Training Course Dates
Spring 2026:
Saturday, March 28 @ Camp Warren Levis for Taste of Venturing
Saturday, May 2 @ Beaumont Scout Reservation
Fall 2026:
Sunday, October 3 @ Beaumont Scout Reservation
Age: You must be at least 18 years old to take the training.
Fitness: The training is very active and high energy. There is not sitting around and take place outdoors, rain or shine. This course is not lectures and classroom work.
Youth Participation: Everyone participating in the training will need to provide TWO YOUTH from their den, pack, troop or crew so that the participants can demonstrate instructor skills (starting at 1pm).
Rappelling: Instructors interested in leading rappelling on the climbing towers will need to complete the separate Rock Climbing & Rappelling Training (Scouts BSA or Venturing only, Cub Scouts are not permitted to rappel).
Be Prepared for a great outdoor training experience so that your Scouts can have a super climbing experience!
Other Questions?
Contact:
Bob Backer
Challenge Course & Climbing Training Chairman
314-852-0682
gslac.cc.training@gmail.com
Brent Keil
Climbing Training Course Director
314-681-5042
gslac.climbing.director@gmail.com
For information about all the programs and training for our challenge and climbing programs see this flyer.Click Here
Instructor Re-Qualification
The Course
If your Instructor card for Challenge Course, Rock Climbing or Tower Only is expired or about to expire you may get re-qualified for one or both programs on one Sunday afternoon. Easy to do – pay a $5 fee, please register on-line or bring to training – bring check or exact $. The re-qualification is rather simple; we give you a pile of gear and ask you to set up a climb, rappel, high course or whatever. It is much like a merit badge review. We’ll also tell you about any changes in procedures or equipment.
Your card does not need to expire before being re-qualified. If your card has already expired, you can also be re-qualified.
If you were never qualified for one of the programs you can’t be re-qualified.
New climbing training segment offered at Recertification
Rock climbing at Pine Ridge Scout Camp’s nearby Giant City State Park became a new climbing program at the Adventure Summit in April 2025. You can take the training for Giant City Climbing in a 90 minute segment at Recertification. With this training added to your training record or new Recertified Climbing Instructor card you’ll be able to use the gear at Pine Ridge Scout Camp/Giant City State Park. You can come out and just do the Giant City Skill Segment but please check in.
See schedule below for the Giant City Climbing Skill segment.
Training Schedule
All re-qualifications take place at the Beaumont Scout Reservation. The group meets in the summer camp tent frame area (staff row) behind the Emerson Center. (Please do NOT check in with the Ranger.)
Challenge Course – Start at 8am (8am-1pm)
Challenge, Tower & Climbing – Start at 8am (8am-3pm)
Tower Climbing (for Tower Only Instructors) – Start at 10am (10am-noon)
Rock Climbing – Start at 11:30am (11:30am-3pm)
Giant City Climbing Skill Segment (Optional – Start at 3pm (3-4:30pm)
Please arrive 15 minutes before your session to check in.
Re-Qualification Dates
Spring 2026: Sunday, March 1 - Beaumont
Fall 2026: Sunday, October 4 - Beaumont
Questions?
Bob Backer
Challenge and Climbing Training Director
314-852-0682
gslac.cc.training@gmail.com
Instructor Re-Qualification Training Flyer
For information about all the programs and training for our challenge and climbing programs see this flyer. Click Here
Helpful Forms & Resources
