Project COPE and Climbing Programs at Camp Bashore

The Pennsylvania Dutch Council, BSA offers year-round Project COPE and Climbing programs at Bashore Scout Reservation. Our COPE and Climbing Staff caters to both Scout Units and non-Scout groups alike and we invite you to submit a Reservation Request form for either Project COPE or our Climbing Programs.

Currently, our facilities include an Indoor Climbing Wall with 5 Climbing Stations as well as a Bouldering area; a High Ropes course with a variety of ascent elements, traverses and a zipline; as well as a Low COPE course that features challenging elements designed to build teamwork and personal confidence in individuals of all ages.

Project COPE

Project C.O.P.E. (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) is an exciting outdoor program that uses group initiative games, trust events, low-course events, and high-course events to enhance leadership and teamwork. Participants climb, swing, balance, jump, rappel, and devise solutions to a variety of problems. This is the perfect opportunity to come together as a Unit or group and develop great teamwork. Project COPE is an activity that attracts and holds the interest of both older youth and adults. It offers a set of stimulating activities designed to meet the needs of those seeking greater challenges to their physical and mental abilities.

The Project COPE program is designed to enhance the Scouting experience and to promote Scouting values and objectives among its participants with fun and challenging activities. The events and activities of Project COPE are not designed to be competitive or a race against time, but rather are intended to encourage participants to do their best. While each Project COPE program is unique and each person experiences it differently, the Project COPE program emphasizes eight major goals: Communication, Planning, Teamwork, Trust, Leadership, Decision Making, Problem Solving, and Self-Esteem.

Project COPE Guide

Climbing Programs

Bashore Scout Reservation is home to a five station indoor climbing facility and a four station outside climbing tower. In addition to summer camp merit badge instruction, these facilities are open to units for off-season use. Your Unit or group can use the climbing facilities as a training opportunity for future outings, or as a fun day activity for your members. Some level of climbing is available for all individuals.

All climbers must have a Health History and Hold Harmless form filled out and signed prior to their event. Participants under the age of 18 will also need a parent/guardian to sign this form. Anyone without this form will be unable to participate in any climbing activities. Forms are provided upon confirmation of your Reservation Request.

Climbing for Cub Scouts (ages 6 through 10)

Cub Scouts may participate in climbing activities on an commercial wall. They must be top rope belayed, and only Webelos are permitted to rappel. The climbing on the indoor wall is a great way for Dens or Packs to get out and engage in fun physical activity.

Climbing for Scouts BSA and Venturers (ages 11 and older)

Scouts BSA and Venturers are able to both climb and rappel. The indoor wall offers five routes of varying difficulty, along with the opportunity to do some bouldering. The outside tower has four vertical routes and the option to free rappel or rappel down a surface.

Climbing Programs Guide