Originally Posted by ACA
Canyon Leaders: ACA, BSA
This may be a good time to mention programs we are developing between the ACA and the Boy Scouts.
The ACA has trained quite a few Boy Scout leaders over the past 10 years and we hope to train many more in the future. Most have come to us as individuals seeking additional knowledge and technical skills prior to taking boys into canyons. Some come to us as part of a group of leaders.
The only "certification" program the BSA has in place has been Climb On Safely. While it might be a good for top roped climbing or rappelling at a local cliff, it has left much to be desired when applied to canyoneering.
This past year, Brandt Jones, working with other Scout leaders in the Great Salt Lake Council (GSLC), began developing a formal adult canyon leader program. They have BSA's blessing, but for now it is an experiment within one council. Brandt used the ACA's skills checklists as the basis for the program.
I am working on a few adjustments to the ACA's skills checklists and course curriculums to more closely align our Canyon Leader program with the GSLC's. Goal in doing so is to provide a simpler "bridge" between the programs. Skills required to pass either exam will be taught in courses offered by ACA accredited training centers. GSLC will also provide training opportunities. Scout leaders who receive GSLC adult canyon leader status will only need to complete the ACA's Canyon Leadership Course, pass our Canyon Leader exam and take a Wilderness First Aid course to receive ACA Canyon Leader certification.