Ready to take your adventure to the next level? At Rainbow Scout Reservation, our COPE and Challenge courses offer thrilling experiences that push boundaries, build teamwork, and boost confidence. Whether you’re scaling our 30-foot Climbing Tower, navigating the high ropes, or tackling team-building games on the ground, there’s an adventure waiting for every skill level. Perfect for Scouts, school groups, and adventurous adults alike, our courses are designed to be both challenging and fun. Come see how high you can go—your next adventure starts here!
COPE and Challenge Programs
Master the Climbing Merit Badge
Earn your Climbing Merit Badge at RSR with a one-day intensive session on our Climbing Tower. This program covers requirements 4, 9-12 during the session, while requirements 1, 2, and 4-8 should be completed beforehand with the help of a counselor. Whether you’re starting fresh or completing an incomplete, our program is designed to help you succeed.
Requirements:
- Must complete prerequisites (requirements 1, 2, 4-8) before attending.
- Available year-round by appointment.
- Open to Scouts working on their Climbing Merit Badge.
Strengthen Your Team, One Challenge at a Time
Low COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) is a series of ground-based team-building activities designed to foster skills in leadership, decision-making, communication, and trust. Participants work together to navigate challenges like The Wall, Trust Fall, Mohawk Walk, and more. Ideal for groups of friends, adventurers, or corporate teams, Low COPE is all about collaboration and fun.
Requirements:
- Open to all groups; programs are tailored to the specific needs of your group.
- A BSA Class A/B physical is required for participation.
Rise to the Challenge
Elevate your experience with High COPE, where participants tackle a high ropes course 20 feet off the ground. Safely harnessed and belayed, you'll face thrilling challenges like the ZIP Line, Giant Swing, Tremor Bridge, and more. Designed to build trust, confidence, and self-esteem, High COPE offers an exhilarating test of your abilities. For an extra challenge, try completing the elements blindfolded!
Requirements:
- Participants must be age-appropriate and in good physical health.
- A BSA Class A/B physical and a signed Hold Harmless agreement are required.
A Day of Unlimited Adventure
Open COPE is a new initiative offering a full day of climbing, high ropes, and low ropes activities. For a set fee, participants can enjoy unlimited access to all available activities. Open to all registered Scouters, this event promises a day of fun and adventure. However, activities are on a first-come, first-served basis, and all participants must be age-appropriate for the activities they choose.
Requirements:
- A BSA Class A/B physical and a signed Hold Harmless agreement are required.
- Advanced registration is required.
Reach New Heights
Experience the thrill of ascending RSR's 30-foot Climbing Tower, featuring a variety of climbs for all skill levels. With 20- and 30-foot climbing walls, two chimneys, a 24-foot bouldering wall, and rappelling opportunities, this adventure offers something for everyone. Cub Scouts can participate in climbing, while Webelos can add the excitement of rappelling. Middle school Scouts are eligible for the chimney climb, providing a unique challenge.
Requirements:
- Suitable for Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Middle School Scouts (for chimney climbs).
- A BSA Class A/B physical is required.
- Schedule in advance for your group’s Climbing Adventure.
A Day for Scout Leaders
Scout leaders are invited to spend a day at RSR participating in various challenge activities, including the Climbing Tower, High COPE, and Low COPE courses. The event also features Shooting Sports and concludes with a pulled pork dinner. This free event provides a fantastic opportunity for leaders to experience the challenges firsthand and bond with fellow leaders.
Requirements:
- Open to all adult leaders.
- A BSA Class A/B physical is required.
- Advanced registration is required.
Trainings Offered
At Rainbow Scout Reservation (RSR), we offer exciting training opportunities for Scouting America members looking to lead COPE courses and climbing adventures. Open to members aged 18 and older (21 for Level II), our programs—offered in partnership with the Pathways to Adventure Council—cover everything from mastering artificial surfaces to tackling natural rock climbs. Plus, after training, you’ll have the chance to share your new skills by assisting in at least five activities each year. We also offer our Climb on Safely program for those eager to get started with the basics.
COPE Course FAQ
What You Need to Know
What are the age requirements for the courses?
Our courses are designed to suit various age groups. Cub Scouts of all ages can enjoy climbing, Webelos can take on the added challenge of rappelling, and Scouts aged 11 and up can participate in COPE activities with the Director’s approval, based on their maturity level.
What should I wear for COPE activities?
Comfort and safety are key. We recommend long, sturdy pants like jeans or khakis, as activities take place in the woods. Nylon shorts are discouraged. Closed-toe shoes with hard soles are required to protect your feet during these activities.
How do I request a session?
It’s easy to set up your COPE adventure. The unit leader should fill out our request form and submit it to Rainbow Council. Once a date is agreed upon, our Challenge staff will send over a Hold Harmless agreement and sign-in sheet. Please have all participants under 18 get their forms signed by a parent or guardian, and bring these to the event. Preparing the sign-in sheet in advance will help speed up the process on the day.
What are the height and weight requirements?
To ensure safety, we follow specific height and weight guidelines. If you exceed the maximum weight for your height and your planned adventure takes you more than 30 minutes from an accessible roadway, you may not be able to participate. If you exceed these limits, Part C of your physical must indicate no medical restrictions.
| Height (IN) | Weight (MAX) | Height (IN) | Weight (MAX) | Height (IN) | Weight (MAX) | Height (IN) | Weight (MAX) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 166 | 65 | 196 | 70 | 226 | 75 | 260 |
| 61 | 172 | 66 | 201 | 71 | 233 | 76 | 267 |
| 62 | 178 | 67 | 207 | 72 | 239 | 77 | 274 |
| 63 | 183 | 68 | 214 | 73 | 246 | 78 | 281 |
| 64 | 189 | 69 | 220 | 74 | 252 | 79+ | 295 |
At Rainbow Scout Reservation, our COPE courses combine adventure with personal growth and team building. Whether you're eager to dive into the action or have a few questions before you get started, we're here to help. Let’s plan an experience that will leave lasting memories!
