Requirement
5. Verbal signals: for climbers, rappellers, belayers and spotters
Required Often forgotten
Why they matter on every climb, rappel and boulder problem, then the signals demonstrated with the counselor or another Scout. Requirements 11(b) and 12(c) both say they are used, which makes this equipment rather than theory.
Notes and warnings
Warning. These are not a talk-through. Requirement 11(b) climbs "using verbal signals with a belayer" and requirement 12(c) rappels using them to communicate with a belayer, both requirements name the signals in their own text. Have them working before you leave the ground, and remember 5(c): the belayer's signals are the ones you will be using twelve times over in requirement 10.
What this is made of
Where this step comes from
- Climbing Merit Badge Requirements (Merit Badge Hub, last modified 2025-09-19), Requirement 5 · Asks for the signals to be demonstrated with the help of the counselor or another Scout.