Mountaineering

Mountaineering is a demanding challenge that requires Expedition and Climbing skills. Because of this the:
	Staff supervising activities must hold a current BB Expedition Advanced Certificate. Certain other qualifications can be accepted as equivalents in the issue of this. Assessment, or approval of equivalent qualifications for the issue of the Certificate, is done by the appropriate BB National HQ.
	Arrangements may be made with The Boys' Brigade Mountaineering Club for training.
The main purpose of this award is to develop the knowledge and skills needed to live, move and survive in the mountain environment. It is a much wider concept than a 'climbing award'. In their preparation for the Award, members should be encouraged to take a broad interest in mountains, rather than pursuing only one aspect; the choices at each stage are selected for this purpose.
Warning to Company Captains.
1.	Supervision
	All mountain activities covered by this Award should be under supervision, with progressively more leadership expected from the candidates. Activities without direct supervision are not appropriate.
2.	Insurance
	This is the responsibility of the Company. It is worth noting that membership of the BBMC includes cover for climbing activities.

Regulations
All Grades: Qualify under 'Casualty Code' and 'Map Reading' as for the Expedition Award, but with the additional items detailed below.

Grade 1
1.	The boy must prepare and present himself equipped for a day in the hills and show knowledge of this equipment.
2.	Complete a mountain journey in which a peak over 300m. is climbed, under experienced leadership.
3.	Show knowledge of the following:
	(a)	Simple weather lore; including the effect of mountains on weather, 'wind chill' and exposure, safety in changing weather etc.
	(b)	Conservation: the conflicting interests of climbers, campers, hill farmers, industry, water supply, etc., in the mountain environment and the problems of erosion, litter, traffic etc.

Grade 2
Awarded to members who have qualified in Grade I and have attended a regular Course of instruction.
1.	Before participating in Mountaineering expeditions at Grade 2 members must hold both Expeditions and Climbing Credits at Grade 1.
2.	The boy must show knowledge of the design of mountain clothing and boots and show in a practical test how to use his equipment to survive a night in the mountains if injured or separated from his party.
3.	Complete a mountain journey in which a peak of over 600m. is climbed under experienced leadership.
4.	Give practical demonstration of applying the casualty code in the mountains in simulated incidents, e.g. a fall, rope burns, exposure, sudden illness.
5.	Demonstrate ability to guide a party in good and bad visibility by position checks and compass marching.
6.	Show knowledge and/or practical ability in one of the following:
	(a)	Weather Lore: a more detailed knowledge including winds, clouds, isobars, frontal systems, high and low pressure areas etc.
	(b)	Rock structures: knowledge of common types of rock, how it was laid down and modified, fossils, strata, folding etc.
	(c)	Mountain Landscape
		Knowledge of the process of mountain building, erosion, weathering, glaciation, rivers, lakes etc.
		OR
		Mountain Landscape - knowledge of mountain soils, flora, etc. or fauna, including conservation issues.

Grade 3.
Awarded to members who hold Grade 2 gained in a previous session, have attended a regular course of instruction.
1.	Members participating in Mountaineering Expeditions at Grade 3 must hold both Expedition and Climbing Credits at Grade 2.
2.	The boy must present himself equipped to assist in the leadership of a group on a day in the mountains and show knowledge of the use of his equipment.
3.	Plan a mountain day including route, safety measures, 'bad weather' alternatives.
4.	Complete at least one mountain journey in which a peak over 900m. is climbed (more than one day). This should be under experienced supervision, but where the candidate leads for at least part of each day.
5.	Show ability to deal with simulated emergency situations as the leader of the party and show how he would avoid such incidents occurring.
6.	Produce a simple log book of his mountain experience, preferably started at Grade 2 of the Award.
7.	Show knowledge and/or practical ability as appropriate in two of the following:
	(a)	Mountain Landscape: show a more detailed knowledge of the landscape of a selected mountain area.
	(b)	Photography-. produce a photographic record of a mountain area or journey in the form of colour slides or prints with notes describing them.
	(c)	Mountain Features: make a study of features such as nature reserves, glaciated valley, mine workings, the climbs on a crag etc. This should be presented in an interesting way.
	(d)	High level Camp: prepare and carry out an overnight high level camp (above 1,500 ft.) to a standard acceptable as for Expedition Award.
	(e)	Mountain Rescue Team and show knowledge of call-out procedure, Organisation and search and rescue techniques.