Most COPE courses are built on camp property, often with the intention of using the program to attract the older Scouts back to camp. The resident camp setting also allows the program to be used with a variaty of scheduling options. COPE can also be used year round as a Scouting program. It is especially useful in team building and leadership training programs. It can be a major attraction for Explorer posts as well.
Some councils also provide access to the program to other local youth and adult groups.
Another popular use is as a leadership seminar type program for businesses. Councils which operate a COPE course must designate a COPE Director to supervise the administration, safety and operation of the program. Each COPE director must be certified by National by successfully completing the approved training for this position. The training is available through the BSA National Camping Schools or Regional COPE training programs. The new manual has been released.