Timeless Attraction. The Mission and Purpose of the Boy Scouts of America are and shall forever remain unchanged. By the same token, the contribution that our heritage of outdoor skills makes to the richness of the Scouting experience is also unchangeable. But, over the years, there have been adjustments made to the BSA’s outdoor program—a shift from the emphasis on many traditional campcraft skills that for a hundred years have attracted boys to our movement. Naturally, the BSA is rightfully compelled to keep up with the times, assuring that the Scouting program is relevant to today’s youth. However, even though modern Scouts are understandably attracted to the new developments and technological advances obtaining in today’s world, when they are exposed to the many timeless skills practiced by resourceful frontiersmen and passed down through the ages, they are eagerly receptive and captivated by the undeniable mystique. Many experienced Scouters find it regrettable that as a matter of course today’s Scouts are not granted the same opportunities to experience what is too often mistakenly construed as “old-fashioned.” The outdoor skills that in the past inspired many ideas, activities, and much Scouting fun, are still most relevant and most useful, even in the midst of this fast-paced digital age.

Are we Denying Our Youth? Because it’s evident we are no longer including a number of the old outdoor skills in our program, I feel we are denying our youth much of the magic and wonder that in the past attracted many of us as Scouts. I wouldn’t have this impression if when demonstrating the art of fire making, elaborate camp cooking, pioneering, and pre-technology campcraft, the Scouts in attendance weren’t so openly enthusiastic. The fact is, many are—just like many were 50 years ago! I’m not grabbing at straws here, due to nostalgia for the good ol’ days. Neither am I motivated by an attempt to alleviate the disappointment experienced when seeing that many of today’s Eagle Scouts can’t light a fire in the rain or put up a traditional dining fly with guy lines and tent stakes. But, in conjunction with new, high-tech developments and STEM, I am motivated by what I maintain to be a path the BSA should take to increase membership and retention—a launching of a renewed emphasis on the timeless, old-school approaches to camping, getting along comfortably in the woods and enjoying the outdoors without such a pronounced reliance on the new and the modern.

Youth Relevant. We all believe Scouting has to keep up with the times. The BSA must keep its program “youth-relevant.” But, amidst the wide spectrum of fun available in Scouting, there’s always an attraction to and fascination with what’s termed, “old school.” As stated in the text on the Scout Pioneering website, “It’s apparent, along with the new push for the STEM/Nova program, and all the “high adventure for the mind” merit badges like space exploration, computers and robotics, a large population of today’s Scouts are still greatly enamored with acquiring the skill sets revolving around wilderness survival, the building of an impressive pioneering structure, and the creation of an amazing, backwoods campsite.”

What is the Concern? Outdoors and camping are still at the heart of Scouting, but the concern revolves around the de-emphasis and absence of many skill sets that don’t depend upon the use of high-tech substitutions. As an example, take the advent of the widely-used, prefabricated, metal-framed dining flies. In conjunction with using this kind of camping shelter, shouldn’t today’s Scouts also be adept at putting up a dining fly using a tarp, Scout staves, guy lines and stakes? In addition to other advantages, think of the useful skills they’d incorporate:

• two half hitches (or bowline) up at the tarp
• taut line hitch at the stake
• proper angles of both the guy lines and the stakes
• round lashing two staves together to form taller uprights
• open end clove hitches where the ridge line meets the uprights
• a whole lot of teamwork

Imagine further, knowing how to improvise their own stakes (without impacting the environment) and using their resourcefulness to attach the guy lines when the tarp had a ripped out grommet or no grommets at all.

BP’s Ideal Camp. Baden-Powell said, “My ideal camp is where everyone is cheery and busy, where the patrols are kept intact under all circumstances, and where every patrol leader and Scout takes a genuine pride in his camp and his gadgets.” Personally, especially for a long-term camp, I’m a huge proponent of bringing all the materials needed to build an array of useful, impressive (and fun) camp gadgets. Scouts can put together everything using their walking sticks with zero environmental impact, LEAVING NO TRACE!

Relevancy and Usefulness. An experienced Scouter recently commented on a LinkedIn poll, that Scoutcraft skills are relevant today, “IF they’re taught in conjunction with the WHY and not just the HOW.” He stated that Scouts need to be able to make a connection that is relevant to them. As an example, he sited teaching two half hitches is “the proper knot for connecting a guy line to a dining fly” but “is irrelevant if your troop doesn’t use dining flies or if you have the ones with the nifty little plastic widgets where a proper taut-line hitch is supposed to go.” He concluded his comment by stating, “make it relevant and they will learn AND retain.” Learning to tie two half hitches (clove hitch around the rope’s standing part) to attach a guy line to the grommet of a tarp is, as mentioned, part of an array of skills that can come into play when erecting a dining fly in one of the “old-fashioned” ways. These skills can be very useful when: new-fangled stuff malfunctions, there’s a shortage of manufactured paraphernalia like on a backpacking trek, or you just want to have fun being impressive using “primitive” camping techniques. Using “nifty, little, plastic widgets” is fine, as is erecting a shelter with a metal framework when “car-camping.” But, it’s also practical to know how to put up a tarp “Philmont-style.” The knowledge and abilities that lie therein can be VERY relevant and very useful! Scouting is both!

Presenting Scout Skills. Outdoor Scout skills, are presented best and most effectively, when done so in conjunction with activities. That’s activity-based instruction! After the Scouts are enabled to actually demonstrate the skill, they should do something with it that: engages them, that illustrates its use, and that’s FUN! Just look at the expressions on the faces of Scouts while they are involved in putting their skills into action in a way that’s challenging and fun, and you’ll be able to gauge not only their high level of involvement, but also their pleasure. John Thurman, Camp Chief at Gilwell for over 25 years, alluded to this in one of his many books, Pioneering Projects. I quote, “It is all very well to learn to make knots, bends, and hitches, and to lash things together. Up to a point this is an interesting activity, but inevitably it begins to pall unless the Scout is given a chance to do something effective, interesting and to some degree adventurous with his knowledge.” Personally, I even employ some unevenly-matched tug-of-war action when introducing a rope tackle. This activity really demonstrates in a memorable way how this rope configuration provides a useful mechanical advantage when one needs to apply proper strain on a line…and it’s lots of fun!

An “Old School” Advantage. “Old School Scouting” skills can live happily side by side with high-tech advances. But, when new materials are not available, or malfunction, a Scout should be equipped with the skills to make use of whatever is at his disposal. Hand in hand with learning and applying Scout skills is resourcefulness, ingenuity, and using our available resources to make things happen.

Last summer I was on the beach and needed to erect a sun shelter for a July 4th festival. The festival hosts had furnished one of those store-bought, 10’x10′ canopies with a cloth top and metal framework. Well, it was windy and the canopy would definitely need to be anchored. But, in the sand, there was no way the skinny, little stakes it came with would ever supply enough resistance to keep the structure from blowing away. So…what to do? I found four, large pieces of driftwood, attached a 15′ braided, nylon guy line to each (I just happened to have a supply of these in my vehicle), and buried the driftwood in the sand 45º out from each corner. After securing the lines to the four corners of the metal framework with a “Boy Scout knot,” the whole thing was stable and wind resistant. The festival folks thought I had performed magic! Not magic to a Scout—just applying a little Scout perseverance and creativity, which in this case was the wherewithal and knowledge of how to make “dead man anchors.”

It’s Useful Stuff. In 1994, (egads, 20 years ago!) pioneering legend, Adolph Peschke introduced me to the butterfly knot and tying a rope tackle. Suffice it to say, during these last two decades alone, I’ve used this outdoor skill on numerous occasions. It’s very effective, very handy, and very useful, especially in the great outdoors and pioneering. Unfortunately, the application of the rope tackle is not well-presented in the current pioneering merit badge pamphlet. It should be (and will be). Then there’s the diamond hitch. The prospectors of yesteryear used it to pack their burros. It was one of the many interesting outdoor skills featured so invitingly in the older, older Fieldbook. Of course there aren’t so many burros out there anymore, but we do still see some roof racks and flatbed trailers. Best solution I can think of when you have no bungee cables but have some cordage. Actually, you can keep the bungee cables. The diamond hitch works better!

The Old and the New. It’s all about striking a balance between the timeless and the modern. When I started as a Boy Scout, most all the personal flashlights were double D-sized. Now we have super bright, tiny LED lights. If I had my old light from the late 50’s, though it would still shine a beam, it would be a whole lot less bright and a whole lot more cumbersome than my cute, little LED. I’m an old guy enjoying my modern technology. On the other hand, take the outdoor wood tools skills necessary to prepare the tinder, kindling, and fuel for a fire. All you have is a log, a hand axe, and a knife. Now couple those skills with the ones required to light the fire and keep it burning when all you have are two matches, or maybe, no matches at all. Here you can see that both yesterday and today, these kinds of skills remain constant. And of course, Scouts from both yesterday and today love this kind of stuff!

Scouting is both. At the Jamboree, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jack Furst who helps oversee the BSA’s high adventure bases. Being involved with Pioneering, we were discussing various approaches to include a pioneering training program at the Summit. Jack’s “wheels” are always turning, and he put forth an idea that would simultaneously present Scouting in both a marvelous high-tech, and, a fascinating old-school light. For example, on one hand you have a camp kitchen that features the new “GrubHub,” organizer—a chuck box-sized, all-in-one kitchen fixture that has everything including the kitchen sink. On the other hand you have a back-to-basics camp kitchen, cooking area, featuring two forked sticks with a crossbar suspending an 8 quart pot over a well-designed cooking fire, and a collection of useful camp gadgets made primarily of Scout Staves: double A-frame table, tool rack, fire bucket holder, and wash station. Scouting IS BOTH!

Building Character. According to Baden-Powell (and many others) in addition to being fun, the benefits of learning, and using “old school” outdoor skills is the contribution made to the building of an individual’s character. For example, those of us who are proponents of giving our Scouts repeated opportunities to engineer and orchestrate the construction of pioneering structures understand the set of Scout skills these traditional endeavors incorporate is more than just “knowing the ropes.” Pioneering is all about using one’s creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness! The Scout Pioneering website states, “Taking part in these projects contribute to the development of self-esteem and nurture a broad sense of accomplishment. They necessitate working hard and working together towards a common goal. Besides being really cool and impressing people in and out of Scouting, they require the mastery of a set of useful Scout skills that can be applied over a lifetime of outdoor activities—activities for both work and recreation.” Quoting B-P, “Pioneering is practical and character building: the two essential ingredients of any program material for Scouts.”

Pioneering. Quoting John Thurman, Gilwell Camp Chief for over twenty-five years, “There are few activities which, properly presented, have a greater appeal to the Scout and Senior Scout than Pioneering and ever since the introduction of Wood Badge training, Pioneering has been given a full share in the program of Scouters’ training.” Very recently I visited a troop located out in the SC boonies. The Scouts in this troop are a gung-ho, gang—eager and receptive. That’s why you gotta love ‘em. The purpose of this first of three consecutive visits, was to give them the tools they’d need to put up a Double A-Frame Monkey Bridge at their council’s Scout Expo. The sixteen Scouts in attendance responded very favorably to each aspect of a well-presented EDGE approach to tying the Japanese Mark II Square Lashing. There was learning and there was laughter! The subject matter was old school, traditional Scout skill stuff, and they gobbled it up! After they were enabled, and as a culminating activity, their SPL divided them into four crews to make New Market Ballistas. That’s when the real fun began!

Scout Engineering. Personally, I’m a fan of the STEM/Nova program. Along these lines, a machine that tests the tensile strength of knots sounds like fun! Great way to show how the symmetry of a knot’s shape along with other factors will effect its efficiency. It also might provide a platform to study how various knots hold up under stress without slipping, and how some work better than others on wet or slippery rope. But, there’s dichotomy here that exists as follows: on one hand a component of a traditional Scout skill is being examined scientifically, and on the other hand, the skill isn’t actually being applied to contribute to an outdoor experience that is enriching and fun. Approaching knots and lashings from a scientific standpoint is one thing. Putting them to use when raising a bear bag or building a pioneering structure like a Single Trestle Bridge is quite another. Pioneering has been termed “Scout Engineering.” B.-P. wrote, “I am inclined to suggest to Scouters that in addition to the technical details of knotting, lashing, and anchorages, there is an educative value in Pioneering since it gives elementary training in stresses, mensuration, etc.”

Along these lines, John Thurman relates the following: “Pioneering is not old-fashioned in its purely technical sense. I was showing a Managing Director of a large civil engineering firm round Gilwell when a Wood Badge Course was pioneering near the Bomb Hole. He displayed very great interest in the Pioneering and looked closely at all that was happening. From our point of view there was nothing unusual going on; this was a usual routine exercise with two or three bridges being built, a couple of towers, and a raft. As we walked away my civil engineering friend said, ‘I am delighted that the Scout Movement is still doing this: it is tremendously important. Despite the fact that modern machinery and equipment is magnificent there often comes a time when a man has to use ingenuity and improvise in order to move the job forward and the engineer who has the spirit that your kind of training produces is the man we want in our business’.”

In conclusion. The sentiment shared by many is that it would be most beneficial if Scouting was presented as a value-based program that offers extraordinary opportunities to build character, while learning a broad range of new and timeless outdoor skills that are fun to use, yielding the ability to take care of oneself and others. It’s been repeatedly spelled out: Scout outings provide the magical laboratory for putting these skills into play. Of course, Scouting also provides numerous other avenues of interest and relevancy. But, in accordance with Scouting’s founders, these areas of learning and discovery will always surround Scouting’s everlasting hallmark—getting out and thriving in the majesty, beauty, serenity, and immediacy given to us by God and forever found in the great outdoors.

Page 304, Tarps, top right drawing — INCORRECT: Use a pair of actual photos illustrating a double half hitch at the grommet and a correctly illustrated double half hitch to secure the stone! (These photos are accurate):

TOOLS Chapter 12,  Page 378, improve the illustrations — I’ve got excellent action photos that are more appropriate, revealing and impressive!

(Here’s a really good one that compliments the bottom paragraph very well):

Page 381, Coiling a Rope or Cord — MISLEADING: this is okay for synthetic cords, but natural fiber ropes should never be coiled (hanked) in this manner because kinks and twists ensue. For improved accuracy, the section can be edited from the second sentence to read, “To coil a braided cord, hold an end with one hand, and use your other hand to form neat coils. Wrap the last few feet of the other end around all the coils. Pass a bend in the line through the center of the coils and run the end of the line through the bend.

Coil natural fiber ropes by size and secure them with a short length of small diameter cord.”

(These photos illustrate the text accurately):

Page 382, Knots, paragraph 3 — INCORRECT: “…Carry a piece of string…” should read “…Carry a piece of cord…” (A string is much too flimsy and difficult to practice with.)

Page 384, Two Half Hitches, two photos — MISLEADING: the knot is not correctly depicted. (This photo is accurate):

Page 385, Taut-Line Hitch, photos — MISLEADING:  Again, in the photos the knot is not correctly depicted. (This photo is accurate):

 

Page 389, Alternative Bowline method — CONFUSING: Perhaps someone understands this, but try as I will, I can’t figure it out. In my opinion the page should just be deleted.

Page 392, Lashings, Improve the entire page. 1) Text should be more accurate and succinct: “Use some rope to join together two or more poles and you’ve got a lashing. Add more poles with additional lashings and you can build pioneering projects that are useful and fun. For over 100 years, Scouts have used lashings to construct bridges, climbing towers, rafts, gateways, and a wide range of special camping gadgets that make camp life more convenient and enjoyable.”

2) Feature photos that are more appropriate, revealing and impressive:

Scale mock up with photos and improved text  follows: 

Page 393, When to Use Lashings: Improve this presentation by replacing the photo and drawings with photos like these that are more impressive and inspiring:

 

Page 396, Square Lashing, Top text — INCORRECT: To be accurate, change to, “The Square Lashing actually gets its name from the way the wrapping turns are “square” to the poles. A Square Lashing is used to join poles that touch each other and cross at any angle from 45º to 90º.”

The little box referring to frapping should really be more precise. The purpose of frapping turns is to pull the wraps tighter.

ADD A PAGE PRESENTING THE MARK II SQUARE LASHING!!!!!!!!! It’s not only high time, it’s long, long over due! In each of the last six national jamborees, it was the only mandated Square Lashing used in the pioneering areas for every project. It’s faster, just as efficient, much easier to tie, and THE SCOUTS LOVE IT!

Text:

“This lashing is a straightforward approach to the task of lashing two spars together. Step 1—Begin by placing the spars in the desired position. Step 2—Now fold your lashing rope in half. The midpoint of the rope is placed around the vertical spar and just under the crossing spar. Step 3—Now work both ends of the rope at the same time to make three wraps around the spars. Step 4—After completing the three wraps, bring the two ends up between the spars in opposite directions to make the frapping turns around the wraps. Step 5—Pull the frapping turns tight, and complete the lashing by tying the two ends with a square knot. It’s that simple.”

 

(Scale model mockup follows.)

Page 397, Shear Lashing Content — CONFUSING AND MISLEADING: needs modification. The drawing on page 397 illustrates a Shear Lashing with racking turns, and the instructions describe a Shear Lashing with plain turns. The instructions are also misguided and incorrect! Step 2 is inaccurate and should read, “Make eight to ten wrapping turns around the poles, and then two tight fraps.”

The Handbook should espouse plain wrapping turns for both Shear and Tripod Lashings. It’s quicker and easier to tie, and suffices very adequately for general Scout use. (The following photo montage goes along appropriately with the text):

Page 398, Diagonal Lashing Content — MISLEADING AND INCORRECT: needs modification. The drawing is fine, but the top text is inaccurate and for clarity, should read, “The Diagonal Lashing actually gets its name from the way the wrapping turns are diagonal to the poles. A Diagonal Lashing is used to close a space between two spars where they cross each other but do not touch.”

The photo of the lashing in some of the spiral-bound copies is not a Diagonal Lashing. It’s a Square Lashing and doesn’t belong on the Page. The photo of the Scout sitting on what appears to be an Hour Glass Tower is nice, though I don’t know what it has to do with Scout Staves or the Diagonal Lashing.

(Two photos follow that illustrate this lashing and its use— “A Diagonal Lashing Being Properly Applied when Building a Trestle,” and “A Scout Tying a Diagonal Lashing to Spring Together the Spars of an X-brace”):

 

 

Page 399, Tripod Lashing Content — CONFUSING AND MISLEADING: like the Shear Lashing, this needs modification. I love the photos with the Scouts, but again the drawing depicts a Tripod Lashing with racking turns, and the text describes plain turns. But mainly, the method of tying a Tripod Lashing described in the instructions, with the butt ends of the poles facing different directions, has been debunked for many years. It’s very difficult to get the lashing to work when tied this way. The following is a much-preferred and favored way to present a Tripod Lashing. It’s easier to understand, quicker to tie, and works many times better:

Step 1—Lay the three poles alongside each other, making sure the bottom ends are lined up evenly, and tie a Clove Hitch to one of the outside poles.

Step 2—Wrap the rope around the poles seven or eight times, laying the turns of rope neatly alongside one another.

Step 3—Make two tight fraps on either side of the center pole.

Step 4—End with a Clove Hitch around an outside pole.

Step 5—Spread the legs of the tripod into position, crossing the outside poles under the middle pole.

In conjunction with the photos presented in the current edition, these photos compliment the text:

 

FACT

FACT

FACT

FACT

I maintain, the MAJORITY of today’s Scouts love the kind of woodsy activities that provide old-fashioned, outdoor fun that’s involving and challenging. I further maintain MOST members of our organization feel camping and backpacking in the great outdoors are Scouting’s MAIN attraction. Even today, with all the appeal of the internet and advances in technology, Scouting is still outing—the kind of outing done primarily in wooded areas surrounded by nature. There’s simply no app for the experiences and memories born in that setting.

Of course, the BSA has to be concerned with keeping up with changing times. This makes sense. Creating interest and attracting new members is contingent on the assurance that what Scouting provides is YOUTH-RELEVANT! But, amidst the wide spectrum of diverse, new offerings available in today’s Scouting program, I even further maintain there’s always an irresistible fascination with what can be termed, “Old School Scouting,” i.e. the magical way things were done in the woods before the advent of all the mesmerizing, modern technology in the forefront of today’s society.

Lord Baden-Powell                   Ernest Thompson Seton                  Daniel Carter Beard

As evidenced in the present BSA literature, there is a pronounced de-emphasis in traditional camping approaches—both in the front and backwoods. It is undeniable, and it appears we are straying further and further away from the traditions provided by BSA’s founders: Ernest Thompson Seton and Daniel Carter Beard. I wrinkle my brow and ask, “Where’s all that great information and those inspiring descriptions illustrated by photos of real Scouts lighting a fire with a bow and drill or flint and steel, cooking a meal without utensils over a wood fire, or building a bridge using only ropes and poles over a creek?” It’s both irrelevant and a copout to simply dismiss or try to explain away this “dumbing down” of timeless campcraft skills by pointing to the principles of Leave No Trace. There is no correlation!

Once again, I maintain these and NUMEROUS other useful and fun techniques and activities can and still do contribute to the real appeal of even modern-day Scouting. It’s apparent, hand in hand with the world-class skateboard park at the Summit, the exciting addition of the STEM/Nova program, and all the “high adventure for the mind” merit badges like space exploration, computers and robotics, a large population of today’s Scouts are STILL greatly enamored with acquiring the skill sets revolving around wilderness survival, the building of an impressive pioneering structure, and the creation of an awesome campsite. (See “Ideal Camp According to Baden-Powell” ) When it comes to hearing the “Voice of the Scout,” let’s make sure our youth are given the opportunity to choose that special outdoor voice that always has been and still is at the very heart of the experiences our movement has offered since our beginnings—the kind of rewarding, basic and challenging experiences that can only be found in Scouting!

LINK TO:  SCOUTING’S TRADITIONAL OUTDOOR SKILLS

LINK TO: MEMBERSHIP AND RETENTION

LINK TO: AD CAMPAIGN

NOTE: Nothing is being proposed that would even remotely affect or conflict with low impact camping and the principles of Leave No Trace!

Larry Green

Suggested Materials

• 4    10′ x 3″ spars for corner uprights
• 4    12′ x 2″ spars for lateral supports
• 12  6″-diameter wooden discs, four of them painted with the numeral “5,” four with “10,” and four with “20”
• 1    6″-diameter log, 20″ long with a large eye hook on one end and a flat, even surface on the other
• 4    single pulleys
• 4    40′ lengths of 1/4″ braided nylon cord for the pulleys
• 4    3′ lengths of 1/8″ nylon cord to attach pulleys to the corner uprights
• 8    15′ x 1/4″ manila lashing ropes for lashing the lateral support spars to the corner uprights

Set the parameters. Lay the four lateral spars on the ground in a square where you want to position the Atomic Pile. Overlap the ends about 4″ so there will be room to lash them to the corner uprights. Drive a small stake into the ground on the inside of where the ends intersect. This is where the holes for the corner spars need to be dug.

Prepare the corner spars. Using a post hole digger, dig the holes about two feet into the ground at the spots marked by the four small stakes. Make sure the holes are the same depth so the tips of the spars come up to the same height. Before actually placing the corner uprights into their holes, attach the pulley to each with the 40′ cord reeved through. Tie the inside end of each cord to eye hook of the log using a Roundturn With Two Half Hitches.

Attach the “boundary poles.” After placing each upright into its hole, with the pulleys facing the center of the square, and firmly tamping them in for solid support, tightly lash on the four lateral support spars about belly high.

ATOMIC PILE INFORMATION

SCOUT MEETING VERSION WITH MORE INFORMATION

With limited space for their exhibit at the 35th annual Aynor Harvest Ho-Down, Boy Scout Troop 818 erected this seesaw.

CAMP SEESAW INSRUCTIONS

A Bundle of Scout Staves

For those interested in starting a pioneering program in their unit, one of the first things often suggested is to procure a supply of Scout Staves. The BSA Supply Division’s Scout Hiking Staff is still the best deal on the market for Scout Staves. Item: Number 1443 on scoutstuff.org

1. They’re very practical for teaching lashings.
2. They can be used for a variety of involving and fun interpatrol competitions and Scout meeting challenges
3. They’re exceedingly useful on outings

A SCOUT STAFF, by Robert Baden-Powell:

“The Scout staff is a useful addition to the kit of the Scout. Personally, I have found it an invaluable assistant when traversing mountains or boulder-strewn country and especially in night work in forest or bush. Also, by carving upon it various signs representing his achievements, the staff gradually becomes a record as well as a treasured companion to the Scout.

“The Scout staff is a strong stick about as high as your nose, marked in feet and inches for measuring. The staff is useful for all sorts of things, such as making a stretcher, keeping back a crowd, jumping over a ditch, testing the depth of a river, keeping in touch with the rest of your Patrol in the dark. You can help another Scout over a high wall if you hold your staff horizontally between your hands and make a step for him; he can then give you a hand from above. Several staves can be used for building a light bridge, a hut or a flag staff. There are many other uses for the staff. In fact, you will soon find that if you don’t have your staff with you, you will always be wanting it. If you get the chance, cut your own staff. But remember to get permission first.”

1. Flagpole / 2. Camp Gadget: Dish Washing Rack / 3. Uprights for Improvised Shelter / 4. Lashing Instruction / 5. Uprights for Dining Fly / Interpatrol Competition: Flagpole Race / 7. Camp Gadget: Shear Legs for Clothes Dryer / 8. Interpatrol Competition: Catch the Snapper / 9. Interpatrol Competition: New Market Ballistas / 10. Walking Stick / 11. Camp Gadget: Simple Table / 12. Camp Gadget: Clothes Drying Rack / 13. Camp Gadget: Tool Rack / 14. Round Lashing Activity / 15. Interpatrol Competition: Free-Standing Flagpole / 16. Interpatrol Competition: (Catch the Snapper)

Scroll down for a page from the “Patrol Sketchbook” pertaining to Scout Staves. 

CAMPCRAFT CHALLENGES

Related to Scout Pioneering are a variety of campcraft challenges that can be incorporated into the troop meeting agenda. A relevant upside is, these activities require putting skills into action that were gained during instructional sessions. Appropriately, these skills come into play in a way that is challenging and fun.

A Fun Interpatrol Activity: Nothing Succeeds like Success!

Of course, campcraft encompasses more than just Pioneering, though Pioneering is often central to the rewarding experience inherent in Scouting’s outdoor program. The campcraft challenges in this post also include activities related to general knotting, woods tools, fire building, navigation, and some first aid Scout skills too.

Healthy competition between patrols can have a positive outcome when handled in the right spirit. Naturally, when patrol makeup is homogenous, there’s more of a level playing field. But, when patrols are organized by age, to compensate for the difference in skill levels, certain handicaps might be introduced. In this instance or when individual patrol attendance is disproportionate, dividing the troop into equal crews is also always a practical approach.

Scoring and points are arbitrary—no hard, fast rule. Keeping track of patrol points for these activities (and awarding points for various other criteria) can be adopted and contribute towards patrol spirit. But, the presentation of the activities themselves carry their own rewards translating into involvement, enthusiasm, and fun.

A-Frame Chariot Race (Link to this Scout Meeting Challenge)

• Materials: Two 8-foot spars, one 6-foot spar, three 20-foot ropes per patrol.
• Method: Each patrol will lash the spars into an A-frame using three Square Lashings (or two Square Lashings and a Shear Lashing at the top). One Scout is selected to ride the “chariot” to a finish line, either dragged or carried by other patrol members.
• Scoring: The first patrol all seated with chariot taken apart and ropes coiled, after dragging )or carrying) their rider back to the finish line, scores 100 points, second scores 50, all others 25 for finishing.

Roman Chariot Race (Link to this Scout Meeting Challenge)

• Materials: Two 8-foot spars, two 6-foot spars, two 4’ spars (or two more 6′ spars), nine 15-foot lashing ropes, one 10-foot lashing rope per patrol.
• Method: Each patrol lashes together a trestle, using the 8’ spars as the legs, the 6’ spars as the cross braces, and the 4’ spars as the transom and ledger. To imitate an actual chariot to the fullest extent, the rider should grab a hold of a rope serving as the “reins” while two other Scouts act as “wheels” keeping the chariot upright, as patrol members pull the chariot like horses using two hauling lines tied to the transom at each leg.
• Scoring: The first patrol all seated with chariot taken apart and ropes coiled, after dragging their rider back to the finish line, scores 100 points, second scores 50, all others 25 for finishing

Everyone on the Tripod Race (Link to this Scout Meeting Challenge)

• Materials: For each patrol, three 8-foot spars, three 6-foot spars, six 15-foot lashing ropes, one 20-foot lashing rope.
• Method: On signal, patrol members lash the three spars into a tripod, using the 20-foot rope (6-8 wraps, 2 fraps.) When finished, they set up the tripod and using six Square Lashings, lash a 6-foot spar between each of the legs. When all lashings are completed and the tripod is strong and secure, all the patrol members stand on the 6-foot spars, making sure their weight is evenly distributed.
• Scoring: The first patrol with all its members off the ground receives 100 points. 2nd place, 50 points, all other patrols completing the challenge receive 25 points.

Catch the Snapper (Link to this Scout Meeting Challenge)

• Materials: four Scout staves, six 6-footers, one 3′ cord and fishing sinker, and a rat trap.
• Method: Set up two lines 15 feet away and place the cocked mousetrap on one of the lines. Using two tight Round Lashings to join each of the staves together, each patrol forms a long fishing pole and ties on a 3-foot cord with a the sinker attached. The first patrol to pick up its snapper wins. NOTE: Only the fishing sinker is to touch the snapper. No one from any patrol may cross over the line opposite their rat trap.
• Scoring: 100 points – 1st patrol to catch their snapper, 50 points – 2nd patrol, 25 points for all other patrols that can complete the task.

Flagpole Race (Link to this Scout Meeting Challenge)

• Materials for Each Patrol: Four Scout staves, six 6-foot lashing ropes, three 15′ guy lines, three stakes, one mallet, patrol flag.
• Method: Patrols line up with the above materials. On signal, the Scouts lash the four staves together using Round Lashings and attaching their patrol flag to the fourth stave. Next they tie on three guy lines using Roundturns with Two Half Hitches, about two-thirds of the way to the top, and raise the pole staking down the guy lines with Taut-line Hitches, so the pole stands vertically. When finished, the patrol forms a single line at the base of their flag pole and stands at attention.
• Scoring: The first patrol to finish, with all lashings and knots correctly tied scores 100 points. The second scores 75, and the third 50. All others score 25 for completing the challenge.

Crossing the Alligator Pit (Link to this Scout Meeting Challenge)

• Materials for Each Patrol: two 8-foot spars, one 6-foot spar, nine 20-foot lashing ropes
• Method: the “Alligator Pits” are marked on the ground, one for each patrol, 10-15′ x 10-15′ square. Patrols line up on one side of their pits. On signal they lash together an A-Frame “walker” using either three Square Lashings or two Square Lashings with a Shear Lashing at the top. At the top they attach two 20-foot lashing ropes, and attach two more ropes at each corner of the crossbar, using Roundturns with Two Half Hitches. These are the guy lines. The patrol then stands the “walker” upright, and one member climbs on the crossbar. One Scout mans each guy line to help steady and to help propel the Scout on the crossbar as he tries to “walk” the A-Frame across the pit. Only the A-frame “walker” is allowed inside the pit.
• Scoring: The first patrol successfully walking the A-Frame across the pit scores 100 points. Second 75, third 50, 25 to all others who complete the challenge.

Ladder Race (Link to this Scout Meeting Challenge)

• Materials for Each Patrol: Two 8-foot spars, four 3-foot “rungs,” eight 15-foot ropes.
• Method: with the above materials, each patrol will lash together a ladder with four rungs, spacing the rungs from the bottom, about one foot apart, using eight Square Lashings. When sturdy, the whole patrol will stand the ladder up and four members will take turns climbing to the top.
• Scoring: The first patrol to finish and test their ladder scores 100 points, second scores 50, all others 25 for finishing.

Lift Seat Relay (Link to this Scout Meeting Challenge)

• Materials: two 15’ lashing ropes, two 6’ spars, six 3’ floor spars
• Method: Scouts will lash the floor spars to the 6’ platform supports using a Double Floor Lashing to construct a lift seat. When completed, four Scouts carry one Scout, seated and holding on, to  a turning line and back. Change off and carry a different Scout. Repeat the process for designated amount of times, carrying a different Scout each time.
• Scoring: The first patrol to finish scores 100 points, second scores 50, all others 25 for finishing.

Wash Station Race (Link to this Camp Gadget)

• Materials: For each patrol, two 5-foot staves, two 4-foot sticks, two 2-foot sticks, six 6-foot lashing ropes for Square Lashings, 1 ten-foot lashing rope for Tripod Lashing, No. 10 can with bail filled with water, soap in sock on rope, towel.
• Method: Patrols assemble a sturdy wash station. After assembly, patrol lines up and one at a time washes and dries their hands. After the wash station is inspected by a leader, take it apart and tie sticks together using two 3-foot ropes and two Constrictor Knots.
• Scoring: The first patrol sitting down with all hands washed, wash station inspected, taken down and ready for storage, scores 100 points. Second place scores 50 points, third place 25, all others completing challenge, 10 points.

Bow Saw Relay

• Materials: For each patrol, one bow saw, two pieces of wood for sawing, one short log for support.
• Method: Patrols line up in relay formation facing the logs at a distance of 20 feet. The bow saw is placed alongside the log. On signal, one Scout from each patrol runs up to the log and saws off a disk about two inches thick from each piece of wood. After sawing off the second disk, he races back to the starting line and touches off the next Scout who repeats the process. This continues until all Scouts have had a chance to saw and all members of the patrol have returned to the starting line.
• Scoring: 100 points – 1st patrol to saw 12 disks from their pieces of wood and tie the rubber hose sheath back on using two constrictor knots. 50 points – 2nd patrol. 25 points – each patrol that saws 12 disks and correctly replaces sheath.

7 Knot Indoor Race

• Materials: Four 3’ cords and two chairs for each patrol
• Method: Ptrols race to tie the following knots in the specified order between two chairs:
• Scoring: Winning patrol gets 25 points. All others get 5 points each for finishing.

Bowline Draw

• Materials for each 2 Scouts: 15-foot rope
• Method: Each patrol forms two lines facing each other. Each pair of players holds one end of a15’  rope in his right hand raised above his head. At the word “Go,” each races to tie a bowline around his waist. Players lean backward with their full weight to test the knots.
• Scoring: The first patrol to have all bowlines tied correctly and all Scouts leaning backwards wins 100 points. All others 25 points each to complete the challenge.

Bowline-Sheet Bend Draw

• Materials for each Scout: 6-foot rope
• Method: Each patrol forms two lines facing each other. Each player holds his rope in his right hand raised above his head. At the word “Go,” each races to tie a Bowline around his waist, then join the ropes together with a Sheet Bend. Players lean backward with their full weight to test the knots.
• Scoring: The first patrol to have all knots tied correctly and all Scouts leaning backwards, with their Sheet Bends next to each other in a straight line, wins 100 points, next wins 50, each to complete the challenge wins 25.

Bowline – Square Knot Relay

• Materials: 3’ cord for each Scout
• Method: Six patrol members line up in parallel formation at a starting line. At signal, each Scout needs to have a bowline and a square knot at either end of his cord, connected to the Scout next to him to make a chain.
• Scoring: The first patrol finished with their chain fully extended and all knots correctly tied, gets 100 points. The second 50, all others completing the challenge, 25.

50 Foot Rescue Relay

• Materials: A cardboard square and one 50’ rope for each patrol
• Method: Patrols line up in relay formation. One Scout from each patrol sits on the square of cardboard about 40 feet in front of his patrol. On signal each patrol prepares their rope for an accurate distance throw. One member casts the line to their Scout and the rest pull him ashore. The Scout must carefully ride on the cardboard, holding the rope without falling off. If he falls off, he must get back on board and have the rope thrown again from where he fell.
• Scoring: First patrol to pull their Scout safely ashore scores 100 points. Next, 75, then 50, then 25.

Rope-Toss-Log-Lift-Challenge

• Materials: Erected crossbar 7 to 9’ off the ground, three stakes positioned 25’ feet away, and for each patrol: 50 ’x 3/8” manilla rope and a 4’ x 4” log.
• Method:  From 25’ away, each patrol coils a 50’ rope and throws one end over the crossbar. When the throw is good, the end of the rope where the thrower is standing is tied to a stake in the ground by his foot with a clove hitch. The end of the rope that was thrown over the crossbar is used to tie a timber hitch around the log. A half hitch is tied around one end of the log. Finally, a sheep shank is tied in that part of the rope between the stake and the crossbar, to shorten the rope enough to raise the log completely off the ground.
• Scoring: Fastest time = 100 points, 2nd Place = 50, complete the challenge, 25

Compass Facing

• Materials for Each Patrol: One compass.
• Method: Patrols line up in parallel formation. First Scout steps forward with his compass. Leader will call out a bearing and those Scouts with the compass will then race to see who can face that bearing first. Each patrol member must go at least once.
• Scoring: Patrols score 10 points each time one of their members is the first to face in the correct direction.

Compass Walk Activity

• Place a marker, (any small object) on the ground between your feet. Set your compass for a bearing of 40°. Face this bearing and take 10 paces. Look at the compass again and add 120° to your original bearing (making it 160°). Set this new bearing on your compass, face it and walk 10 paces. Now add 120° to this bearing (making it 280°). Set this new bearing on your compass, face it and walk another 10 paces. Stop. If you used your compass properly, and if your paces were equal, you should find the marker right at your feet.
• Repeat the whole process again starting with a new bearing, perhaps, 60°, 80°, or 100°, always adding 120° after completing the paces. You can vary the amount of paces you take as well. If you use your compass correctly, (and add correctly) you will always find your marker right at your feet after taking the paces for the third bearing.

Direction Finding Relay

• Materials for Each Patrol: 1 state map, 1 compass, 8 cards naming two towns each. Before starting the relay, each patrol should acquaint themselves with the location of the 8 cities on their map corresponding to the names appearing on the cards:
• Method: Patrols line up in parallel file aligned with their map and compass. On signal, the first Scout runs up and selects a card and determines the bearing from the first location on the card to the second. The Scout writes the bearing on the card and hands it to the judge. He then runs back to touch off the next Scout. Continue until all have raced at least once.
• Scoring: 10 points for each bearing within 5 degrees of being correct; 5 points for bearings within 10 degrees.

Knot Hoop Relay

• Materials: 6-foot rope for each patrol
• Method: On the signal “Go,” the first Scout ties the rope into a hoop with a Sheet Bend and passes it over his head and down his body. He steps out of the hoop, unties the knot and passes the rope to the next Scout who repeats the procedure and so on down the line. A judge for each patrol will observe the knots.
• Scoring: The first patrol to finish with all knots correctly tied, wins 100 points. All patrols who finish without any knot mistakes win 25 points. If there are different numbers of Scouts in the patrols, announce a specific number of knots to be tied. This will mean that one or more Scouts may have to tie more than one knot apiece.

Hot Isotope Transport

• Materials: For each patrol, one can filled 1/2 way with water positioned 25 feet from a designated point, six guy lines, elastic circle. The can is placed in the middle of an area (supposedly radioactive) 25 feet from a designated landing point.
• Method: The patrol assembles a “Hot Isotope Transporter” by attaching the guy lines to the elastic circle (Two Half Hitches). They then line up around the can at least 20 feet away, and under the direction of their patrol leader, the Scouts pull the guy lines to stretch the elastic circle. The object is to bring the expanded elastic circle down over the can, then relax the elastic circle to fit tightly over the can. They then lift and deposit the can upright to a designated landing point, 25 feet away.
• Scoring: 100 points – 1st patrol to move their three cans out of the circle. 75 points – 2nd patrol. 50 points – third patrol 25 points all others that successfully complete the challenge within the allotted time.

First Aid Relay

• Materials: For each patrol, a blanket, two 6’ poles, two 1 1/2’ splints with binders, sling, two 2 1/2’ splints with binders—all positioned 50’ in front of a starting line.
• Method: One Scout from each patrol carries the “victim” using a One-Person Carry for 25’. Two other Scouts are waiting there and carry the same “victim” using a Two-Person Carry for another 25’. Here, two more Scouts treat the “victim” for a lower-arm fracture and a lower-leg fracture by applying the proper splints and a sling. A stretcher is made and the “victim” is then carried on it back to the starting line. If at any time the “victim” touches the ground, the Scouts must restart that section. Splints must be correct before proceeding.
• Scoring: First patrol finished gets 100 points, second gets 50, all others 25 for finishing.

Drowning Accident

• Materials for Each Patrol: 10 foot rope, Scout stave, blanket, all casually laid out in sight of the patrols.
• Method: Each patrol selects a victim who is positioned 25 feet away in an area designated as “water.” It is announced that the victim has fallen into the water and each patrol is to rescue the victim and render first aid.
• Scoring: Score 15 points for each of the following actions: The rope and stave are used, the victim is warmed by the blanket, the victim is treated for shock, someone is assigned to call for medical help, team work is used.

First Aid Carry Relay

• Method: Patrols line up in relay fashion facing a single turnaround post located 15 feet away. Two Scouts from each patrol carry the first “victim” using Two-Person Carry around turnaround post and back to starting line. Next two Scouts carry the second “victim” using the Four-Handed Seat Carry around turnaround post and back to starting line. Next Scout carries the third “victim” using a One-Person Carry around turnaround post and back to starting line. If at any time a “victim” touches the ground, the Scouts carrying this “victim” must stop, reform their carry and continue.
• Scoring: The first patrol making a complete circuit with the three “victims” scores 100 points. The second patrol 50, and all others 25 for finishing.

Stretcher Relay

• Materials: For each patrol, an inflated balloon, a blanket and two 6’ poles.
• Method: Patrols line up in relay formation 35 feet away from their blanket, poles, and balloon. On signal, the first three Scouts race to their materials. One is the “victim.” The other two make a stretcher and lie the “victim” on it. When they are ready to lift the stretcher, one places a balloon on the victim. The stretcher carriers then head back to the starting line without the balloon falling off. At the starting line, the stretcher is completely disassembled. The next three Scouts then repeat this process, at the starting line, carrying one as the “victim” to the line 35 feet away without the balloon falling off. After disassembling their stretcher, they race back and tag off an additional three Scouts who repeat the whole process. If the balloon falls off, the stretcher carriers must put the “victim” down and replace the balloon before proceeding. All patrol members must participate.
• Scoring: First patrol finished gets 100 points, second gets 50, all others 25 for finishing.

Snake Race

• Materials: for each patrol: 6 Scout Staves, 6 six-foot lashing ropes.
• Method: Patrols line up in parallel formation at a starting line. On signal, the patrol lays out the 6 staves and lashes them together using one, tight sheer lashing at each joint. When complete, six patrol members straddle the staves facing the same direction, reach down and grab the chain of staves, then start moving them forward, between their legs. The Scout in front swings the first stave up overhead and passes it back to the Scout behind him. When the last Scout receives the stave passed overhead, he then swings it back down under his legs and starts moving the chain back forward again until the staves are in their original position.
• Scoring: The first patrol finished with all lashings tied correctly , gets 100 points. The second 50, all others making it to the finish line, 25.

Supreme Tarp Pitch

• Materials for each Patrol: six 15’ guylines (1/8” nylon ), four 5’ Scout Staves, four 6’ lashing ropes (1/4” manilla), six tent stakes, four “button rocks” (roundish stones), plastic ground cloth (6’x8’ plastic sheet), mallet
• Procedure: On signal, each patrol will erect an “improvised” shelter, by constructing a frame consisting of a ridge pole made by joining two Scout Staves with two Round Lashings, and attaching an upright on each side using the other two Scout Staves and Square Lashings. At the same time, one “button rock” is positioned at each corner of the plastic sheet by enfolding the plastic around the rock and securing it snugly with a guyline and Two Half Hitches. The plastic sheet will be draped over the completed frame, with each of these four corner guylines extending out at 45 degrees and secured to a properly angled tent peg with a Taut-line Hitch. Finally, a Bowline is tied to the end of each of the remaining two guylines, and looped over the top of each upright on either side of the frame. These guylines in turn extend straight out at each opening of the shelter and are secured with a tautline hitch to each of the two remaining tent stakes.
• Scoring: This is a timed event. 30 seconds will be deducted for each incorrectly executed knot or lashing.

String Burning Race

• Materials: For each team, two 2-foot sticks, two 3-foot lengths of twine, two matches.
• Method: Before the race, the two sticks are pushed into the ground, 24 inches apart; one string is tied between the sticks, 12 inches off the ground, the other, 18 inches above the ground. Each patrol gathers native tinder and firewood. The patrol then selects two representatives. On signal, the two Scouts lay the fire (but not higher than the lower string) and light it. After lighting, the fire must not be touched, nor can wood be added.
• Scoring: The patrol whose fire burns through the top string first scores 100 points. The other patrols who succeed in burning through the top string score 50 points each.

Supreme String Burning Race

• Materials: For each team, one 2”x4”x8” piece of pine, one hand axe, two knives, one “hot spark kit,” two cotton balls, one string suspended between two upright sticks, 10” above the ground.
• Method: On signal, using the hand axe, each team will split their wood into kindling and immediately start making tinder shavings using the knives. When ready, they will build a small fire under their string, igniting the tinder shavings using the hot spark kit and a cotton ball.
• Scoring: The team whose fire burns through the string first scores 100 points. The other teams who succeed in burning through the top string within a fifteen minute time limit score 50 points each.

Water Boiling Race

• Materials: For each patrol, 16 oz. can filled with water to within 1 inch from the top and containing one teaspoon of soap powder, two or three matches. A couple of bricks to rest the can on.
• Method: Before the race, each patrol gathers and organizes native tinder, and kindling for their fire (or is limited to materials provided). Each patrol selects two representatives. On signal, the two Scouts set up their fireplace, lay and light a fire, place the can of water over the fire, and keep feeding the fire until the water boils. Other patrol members help as needed.
• Scoring: The first patrol to get the water boiling receives 100 points, the second 50 points. All other patrols receive 25 points if they can complete the challenge within the given time.

Our movement thrives on activities that are unique to Scouting. So, additionally, there are a wide range of generalized interpatrol competitions and troop-wide games that are tried and true, timeless, and proven to elicit an enthusiastic response that give Scouting a flavor all its own! Within the specialized setting of a troop meeting, these activities, and many more, make fun happen:

INTERPATROL ACTIVITIES

Lassoing the Steer Competition

• Materials: 20-foot rope for each Scout, small log
• Method: The small log is placed upright in the center of a circle 18 feet in diameter. Players stand outside the edge of the circle. At a given signal, all throw their ropes and attempt to lasso the “steer” and pull it out. Scouts can have as many throws as are needed to rope the “steer.” After first “steer” is roped, announce that each player has to use a bowline knot in his lasso. All those unable to tie one have to drop out until their lasso is made with a bowline.
• Scoring: Score 10 points to the patrol each time one of its members can rope the “steer.”

Hit the Bucket Competition

• Materials: Contest must be held outdoors or where there is lots and lots of room. Each patrol needs a fire bucket, a Scout stave, and a blindfold.
• Method: The patrols line up in relay formation with 25 feet between each patrol. An upside down bucket is placed ten paces in front of each patrol. The first Scout in each patrol is blindfolded and given the Scout stave. On signal, he must step out three paces, turn around three times, and then take six more paces towards where he thinks the bucket is. He has three tries to hit the bucket with the stave. After his turn, the next Scout in line is blindfolded until an equal number from each patrol has gone.
• Scoring:  Patrols score five points each time one of their members hits their bucket.

Can It Competition

• Materials: 2 No. 10 cans, one pine cone, stick, and stone for each patrol.
• Method: Patrols sit in a straight line with their legs extended. Each patrol counts off so there is an even number in each line. One can is placed at each end of the patrol lines. The three objects are placed in the can at the head of the line. The leader calls out a number and a name of an object. Scouts having that number race to the can, pick out the object named, transfer it to the can at the other end of the patrol line, and return to their places. (Scouts must keep track of objects as they are transferred from can to can. When their number is called, they must know where to find the object.
• Scoring:  The first Scout back in place with the object transferred wins 5 points for his patrol.

Standing Jump Relay Competition

• Method: Patrols line up in relay formation.  First Scout in line performs a standing broad jump. The next Scout in line jumps from where his patrol mate landed and so on. Patrol members might have to jump twice to make patrols equal in numbers.
• Scoring: Patrol with longest combined distance scores 50 points. Next 40, then 30, then 20, then 10.

Pull-up Competition

• Method: Patrols line up in parallel formation in front of the pull-up bar. Patrols then takes turns sending a Scout to the bar to do as many pull-ups as he can. In order for a pull-up to count, each Scout must start his pull-up from a position where he is hanging from the bar with his arms fully extended each time. The total amount of all the pull-ups completed by each member of each patrol is tallied.
• Scoring: Score 3 points for each pull-up completed.

Pocket Rope Competition

• Method: On signal patrol tries to make the longest “rope” they can with the things they have in their pockets or on their person. (belts, socks, neckerchiefs, shirts, etc.).
• 2 minutes to plan, then, 4 minutes to finish.
• Scoring: Longest “rope” scores 75 points, next, 50, then 25, then 10 for all other ropes made.

Hunt the Candy

• Materials: Individual pieces of candy wrapped in paper
• Method: Hide candy all over the room. Upon spying a piece, each Scout must point his nose at it and give his patrol call, where upon his patrol leader comes and collects it. Patrols finally eat the candy collected.

Balloon Partner Race Competition

• Materials: Supply of balloons.
• Method: Patrols line up in relay formation. Each patrol pairs up in twos. First pair run to a turning line while holding a balloon against themselves. They may not use their hands as they go. First team with all pairs finished in turn, wins. Some Scouts may need to go twice so that all patrols have an equal number of pairs racing.
• Scoring: Winning patrol gets 25 points. All others get 5 points each for finishing.

Drink-a-Cup Competition

• Materials: Paper cups and water.
• Method: patrols line up in relay formation. Give each Scout a paper cup half full of water. On signal, they run to a turning line, kneel down, put the cup between their teeth and their hands behind their backs. Leaning back, they drink the water, letting it spill slowly into their mouths. When the cups are empty, they run back to the starting line, still holding the cups between their teeth. Some Scouts may need to run twice so that there are an equal number of drinkers from each patrol. First patrol finished wins.
• Scoring: Winning patrol gets 25 points. All others get 5 points each for finishing.

FLUSH! Competition

• Materials: Roll of toilet paper for each patrol. Set up a chair in front of each patrol and sit an adult leader in the chair facing that patrol.
• Method: Patrols line up in relay formation in front of a seated adult leader. Each patrol will race against the others to see which can wrap their adult leader up first. One member from each patrol will start, by unrolling the roll of toilet paper around their adult. As soon as the toilet paper breaks, he will pass the roll to the next on line in his patrol. The winning patrol is the one to completely finish their roll with all sitting down, holding up their empty roll of toilet paper and yelling, “FLUSH!”
• Scoring: Winning patrol gets 75 points. All others get 25 points each for finishing.

Interpatrol Tug-of-War Competition

• Materials: 50 foot rope, a neckerchief for each patrol
• Method: Patrols make a wide troop circle. Tie the ends of the rope together. One Scout from each patrol takes hold of the rope with their right hands, equidistant from each other, in the center of the circle. Position Scouts so that the rope forms an equilateral triangle or square, etc. depending on how many patrols are entering. A neckerchief is positioned about two feet behind each Scout. On signal, all Scouts try to pick up their neckerchief. The Scout who is first to do so wins 10 points for his patrol. An equal number from each patrol need to participate, (one at a time).

TROOP-WIDE GAMES

Some units may have lost sight of the many timeless games to which Scouting gave birth. Generally, these games are challenging, and most often require cooperation, alacrity, and teamwork. All are fun, and all enhance the colorful experience that is Scouting:

Steal the Bacon

• Form two lines facing each other about 25 feet apart. Place an Indian club, bowling pin, towel, etc. in the center. Count off the Scouts in each line from opposite directions. The leader calls out a number and the opponents with that number run to the center. The object of the game is for a Scout to snatch the club and get back to his side without being tagged by the one with the same number from the other side. Score two points if a player brings the club back without being tagged. Score one point for the opposing team if the snatcher is tagged.

True or False Steal the Bacon

• Put 2 ‘Bacons’ out of different colors.  Read out True/False question then call out a number. Scouts have to make a choice – one Bacon is True, the other is False.  If you grab the wrong color and take it across your line, you lose.  Naturally, if you grab the wrong color and your opponent tags you, HE loses!

Tug of War Steel the Bacon

• Materials: Scout stave or bicycle tire wrapped in tape
• Method: Troop divides into two equal teams, and each count off so that every Scout on both teams have a number. Each team faces each other in order, with “Number 1’s” on each team’s left.  The Scout stave (or tire) is placed in the middle between both teams. The leader then calls a number and those two Scouts with that number meet in the middle, each grabbing a hold of the stave (or tire). On signal, both try to drag the other four feet. A point is scored to each team when that team’s member successfully drags his opponent four feet. (Scouts are not to let go of the stave until after the pulling stops.)
• Scoring: The team with the most points, after a designated time, wins.

Circle Ball

• Materials: A basketball or playground ball.
• Method: The players form a circle with the Scout who is “It” in the middle. A playground ball is thrown from one to the other around the circle and the Scout in the center tries to touch it. If he is successful, the last Scout to touch it is now “It.” If the ball goes outside the circle the director is to get it. No Scout may move his feet or break the circle.

Gorilla Hunt

• Materials: 50’ Rope, 2 Whompers ( (1/2 of a foam rubber “noodle”), 2 neckerchief blindfolds
• Method: Rope is spread out on floor in a wavy pattern. 2 Scouts are selected, placed at either end of the rope, and blindfolded. Each is given a “whomper,” and on signal, each begins to advance toward the other on his hands and knees, using the rope as a guide. The first Scout to “womp” the other is the winner. After one Scout scores a “hit” the whistle blows and all activity must stop immediately. Repeat with the next two Scouts as time allows.

Hit the Can

• Materials: 5 gallon bucket, 1 stave, 1 large rubber playground ball
• Method: Troop forms a large circle with IT standing on the can in middle of the circle with stave in hand. The ball is passed around and thrown at the can, while IT guards the can with the stave. If the can is hit, the thrower becomes IT.

Skedaddle

• Materials: 10 different objects found in nature like pine cone, burr, maple leaf, oak leaf, granite rock, sand stone, birch bark, etc. or ten ropes tied with different knots and lashings.
• Method: Troop divides into two equal teams, and each count off so that every Scout on both teams have a number. Each team faces each other in order, with “Number 1’s” on each team’s left. Two teams face each other 15 feet from a center line. The leader gives the name of each object. He then calls calls out the name of one object and a number. The player with that number on each team runs to the center, tries to pick up the object named and race back to his line without being tagged by the other player. He scores one point for his team by picking up the correct object, and two points if he can get back to his line without being tagged. The object is returned to the center and the leader calls another number.

The Christmas Card Game

• Take a set of old Christmas cards (about three times as many cards as there are players) and cut each card into two pieces, making two sets of half-cards so that each half-card in one set has its counterpart in the other. Some of the cards should be cut so that the halves are easy to spot as belonging to each other (e.g., by cutting vertically down the middle of a coloured picture of a vase of flowers), and others should be made difficult to spot (e.g., by cutting along the horizon of a seascape). Distribute one set of half-cards all over the room (they should be visible but not necessarily obvious). Give one half-card from the other set to each player and keep the “pool” in your hand. On the word “Go” all the players try to find the other half of the piece that you have
• given them and bring it to you. Every player finding a pair that match is given a fresh half-card from the “pool” until there are none left. When all have finished, the group with the largest number of paired pieces wins. (Keep the paired pieces together so that at the end of the game they can easily be redivided into separate sets for next time.)

Capture the Flag

• Materials: two flags (neckerchiefs), boundaries, center line, a jail on each side, a pedestal for the flag in the middle on each side’s back line. Two different colors of plastic barrier tape, cut into two-foot lengths.
• Method: Troop divides into two teams. Each team member places a two-foot length of tape in the middle of  the back of his pants, with 3/4 of the length hanging down.  One color is assigned for each team. The object of the game is to capture the opposing team’s flag and bring it back to his team’s side while keeping his “tail.” A tail is lost  when it is pulled out of the pants by a member of the opposing team, but only when that player is on the other team’s side of the playing field. If a player loses his tail, he carries it over to the other team’s jail where he must stay until freed by a member of his own team, who hasn’t lost his own tail. All players are freed when a member of their team, who still has his tail, can tag one of his team members. Those who were in jail can then all return to their side of the field, and are given a free pass to do so. They also can then replace their tails and resume play.
• Indoors, a player must go to jail if he runs out of bounds. Only one player may guard his team’s flag and only one player may serve as jailer. These players must stay at least six feet from the flag and jail. If a flag is captured, it may be passed to other team mates, but only while the player carrying the captured flag still has his tail.

Circles

• Players scatter throughout the room. Leader blows several blasts on a whistle. If there are four blasts, the players must get into groups of four, hands joined and held high, etc., varying amount of blasts, (3, 4, 6, 5, 4) until all players are eliminated.

Jump the Shot

• Materials: Shot = 20′ rope with bag (weighted) or Monkey Fist at end
• Method: Troop makes large circle. IT in center swings the SHOT in the center, everyone tries to jump it as it gets faster (below knees). If hit, you get 1 penalty point and become the next IT.

Catch Ten

• Materials: Rubber ball
• Method: Divide troop into two teams. Identify all members of one team by tying neckerchiefs on their right arms. The ball starts in the hands of one team member who tosses it to a team mate. The opposition tries to intercept the ball. As the first player catches the ball, he shouts “one” and throws to another teammate, who shouts “two” as he catches the ball. This continues until “ten” is reached. If the opposition intercepts the ball, the Scout who intercepts shouts “one” and that team then tries to reach “ten.” As teams intercept the ball, they must always start with the number “one.”
• Scoring: the first team to reach “ten” is the winner.

Ball Over

• Materials: Rubber ball
• Method: Draw a line to divide the area. Divide the group into two teams—one on each side of the line. Players must not cross the line. Blindfold one Scout and provide him with a whistle. When he blows the whistle, the ball is put into play by throwing it from side to side. The object of the game is to keep the ball on the opposing team’s side. One point is counted against the team that has the ball each time the whistle is blown. The blindfolded player can blow the whistle whenever he wishes. The lowest score wins.

Standing Staves

• Materials: Scout Stave for each Scout
• Method: Players stand in a large circle facing inward. each Scout holds his stave upright before him with his right hand resting on the top. When the leader calls, “One up!” all players move to the right and catch the next stave before it falls. If the leader calls “One down” all players move to their left and catch the stave. If the player fails to catch the next stave, he drops out of the game and the gap in the circle remains. If “Two up!” or “Two down!” is called, players must bypass one stave and catch the next. When two players are left, a leader stands between them. They move to the left of him for “Up!” and right for “Down!”

Overtake

• Materials: Two rubber balls
• Method: Scouts form a circle and count off by twos. There must be an even number in the group. Hand one ball to a number “1” and the other to a number “2” on the exact opposite side of the circle. On signal, Scouts pass the ball clockwise to members of their own team (every other Scout). Both balls will be traveling in the same direction. The object is for one team to pass their ball faster than the other team and eventually overtake the other team’s ball.

Balloon Battle Royal

• Materials: A balloon and length of string for each Scout.
• Method: Arrange Scouts in a large circle, each with an inflated balloon hanging from a string tied to his ankle. On signal, have each player try to break all the other balloons by stamping on them. When a balloon is broken, its owner leaves the circle, and the game continues until only one player is left.

Blindman’s Buff

• Players form a circle around the blind man and run round and round until he calls “Halt.” He then tries to identify the players by sense of feeling. The Scouts can move their bodies to avoid the blindman, but cannot move their feet. This game despite its age is a remarkable developer of observation.

Prisoner’s Pull

• This adaptation is an excellent game when something strenuous is needed to let off surplus steam.
• Two teams are drawn up and face each other across a center line The idea is to pull the other fellow across the line. When so captured he is out of the game and sits on the side routing on his team. Several Scouts can attack one and it is not an unusual spectacle to see the biggest Scout in the troop hoisted bodily over the line. Care must be taken not to step over the line. The game is very popular, probably because it is death on clean clothes and shirt sleeves.

Guard the Fort

• Materials: playground ball.
• Method: With their patrol leader in the middle, a patrol forms a circle, all members facing out. The rest of the troop forms a circle around the patrol and tries to hit the Patrol Leader with the ball. The patrol tries to protect their patrol leader by blocking the throws. When a patrol leader is hit, another patrol takes their place.
• Scoring: The longest time successfully protecting the patrol leader wins.

One Out

• Materials: A collection of smallish objects enough for all but one.
• Method: Players stand behind a line about 40′ from a line of objects. These objects should be about 2′ apart and there should be one object less than the number of players. All players race toward the objects, trying to pick up one. The player who doesn’t get one, drops out and one object is discarded. This continues until only one player remains.

Compass Game

• Everyone stands out around the room and is told to orient themselves to “north”.  North could be real north or a convenient wall or corner in the room.  Everyone except for the caller and the referees closes their eyes  The caller then calls out a direction, like “east” and then everyone turns (eyes still closed) and points in the direction of east. The referee then goes around and taps the shoulder of anyone not pointing in the right direction. They are out. The game continues until one player is left. It gets interesting when you start calling headings and bearings.

Crabs, Crows, Cranes

• Count off the troop into two teams. Have teams line up down a center line, back to back. Each team facing a home line about 30 feet away. One team are the crows, the other team are the cranes. If you shout “cranes,” the crows must turn around and try to tag a crane before he can reach his home line. Any member of the cranes that gets tagged has to join the crows team. If you shout crows, the crows team has to run to their home line without getting tagged by the cranes team. Any member of the crows that gets tagged has to join the cranes team. If you shout crabs they must all stand still. Anyone that moves must join the opposing team. You start off each time with both teams lined up back to back across the center line. The game ends when one team has all the players. (Or whenever.) You can have a lot of fun rolling your RRRRR’S with this. “CRRRRRRRRABS, CRRRRRRROWS, CRRRRRRANES.”

Whomp ‘Em

• Scouts get in a circle facing in, with both hands, palms up, behind their backs. Scouts must be looking into the circle.  One Scout, with a “whomper,” walks around the outside of the circle.  When he chooses, he puts the “whomper” into the hands of a Scout, who then proceeds to “whomp” the Scout to his right. The Scout being “whomped” runs as fast as he can (unless he enjoys being “whomped”) around the circle back to his starting position. The Scout now holding the “whomper” walks around the outside of the circle, looking for a Scout to “whomp” the person to his right, as above. (His place in the circle has been taken by the Scout who handed him the “whomper.”) No winners, everyone wins.

Hide & Seek

• All lights are turned off throughout building. One Scout stays in the meeting room and  counts to twenty, the rest of the Scouts hide anywhere (except for pre-set off limits areas) in the building. “It” begins looking for the Scouts.  Once a Scout is found, he joins “it” in the hunt.  When whistle blows, all return. The last Scouts found are the winners.

Troglodytes

• Materials:  some candles, some matches. A large field with many hiding places.
• Method: The premise behind the game is that Troglodytes have landed on our planet from another galaxy and are preparing to take over the world. The Troglodytes have a faulty spaceship which will explode if it is set on fire. The Scouts job is to sneak up to the troglodyte ship and blow it up.  However, the Troglodytes are more advanced then humans and have laser blasters that can kill the Scouts. The game is played on a dark night in a large field with many hiding spots. The leaders place a candle and some matches at a designated location. The leaders then pick a place near the candle but not right up close to it. Each leader carries a flashlight and is not allowed to move from his/her location. The Scouts start at one location and must sneak up and light the candle.  If a leader hears a Scout he/she turns on his/her flashlight and blasts the Scout. If a Scout is hit with the flashlight then he is out. The game continues until a Scout can light the candle or until all Scouts are dead. Note that the flashlights can only be used for a short burst.

Stalking

• One Scout is the “stalked,” and stands at the top of a wooded or rock-formation-ridden hill/slope. Other Scouts start at bottom of slope. The stalked Scout counts to 10 out loud. The other Scouts rush up the slope towards the stalked player. When the stalked Scout is done counting he turns around and any other Scout he can visibly see must return to the bottom of the slope. After the stalked Scout can no longer see anyone, he begins counting again. This cycle is repeated until one of the Scouts reaches the stalked Scout and takes his place. This should be done so that it would take a Scout several cycles to reach the top. It is a lot of fun in large groups.

CLICK ON PHOTOS FOR LARGER IMAGE

Got the heads and appendages and more of the barrels! (Too bad they’re not in uniform!!!)

Lizzie Gator Team Building Challenge

Lizzie Gator Team Building Challenge

I know I’m a hopeless romantic, and I’m aware that I shouldn’t let what I think and feel be the empirical measure for the thoughts and feelings of others. But, I love to share, and the memories of my Den Chief, and much of Scouting, are embodied in Norman Rockwell’s paintings.

When I was a Cub Scout, I had fun. I did fun things with my den, I could earn badges and receive recognition, and I loved the uniform which made me feel important and gave me a sense of belonging. In and through my Cub Scout career, there was a sense that I was steadily approaching something wonderful. It was up ahead, and it promised new experiences…real life adventures! The glimpses I had in Boys Life Magazine, and actually seeing an older person in his green uniform, like my Den Chief, portended new heights of discovery, experiences about which I could only vaguely begin to imagine. I knew there would be unparalleled thrills and excitement, albeit from my vantage point, they were all shrouded in an aura of mystery and intrigue. What was gradually welling up in me was the realization—someday I would actually become a Boy Scout!

“The Den Chief”—My Idol!

Cubs Scouts and Boy Scouts—here’s the major difference: In Cub Scouts boys might use sticks and string to make a little model of a bridge, and in Boy Scouts, young men can learn how to use rope and spars and build a real one.

NEWSLETTERS:

• Vol. 2, No. 11, pg2: Whitewater Rafting, Nantahala River
• Vol. 2, No. 11, pg1: Whitewater Rafting, Nantahala River
• Vol. 2, No. 10, pg4: Camp Barstow
• Vol. 2, No. 10, pg3: Camp Barstow
• Vol. 2, No. 10, pg2: Troop Bus catches fire
• Vol. 2, No. 10, pg1: Water Balloon Volleyball
• Vol. 2, No. 09, pg2: Primitive Backpacking Gadgets
• Vol. 2, No. 09, pg1: Initial Backpacking
• Vol. 2, No. 08: Camporee, Tool Rack
• Vol. 2, No. 07: Poinsett State Park, Monkey Bridge

• Vol. 3, No. 11, pg2: Catch the Snapper
• Vol. 3, No. 11, pg1: Lake Waccamaw State Park
• Vol. 3, No. 10, pg2: Hunker Down 
• Vol. 3, No. 10, pg1: Huntington State Park Purple Martin Feeding Frenzy
• Vol. 3, No. 09, Summer pg4: Philmont 1999
• Vol. 3, No. 09, Summer pg3: Philmont 1999
• Vol. 3, No. 09, Summer pg2: Camp Bob Hardin
• Vol. 3, No. 09, Summer pg1: Second Philmont Shakedown
• Vol. 3, No. 08, pg2: First Philmont Shakedown
• Vol. 3, No. 08, pg1: Francis Marion National Forest
• Vol. 3, No. 07, pg2: Quadropod Troop Table
• Vol. 3, No. 07, pg1: Camporee Gateway
• Vol. 3, No. 06, pg2: Monkey Bridge and Tower
• Vol. 3, No. 06, pg1: Court of Honor
• Vol. 3, No. 05, pg2: Hoisting a Tower Depiction
• Vol. 3, No. 05, pg1: 14′ Double Ladder Signal Tower
• Vol. 3, No. 04, pg2: Everyone on the Tripod
• Vol. 3, No. 04, pg1: Five Mile Hike
• Vol. 3, No. 03, pg2: Tent Pitching
• Vol. 3, No. 03, pg1: Monkey Bridge for the Webeloree
• Vol. 3, No. 02, pg2: Council Camporee Events
• Vol. 3, No. 02, pg1: Lashing by Lantern Light
• Vol. 3, No. 01: Huntington Beach State Park

• Vol. 4, No. 01, pg1: Tenth Double A-Frame Monkey Bridge
• Vol. 4, No. 01, pg2: Poinsett State Park
• Vol. 4, No. 02, pg1: Tower at Scoutland
• Vol. 4, No. 02, pg2: Tower at Scoutland
• Vol. 4, No. 03, pg1: Bird Island Camping Trip
• Vol. 4, No. 03, pg2: String Burning Race
• Vol. 4, No. 04, pg1: Camp Thunder and Gerald Lawhorn Canoe Base
• Vol. 4, No. 04, pg2: 50 Mile Canoe Trip
• Vol. 4, No. 05, pg1: Council Camporee
• Vol. 4, No. 05, pg2: Lizzie Gator
• Vol. 4, No. 06, pg1: Double A-Frame Monkey Bridge at Broadway at the BEach
• Vol. 4, No. 06, pg2: Well-Rounded Scouts
• Vol. 4, No. 07, pg1: Waccamaw River Canoe Trp
• Vol. 4, No. 07, pg2: Flag Raising
• Vol. 4, No. 08, pg1: National Jamboree
• Vol. 4, No. 08, pg2: Catapult
• Vol. 4, No. 09, pg1: Camping Trips and Cooking
• Vol. 4, No. 09, pg2: Double Tripod Chippewa Kitchen

• Vol. 5, No. 01, pg1: Swimming With the Manatees
• Vol. 5, No. 01, pg2: Round Lashing Skills Instruction
• Vol. 5, No. 02, pg1: Eagle Scouts
• Vol. 5, No. 02, pg2: Rope Toss Log Lift Challenge
• Vol. 5, No. 03, pg1: Mountain Man Outpost
• Vol. 5, No. 03, pg2: Hand Wash Station
• Vol. 5, No. 04, pg1: Laminated Spars
• Vol. 5, No. 04, pg2: Everyone on the Tripod

If you’re interested in being a part of the outstanding Pioneering Staff at the 2017 National Jamboree, you can reach the director of the Pioneering Area, James Keller, by sending us an email. Please include your contact information and someone will get in touch with you with further information.

2013 National Jamboree Pioneering Staff

Laced in and through Scouting’s multifarious opportunities is the nurturing of good character, the development of cooperative leadership, and citizen training. Of course, there are also numerous adventures and experiences that are uniquely fun and contribute to a host of treasured memories that last a lifetime.

Scouting features a wide array of challenges, activities, and avenues of discovery. In such a multi-faceted program there are opportunities to learn about subjects as diverse as Rocketry, Wilderness Survival, Robotics, and Pioneering. Scouting is both the new and the old, the modern and the traditional, the innovative and the timeless!

Plastic Sheet Shelters

In the light that Pioneering has been referred to as “Scout Engineering,” many projects can be considered a pioneering-related venture when Scouts are confronted with fashioning and building something requiring intelligent use of their resources, consideration of angles, trajectory, and some campcraft skills.

Erecting a little A-Frame tent using a plastic sheet that has no grommets is a nifty challenge and just such an opportunity. Each individual, or pair of Scouts, can simply be furnished with a plastic sheet and some line for their guy lines and directed to have at it and give it a go. Alternatively, Scouts can be provided all the following materials:

• a 6’x6’ plastic sheet
• six smooth stones
• six short guy lines (four 3′ lengths for the corners, and two 9′ lengths for the front and back. Paracord does the trick just fine fine.)
• six stakes
• a mallet
• two 4’ poles for the uprights

A Plastic Sheet Shelter Campsite

Not DIRECTIVES, just suggestions:  Secure the stone to the plastic using a Roundturn with Two Half Hitches. Attach the front and back guy lines to the upright poles using an Open End Clove Hitch with an additional Half Hitch.

This short commentary is one part surmise and three parts observation. It’s composed of a series of events with a predictable outcome. Except to those familiar with Scout Pioneering, and Scout competitions, the whole scenario will appear obscure. But to the Scouts involved, it’s far from obscure. On the contrary, whenever something like this happens, it’s downright confusing, and without being melodramatic, maybe a little traumatic too. No real names are used in this account, and no fingers are being pointed at any individuals. The characters in stories like this are always well-intentioned and without malice. There are no wrongdoers involved… just victims.

Scout Pioneering is about building structures with poles and rope. They can be useful, they can be for fun, and often they’re both. Knowing how to tie knots and lashings is a basic Scouting skill that’s been a part of our movement for over a hundred years. In all bonafide Scout Pioneering settings, when two poles cross each other, but do not touch, a Diagonal Lashing is often used to spring the poles together. The lashing is so-named, because the wraps run diagonal to the poles. Additionally, those who are experienced in building pioneering structures accept the fact that joining two poles together that cross from 45º to 90º calls for a Square Lashing. There’s more contact between the rope and the poles than with a Diagonal Lashing, and hence a Square Lashing provides a better hold. The Square Lashing gets its name from the fact the wraps run square to the poles. The name has nothing to do with at what angle the poles cross.

Enter Ned: Without knowing any better, Ned, a well-meaning Scouting volunteer, reasons quite innocently the Diagonal Lashing should be used whenever Scouts join two poles that cross each other at less than a perpendicular angle. So from this viewpoint, which, because of its name, appears logical, Ned concludes Scouts should use Diagonal Lashings when making an A-frame. After all, the angles formed by the poles  are less than 90º. Without any real, hands on exposure to pioneering, he’s not familiar with the fact the lashing is reserved for springing two poles together when they cross but don’t touch. To him, his assumption about the lashing is obvious. He proceeds to write up a description of a Scouting activity featuring his misunderstanding about the use of Diagonal Lashings. Since he’s an intelligent, well-respected Scouter…somehow, it get’s printed, and then again reprinted, in official BSA publications.

Enter the Raccoon Patrol: As part of a troop that regularly embraces large pioneering projects, the Raccoon Patrol is well-versed in building A-frames. During inter-patrol competitions at Scout meetings, they do well in A-frame Chariot Races. On outings they build camp see-saws where the roller bar for the plank is supported by two heavy duty A-frames. They have also helped to build several monkey bridges relying on sturdy A-frames as sub assemblies. Belonging to a unit with a successful pioneering program, they’ve been taught to make their A-frames using three Japanese Mark II Square Lashings. In addition to being supported in certain BSA publications, their grasp of Scouting skills stems from Scouters who’ve served on the pioneering staff at national jamborees and who, themselves, have learned from some of the most esteemed Scout Pioneering legends.

Enter Nancy: On staff at summer camp, Nancy volunteers to conduct an A-frame Chariot Race as part of the camp-wide skills event towards the end of the week. Her reference material is one of the BSA publications containing Ned’s misconception, directing Scouts to construct an A-frame using Diagonal Lashings. Without any real experience putting together an A-frame, she’s basing her thinking on what she has read. Furthermore, since the content is featured in an official publication, she requires each patrol taking part in the activity to build their A-frame in just that way.

Reenter the Raccoon Patrol: Taking part in the camp-wide competition, the Raccoons confidentially arrive at Nancy’s station, all revved up to be the fastest patrol in the A-frame Chariot Race. Nancy proceeds to explain her rules for putting together the A-frame, which immediately confuses the Raccoons. In their attempt to comply, they bungle the Diagonal Lashings, something they seldom use. At the top, they ask if they can tie a Square Lashing in lieu of a Shear Lashing, and Nancy acquiesces. But, they are further penalized because Nancy insists that if they’re going to tie a Square Lashing, it must start and end with a Clove Hitch. She has never seen or heard of a Japanese Mark II Square Lashing. It isn’t in the official publication she is using as her reference. At that point, the Raccoon’s performance is so poor, they don’t even bother to race. With disgruntled comments, they leave Nancy’s station. They are hurt and bewildered.

Are these kinds of scenarios rare at Scout skill events? The answer is, no. They take place at Boy Scout summer camps, district and council camporees, and OA conclaves. Scouts have been penalized, disqualified, and even politely insulted by facilitators who base their event’s rules on material that contradicts what some may have adopted from other official publications. This is a sad state of affairs. Scouts become frustrated, angry, and disillusioned—feelings that shouldn’t obtain at a Scouting event.

What about this conflicting information presented in different official publications? Are there ways around the confusion? The answer is, yes. At the time of this writing, a national task force is taking steps to assure the publications all provide compatible information pertaining to Scout skills—approaches that are sensible, practical, and proven to be the most efficient. This is a lengthy process and will take time. Everything that appears in official BSA publications should be exemplary, but change happens slowly. Until Scout skills are presented consistently across the board, the following is felt to be an advisable practice: during inter-troop, district, or council events, in competitions like the A-frame Chariot Race, let the patrols complete the challenge in anyway they can. Don’t permit their efforts to be circumscribed by a rigid set of exacting rules. As long as what they build is safe and gets the job done, the Scouts should be allowed to experience success.

The following piece was composed for a BSA ScoutCast. The concept applies admirably to pioneering when Scouts, who who have the proper “tools” and are capable and ready, care to embrace the construction of any-size pioneering project.

The Guided Discovery Process is a fancy term for what? Guided Discovery is an approach where Scouts are asked a question which leads them to examine a situation, and then discover the best way to proceed. Put another way, Guided Discovery enables Scouts to think for themselves in order to solve problems and find solutions. This approach is Scout-based. By Scout-based I mean the focus is on the learning and the Scout, not on the teaching and the teacher.

Asking a question is a big part of this process. Asking the right questions takes as much skill as giving the right answers. The idea is, the right kind of question is going to get the Scouts thinking. It’s their thinking that leads them through a path of discovery where they can figure out for themselves what they need to do.

When Scouts are faced with a challenge or have a problem, it’s natural they’ll frequently have there own questions. But with Guided Discovery, we, don’t just spoon feed them the answer. Instead, in order to guide them through this path of discovery, we present them with a counter question—a question which requires them to find their best answer by applying what they know, using their resources, and coming to their own valuable conclusion. And why is their conclusion so valuable? It’s, because whatever a Scout learns through a process of discovery is his. It’s something he’s arrived at through his own efforts. So, he owns it.

Guided discovery as a process. There’s a lot that junior leaders have to go through before they can take the reins and run the troop. All through their ranks and as they mature, Scouts are gaining knowledge. Not just facts, but skills and techniques too. Let’s talk about a brand new troop where we want to enable the newly elected SPL to run things. With the Guided Discovery Process, the first thing he needs is a vision. He’s can be given a picture of a troop that’s involved with an exciting program that reflects what they want, they’re learning, they’re advancing and they’re having a lot of fun. And also, everything’s planned and carried out by them. In this vision, the only time the Scoutmaster’s in front of them is for a minute at the end of the meeting. The rest of the time, it’s all up to them.

Now once the Scout is given a vision like this, the second thing he needs is the strong desire to make it happen. We’ll assume he already has desire, that he’s motivated to be an effective Senior Patrol Leader.

The third necessary thing any junior leader needs are the prerequisite tools to carry out their job. And here, it’s the Scoutmaster’s responsibility to make sure they learn or at least have access to all these necessary tools. For example, the new SPL needs to know that putting up the Scout sign is a means to getting the troop’s attention. This is a basic tool. Now, discovering how to use this tool most effectively, that’s something else. See, this is a technique. And techniques can be gained… through Guided Discovery.

Back to the Scout sign. Like maybe the SPL had a terrible time at a meeting to get his troop quiet when he held up the sign. After the meeting, the Scoutmaster might ask,  “So, how do you think things went tonight? Were you able to control the troop the way you’d like?” And the SPL might answer, “The troop doesn’t ever really get quiet when the sign goes up.” The Scoutmaster might then ask a guiding question like, “Well, when you hold up the sign, what do you think the Scouts see?” Now, after mulling this over, if the SPL just scratches his head, the Scoutmaster might ask, “What do you want them to see?” That question should serve to further guide him and get his wheels turning.

Through this process, he can start zooming in and find his own answer. If he pictures the troop as he’s holding up the sign, he might remember how even some of his own leaders were still carrying on. Ah-ha!  There’s a key! He’s gotta make it clear to his leaders that as soon as he puts up his sign, they need to quickly get quiet and put up theirs. This way, the rest of the troop is going to have a good example to follow. What’s important here is that he comes to the conclusion on his own. He was guided to find a solution for himself. but it’s actually his discovery. See how this is different than just telling him the Patrol Leaders Council leads by example!?

So through guided discovery, a junior leader can find the solution to his problem and gain needed techniques. Learning these techniques by discovering them is a way he can make these techniques his own. You know what I mean? When he finds a solution to his own problem, through his own efforts, he owns that solution!

So, now as he gains techniques, he can use them to do a good job. And this is good. Because doing a good job gives him confidence. And with confidence, a motivated junior leader can start using his own initiative to make everything better. Junior leaders using initiative is amazing. All I can say is, when this happens, it’s awesome! (So the process? A vision, a desire, the tools, the techniques to use them, gaining confidence, and finally using initiative.)

How does a Scoutmaster shift the attention off himself as the leader to the Senior Patrol Leader? When a Scoutmaster is approached by the SPL with a question or problem, with guided discovery, he won’t just dole out hard and fast answers. Instead, again, he asks a counter question. “This is your troop. What do you think needs to be done?”  If it’s not a matter of health and safety, then reflecting the situation back onto the SPL with a question, is shifting the attention off of himself. As for the rest of the troop, have you ever seen T-shirts for the adults with the back saying, “Ask the Senior Patrol Leader?” I even came across a little, round, patrol medallion sized patch for a Scouter’s right sleeve saying, “ask the SPL.”

How does the Scoutmaster instill his knowledge to the Senior Patrol Leader? Well, first, by inspiring him with a shared vision, and of course encouraging him whenever appropriate, then by providing him with all the necessary resources so he can do things independently. Along the way, the Scoutmaster serves as a mentor, but a Scoutmaster really needs to lead by following one step behind. Can you picture that? That means, he knows where the SPL and the troop are heading and what they need, but from there, he enables them to discover things on their own.

Some other examples of the Guided Discovery Process. The December, 2015 Scoutcast addressed the advantages of always having a Plan B.  Plan-B-Prepared. A perfect example of a Guided Discovery question that will get a Scout thinking is: “What if?” Asking Scouts questions beginning with what if is a good way to get them thinking about alternatives and also getting them to develop their troop’s resources.

Here’s a couple more guided discovery scenarios: Recently, I videoed a troop and saw two Scouts carry a third through a 4-foot wide track as part of an activity. Are you familiar with Handicap Obstacle Course? Anyway, these two Scouts really struggled to carry the third. They hadn’t learned the “two handed carry?” or the “four-handed seat?” Now, after their struggle, it could just be explained to them how to do these carries. But, it would be better to ask them, “How would you like to find out how to carry an injured person a whole lot easier, even if he was heavier?” and then guide them: “Where can you see how to do this in your own handbooks?” They’re most likely gonna want to check this out, because after what they just went through, they’re definitely ready to learn something better than what they did, but the emphasis is on them to discover it themselves, and that’s what carries a whole lot more weight. See, when we pour ourselves into finding our own solutions, we become invested in the process. When someone makes an investment, they’re much more likely to feel involved. Like, think about this:  Won’t you be much more likely to read a book if you buy it, as opposed to someone just giving it to you?

Another scenario, and I like this one, is about using woods tools to prepare tinder and kindling and then build and light a fire. As Scout leaders, before a Scout tries anything where safety enters the picture, we must make sure they have the necessary tools. In this case, the prerequisite tools are knowing how to safely use woods-tools, and knowing how to be careful with fire. So, here’s a Scout who we observe knows how to properly use a knife and axe, and he’s prepared all the tinder and kindling he needs to start and feed a cooking fire. He’s got everything he needs, a safe area, a proper surface, a fire bucket nearby, but, before he tries to light a fire, he mixes together all his tinder and kindling into the fire pit, and then, try as he will, each time he puts a match to this mess, it goes out. He finds he can’t light a fire. He wants to, right? But he’s come face to face with a stumbling block, and he recognizes this. He’s definitely ready to learn what needs to be done next. But, using guided discovery means we don’t show him how to do it, and we don’t hover over him providing guidance every step of the way either. He needs to get actively involved with learning how to do this, himself. Remember, with this approach, it’s all about the learning, not the teaching. Guided Discovery happens when we ask questions. Here, we might ask something like, “Why do you think this fire won’t stay lit?” Let him think about this. A follow up question might be, “Looking at all your tinder and kindling here, what will burn the easiest when you touch a match to it?” The Scout will naturally answer the light weight stuff—the tinder. Now, after getting him thinking about what needs to be done, he should be given the opportunity to explain what he’s going to do, and if his explanation is good, then let him do it.

How does a Scoutmaster know what his role is?  In Scoutmaster Position Specific Training, after being introduced to Scouting’s Aims and Methods, right before looking at the Patrol Method, there’s a 20 minute session where the qualities of a Scoutmaster are discussed as well as basically what a Scoutmaster’s role is— what he must be, what he must know, and what he should and shouldn’t do. Also, in the Troop Leader Guidebook Volume 1, Chapter 15, it’s called “Adult Leader Roles and Responsibilities.” It’s very well spelled out.

Are there any resources available to assist Scoutmasters and Advisors on how to facilitate leadership? Beyond Scoutmaster Position Specific Training, Woodbadge goes more deeply into communication and leadership. But additionally, when it comes to assuring junior leaders are successful, I really feel IntroductIon to Leadership Skills for Troops serves as an invaluable resource. There are also some books out there that are all about Youth Leadership Training and Working the Patrol Method, and they’re filled with really good stuff. And, here’s one more good resource—Scout leaders who themselves have well run, successful troops. Most any Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster, who’s passionate about what he does, loves to talk about his troop, especially when it comes to talking about what his Scouts do to run things well.

Additional Information Let’s refer to the three basic roles of the Scoutmaster (1) of course, is to make sure the rules of the BSA and chartered partner are followed, (2) is the Scoutmaster should be a good mentor and positive role model, and the big (3) and this is where we’re placing the emphasis, is to train and guide Scout leaders. The Guided Discovery Process does this, by asking the right kinds of questions, and then getting out of the way.

1) “Guided discovery provides the framework within which, Scouts can lead themselves to realize a vision they have.”

2) “Provide the Scouts the objective, equip them with the tools and the skills or the resources to learn how to use them, and turn them loose.”

3) “Scouts will learn to lead by practicing leading and experiencing the results of their hands-on leadership efforts.”

4) “Why” and “How” questions enhance the Scouts’ ability to make decisions, which is one of the central goals of empowerment.”

Don’t you love the word empowerment? When Scouts run their own troop, they’ve been empowered to do this. A troop run by motivated Scouts who have with the right skills, and techniques, is bound to have good membership and the highest retention rate.

After being excluded in all previous editions, the 13th Edition of The Boy Scout Handbook features the Japanese Mark II Square Lashing—a very good thing! Referred to simply as “The Mark II Square Lashing,” it’s included along with the other lashings in Chapter 12.

Many different things, both big and small, contribute to increasing the BSA’s rate of retention. In its own seemingly small, but unique and interesting way, this lashing is an actual example. On several occasions, I’ve heard adults and older Scouts remark they wish they knew this lashing when they were a Scout or when they were younger—and if they had, they would have done more pioneering. When it comes to pioneering, the Mark II Square Lashing increases Scouts’ willingness, receptivity, and most of all ability to readily become active in this timeless Scouting activity. Troops definitely become more able to embrace the many rewarding Pioneering Skill Challenges that contribute to making Scout meetings fun with positive outcomes.

Timeless Attraction. The Mission and Purpose of the Boy Scouts of America are and shall forever remain unchanged. By the same token, the contribution that our heritage of outdoor skills makes to the richness of the Scouting experience is also unchangeable. But, over the years, there have been adjustments made to the BSA’s outdoor program—a shift from the emphasis on many traditional campcraft skills that for a hundred years have attracted boys to our movement. Naturally, the BSA is rightfully compelled to keep up with the times, assuring that the Scouting program is relevant to today’s youth. However, even though modern Scouts are understandably attracted to the new developments and technological advances obtaining in today’s world, when they are exposed to the many timeless skills practiced by resourceful frontiersmen and passed down through the ages, they are eagerly receptive and captivated by the undeniable mystique. Many experienced Scouters find it regrettable that as a matter of course today’s Scouts are not granted the same opportunities to experience what is too often mistakenly construed as “old-fashioned.” The outdoor skills that in the past inspired many ideas, activities, and Scouting fun, are still most relevant and most useful, even in the midst of this fast-paced digital age.

Are we Denying Our Youth? Because there are so many additional, modern program ideas prevalent in Scouting today, it’s easier than ever to deny our youth much of the magic and wonder that in the past attracted many of us as Scouts. When demonstrating the art of fire making, elaborate camp cooking, pioneering, and pre-technology campcraft, the Scouts in attendance are openly enthusiastic. The fact is, many of today’s Scouts love this stuff—just like many did 50 years ago! I’m not grabbing at straws here, due to nostalgia for the good ol’ days. Neither am I motivated by an attempt to alleviate the disappointment experienced when seeing that many of today’s Eagle Scouts can’t light a fire in the rain or put up a traditional dining fly with guy lines and tent stakes. But, in conjunction with new, high-tech developments and STEM, I am motivated by what I maintain to be a path the BSA should take to increase membership and retention—a launching of a renewed emphasis on the timeless, old-school approaches to camping, getting along comfortably in the woods and enjoying the outdoors without such a pronounced reliance on the new and the modern.

Youth Relevant. We all believe Scouting has to keep up with the times. The BSA must keep its program “youth-relevant.” But, at the risk of being redundant, amidst the wide spectrum of fun available in Scouting, there’s always an attraction to and fascination with what’s termed, “old school.” As stated in the text on the Scout Pioneering website, “It’s apparent, along with the new push for the STEM/Nova program, and all the “high adventure for the mind” merit badges like space exploration, computers and robotics, a large population of today’s Scouts are still greatly enamored with acquiring the skill sets revolving around wilderness survival, the building of an impressive pioneering structure, and the creation of an amazing, backwoods campsite.”

What is the Concern? Outdoors and camping are still at the heart of Scouting, but the concern revolves around the de-emphasis and absence of many skill sets that don’t depend upon the use of high-tech substitutions. As an example, take the advent of the widely-used, prefabricated, metal-framed dining flies. In conjunction with using this kind of camping shelter, shouldn’t today’s Scouts also be adept at putting up a dining fly using a tarp, Scout staves, guy lines and stakes? In addition to other advantages, think of the useful skills they’d incorporate:

• Two Half Hitches (or Bowline) up at the tarp
• Taut-line Hitch at the stake
• proper angles of both the guy lines and the stakes
• Round Lashing two staves together to form taller uprights
• open end Clove Hitches where the ridge line meets the uprights
• a whole lot of teamwork

Imagine further, knowing how to improvise their own stakes (without impacting the environment) and using their resourcefulness to attach the guy lines when the tarp had a ripped out grommet or no grommets at all.

BP’s Ideal Camp. Baden-Powell said, “My ideal camp is where everyone is cheery and busy, where the patrols are kept intact under all circumstances, and where every patrol leader and Scout takes a genuine pride in his camp and his gadgets.” Personally, especially for a long-term camp, I’m a huge proponent of bringing all the materials needed to build an array of useful, impressive (and fun) camp gadgets. Scouts can put together everything using their walking sticks with zero environmental impact, LEAVING NO TRACE!

Relevancy and Usefulness. An experienced Scouter recently commented on a LinkedIn poll, that Scoutcraft skills are relevant today, “IF they’re taught in conjunction with the WHY and not just the HOW.” He stated that Scouts need to be able to make a connection that is relevant to them. As an example, he sited teaching two half hitches is “the proper knot for connecting a guy line to a dining fly” but “is irrelevant if your troop doesn’t use dining flies or if you have the ones with the nifty little plastic widgets where a proper taut-line hitch is supposed to go.” He concluded his comment by stating, “make it relevant and they will learn AND retain.” Learning to tie two half hitches (clove hitch around the rope’s standing part) to attach a guy line to the grommet of a tarp is, as mentioned, part of an array of skills that can come into play when erecting a dining fly in one of the “old-fashioned” ways. These skills can be very useful when: new-fangled stuff malfunctions, there’s a shortage of manufactured paraphernalia like on a backpacking trek, or you just want to have fun being impressive using “primitive” camping techniques. Using “nifty, little, plastic widgets” is fine, as is erecting a shelter with a metal framework when “car-camping.” But, it’s also practical to know how to put up a tarp “Philmont-style.” The knowledge and abilities that lie therein can be VERY relevant and very useful! Scouting is both the time-tested old and the attractive new!

Presenting Scout Skills. Outdoor Scout skills, are presented best and most effectively, when done so in conjunction with activities. That’s activity-based instruction! After the Scouts are enabled to actually demonstrate the skill, they should do something with it that: engages them, that illustrates its use, and that’s FUN! Just look at the expressions on the faces of Scouts while they are involved in putting their skills into action in a way that’s challenging and fun, and you’ll be able to gauge not only their high level of involvement, but also their pleasure. John Thurman, Camp Chief at Gilwell for over 25 years, alluded to this in one of his many books, Pioneering Projects. I quote, “It is all very well to learn to make knots, bends, and hitches, and to lash things together. Up to a point this is an interesting activity, but inevitably it begins to pall unless the Scout is given a chance to do something effective, interesting and to some degree adventurous with his knowledge.” Personally, I even employ some unevenly-matched tug-of-war action when introducing a rope tackle. This activity really demonstrates in a memorable way how this rope configuration provides a useful mechanical advantage when one needs to apply proper strain on a line…and it’s lots of fun!

An “Old School” Advantage. “Old School Scouting” skills can live happily side by side with high-tech advances. But, when new materials are not available, or malfunction, a Scout should be equipped with the skills to make use of whatever is at his disposal. Hand in hand with learning and applying Scout skills is resourcefulness, ingenuity, and using our available resources to make things happen.

Recently, I was on the beach and needed to erect a sun shelter for a July 4th festival. The festival hosts had furnished one of those store-bought, 10’x10′ canopies with a cloth top and metal framework. Well, it was windy and the canopy would definitely need to be anchored. But, in the sand, there was no way the skinny, little stakes it came with would ever supply enough resistance to keep the structure from blowing away. So…what to do? I found four, large pieces of driftwood, attached a 15′ braided, nylon guy line to each (I just happened to have a supply of these in my vehicle), and buried the driftwood in the sand 45º out from each corner. After securing the lines to the four corners of the metal framework with a “Boy Scout knot,” the whole thing was stable and wind resistant. The festival folks thought I had performed magic! Not magic to a Scout—just applying a little Scout perseverance and creativity, which in this case was the wherewithal and knowledge of how to make “dead man anchors.”

It’s Useful Stuff. In 1994, pioneering legend, Adolph Peschke introduced me to the butterfly knot and tying a rope tackle. Suffice it to say, I’ve used this outdoor skill on numerous occasions. It’s very effective, very handy, and very useful, especially in the great outdoors and pioneering. Unfortunately, the application of the rope tackle is not appropriately presented in the current pioneering merit badge pamphlet. Then there’s the diamond hitch. The prospectors of yesteryear used it to pack their burros. It was one of the many interesting outdoor skills featured so invitingly in the older, older Fieldbook. Of course there aren’t so many burros out there anymore, but we do still see some roof racks and flatbed trailers. Best solution I can think of when you have no bungee cables but have some cordage. Actually, you can keep the bungee cables. The diamond hitch works better!

The Old and the New. It’s all about striking a balance between the timeless and the modern. When I started as a Boy Scout, most all the personal flashlights were double D-sized. Now we have super bright, tiny LED lights. If I had my old light from the late 50’s, though it would still shine a beam, it would be a whole lot less bright and a whole lot more cumbersome than my cute, little LED. I’m an old guy enjoying my modern technology. On the other hand, take the outdoor wood tools skills necessary to prepare the tinder, kindling, and fuel for a fire. All you have is a log, a hand axe, and a knife. Now couple those skills with the ones required to light the fire and keep it burning when all you have are two matches, or maybe, no matches at all. Here you can see that both yesterday and today, these kinds of skills remain constant. And of course, Scouts from both yesterday and today love this kind of stuff!

Scouting is both. At the Jamboree, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jack Furst who helps oversee the BSA’s high adventure bases. Being involved with Pioneering, we were discussing various approaches to include a pioneering training program at the Summit. Jack’s “wheels” are always turning, and he put forth an idea that would simultaneously present Scouting in both a marvelous high-tech, and, a fascinating old-school light. For example, on one hand you have a camp kitchen that features the new “GrubHub,” organizer—a chuck box-sized, all-in-one kitchen fixture that has everything including the kitchen sink. On the other hand you have a back-to-basics camp kitchen, cooking area, featuring two forked sticks with a crossbar suspending an 8 quart pot over a well-designed cooking fire, and a collection of useful camp gadgets made primarily of Scout Staves: double A-frame table, tool rack, fire bucket holder, and wash station. Scouting IS BOTH!

Building Character. According to Baden-Powell (and many others) in addition to being fun, the benefits of learning, and using “old school” outdoor skills is the contribution made to the building of an individual’s character. For example, those of us who are proponents of giving our Scouts repeated opportunities to engineer and orchestrate the construction of pioneering structures understand the set of Scout skills these traditional endeavors incorporate is more than just “knowing the ropes.” Pioneering is all about using one’s creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness! The Scout Pioneering website states, “Taking part in these projects contribute to the development of self-esteem and nurture a broad sense of accomplishment. They necessitate working hard and working together towards a common goal. Besides being really cool and impressing people in and out of Scouting, they require the mastery of a set of useful Scout skills that can be applied over a lifetime of outdoor activities—activities for both work and recreation.” Quoting B-P, “Pioneering is practical and character building: the two essential ingredients of any program material for Scouts.”

Pioneering. Quoting John Thurman, Gilwell Camp Chief for over twenty-five years, “There are few activities which, properly presented, have a greater appeal to the Scout and Senior Scout than Pioneering and ever since the introduction of Wood Badge training, Pioneering has been given a full share in the program of Scouters’ training.” Very recently I visited a troop located out in the SC boonies. The Scouts in this troop are a gung-ho, gang—eager and receptive. That’s why you gotta love ’em. The purpose of this first of three consecutive visits, was to give them the tools they’d need to put up a Double A-Frame Monkey Bridge at their council’s Scout Expo. The sixteen Scouts in attendance responded very favorably to each aspect of a well-presented EDGE approach to tying the Japanese Mark II Square Lashing. There was learning and there was laughter! The subject matter was old school, traditional Scout skill stuff, and they gobbled it up! After they were enabled, and as a culminating activity, their SPL divided them into four crews to make New Market Ballistas. That’s when the real fun began!

Scout Engineering. Personally, I’m a fan of the STEM/Nova program. Along these lines, a machine that tests the tensile strength of knots sounds like fun! Great way to show how the symmetry of a knot’s shape along with other factors will effect its efficiency. It also might provide a platform to study how various knots hold up under stress without slipping, and how some work better than others on wet or slippery rope. But, there’s a dichotomy here that exists as follows: on one hand a component of a traditional Scout skill is being examined scientifically, and on the other hand, the skill isn’t actually being applied to contribute to an outdoor experience that is enriching and fun. Approaching knots and lashings from a scientific standpoint is one thing. Putting them to use when raising a bear bag or building a pioneering structure like a Single Trestle Bridge is quite another. Pioneering has been termed “Scout Engineering.” B.-P. wrote, “I am inclined to suggest to Scouters that in addition to the technical details of knotting, lashing, and anchorages, there is an educative value in Pioneering since it gives elementary training in stresses, mensuration, etc.”

Along these lines, John Thurman relates the following: “Pioneering is not old-fashioned in its purely technical sense. I was showing a Managing Director of a large civil engineering firm round Gilwell when a Wood Badge Course was pioneering near the Bomb Hole. He displayed very great interest in the Pioneering and looked closely at all that was happening. From our point of view there was nothing unusual going on; this was a usual routine exercise with two or three bridges being built, a couple of towers, and a raft. As we walked away my civil engineering friend said, ‘I am delighted that the Scout Movement is still doing this: it is tremendously important. Despite the fact that modern machinery and equipment is magnificent there often comes a time when a man has to use ingenuity and improvise in order to move the job forward and the engineer who has the spirit that your kind of training produces is the man we want in our business’.”

In conclusion. The sentiment shared by many is that it would be most beneficial if Scouting was presented as a value-based program that offers extraordinary opportunities to build character, while learning a broad range of new and timeless outdoor skills that are fun to use, yielding the ability to take care of oneself and others. It’s been repeatedly spelled out: Scout outings provide the magical laboratory for putting these skills into play. As B.-P. wrote, “Scouting is a School of the Woods.” Of course, Scouting also provides numerous other avenues of interest and relevancy. But, in accordance with Scouting’s founders, these areas of learning and discovery will always surround Scouting’s everlasting hallmark—getting out and thriving in the majesty, beauty, serenity, and immediacy given to us by God and forever found in the great outdoors.

“Pioneering is practical and character building: the two essential ingredients of any program material for Scouts.” (Lord Baden-Powell)

Pioneering Merit Badge, which as we all know used to be required for Eagle, should give Scouts a taste of pioneering! Of course they should be taught about safety and gain some general knowledge, but much more importantly, they should be introduced to the Scouting traditions and the fun that this activity embodies. They should DO pioneering!

Taking part in building pioneering projects contributes to the development of self-esteem and provides a sense of accomplishment. It necessitates working hard and working together towards a common goal. Besides being really cool and impressing people in and out of Scouting, they require the mastery of a set of useful Scout skills that can be applied over a lifetime of outdoor activities—activities for both work and recreation.

Pioneering Merit Badge should be presented as a series of planned challenges and opportunities leading up to memorable experiences that are rewarding and unique. The recipients of this merit badge should be inspired to share their acquired skills and the fun they had with other Scouts in their unit.

As Gilwell Park Camp Chief, John Thurmann  stated, “To me, the over-riding reason for presenting Pioneering is that boys like it. There are few activities which, properly presented, have a greater appeal to the Scout than Pioneering and ever since the introduction of Wood Badge training, Pioneering has been given a full share in the program of Scouters’ training. In the summer months when Scouters at Gilwell are building bridges, towers, and rafts, and boys are in camp, it has been all too common to hear from the boys such remarks as, ‘I wish we did that in our Troop’ or ‘We never do anything like that’.”

But there are reasons for Pioneering other than the fact that Scouts like doing it. B.-P. wrote: ‘I am inclined to suggest to Scouters that in addition to the technical details of knotting, lashing, and anchorages, there is an educative value in Pioneering since it gives elementary training in stresses, mensuration, etc., and it also develops initiative and resourcefulness to use local material. Additionally, it gives practice in team work and discipline.’ In other words, Pioneering is practical and character building: the two essential ingredients of any program material for Scouts.”