Pioneering
- Demonstrate how to coil and throw a 40-foot length of 1/4
inch rope.
- Present five different rope samples, of any size or
material. Explain the characteristics of each type of
rope -- its strength, mildew resistance, durability, and
stretch. Explain where and how each type of rope can be
used in pioneering.
- Demonstrate how to tie the following seven basic knots:
square knot, timber hitch, clove hitch, bowline,
sheepshank, sheet bend, and roundturn with two half-
hitches. Also select five more knots found in the
PIONEERING merit badge pamphlet. Tie each one for the
examiner, and tell where it could be used in pioneering,
camping, or other Scout activities.
- Demonstrate how to make the back splice, eye splice, and
short splice using 1/4-inch three-strand rope.
- Construct a device or machine to make rope. Then use
the device with binder twine to make a 6-foot length of
rope consisting of three strands, each having three
yarns. Also demonstrate one method of whipping the end
of the rope.
- Build a three-two-one or a log-and-stakes anchor using
pioneering stakes. Build the anchor at a size suitable
to anchor one end of a monkey bridge.
- Demonstrate the use of rope tackle to life a weight of
25 pounds. Pull a log at least 6 inches in diameter and
6 feet long with the tackle. Use the tackle to put a
strain on a line.
- By yourself, build an H-frame trestle with ropes and
spars using square and diagonal lashings. Demonstrate
how to tie two spars together using a west country shear
lashing.
- With a group of Scouts, build a pioneering project.
Before building, present a rough sketch of the project
and a list of the ropes and spars needed to build it.
(Note: This requirement may be done at summer camp,
district or council events, or on a troop camp outing.)