Pot and Towel Rack Camp Gadget

Camp gadgets like the pot and towel rack are a fun and useful way to keep Scouts busy while learning important skills. They give Scouts a chance to use lashings and build something with their hands. This small project is a good example of how Scouting combines outdoor fun with skill-building. It’s simple, but it teaches basic knots and teamwork.

This gadget works well for both Scouts BSA and Webelos. For Scouts BSA, it can be a way to work on lashings for rank requirements or merit badges. For Webelos and Arrow of Light dens, it’s a chance to try something new and start learning basic outdoor skills. Even though the Webelos handbook doesn’t give much help for this project, it’s a good stepping stone.

Leaders can use this project to introduce or review square lashings. The Scouts BSA handbook has clear pictures and instructions to help with the lashing part. If you are a den leader and not sure where to start, that book is a great resource. It’s also helpful to have a knot book or guide nearby in case you need a refresher.

The pot and towel rack is simple to build with just three sticks and some rope. It doesn’t take long to make, but it adds a useful feature to your campsite. Towels dry faster, and pots stay clean and off the ground. It also helps give Scouts a sense of pride in what they can build with their own hands.

The pot and towel rack has been around in one form or another for a long time. People have always needed a way to keep things off the ground. Long before Scouting began, campers and outdoorsmen used sticks and rope to build simple racks and stands. They didn’t have coolers or plastic tubs, so they had to get creative with what was nearby.

In the early days of Scouting, leaders taught boys how to build useful things using knots and lashings. It was a way to survive in the woods and work as a team. These small projects, like drying racks, were perfect for learning and practicing those skills. Scouts made what they needed using only rope and branches they found around the campsite.

The pot and towel rack became a common gadget because it was simple and handy. It helped keep towels dry and pots clean. That may not sound exciting, but in a damp campsite, it made a big difference. It was also a great way to show off lashing skills and build confidence. Some Scouts even started competing to see who could make the best one.

Now, it’s still used in camps around the world. It reminds us that even with just a few sticks and a rope, you can build something useful. And while the design might change a little, the idea stays the same—use your hands, work together, and keep the camp tidy.

Den leaders, this pot and towel rack might look simple, but it gives Scouts a lot to learn. First, it’s a great way to practice lashings. Scouts get hands-on time using square lashings and tying things together. It’s one thing to look at a picture in a book. It’s something else to actually build something that stands up and works. This project helps the skills stick.

It also teaches patience. Not every Scout will get the lashings right the first time. That’s okay. This is where they learn to try again, ask for help, and fix mistakes. These moments build confidence. When the rack stands and doesn’t fall apart, they know they did something right. That feeling matters.

Teamwork is another big part of this. You can have Scouts work in pairs or small groups. They’ll need to talk, plan, and take turns. You’ll see them learning how to share ideas and listen to each other. And if the rack falls down? They’ll learn how to stay calm and work together to fix it.

Finally, it shows them that camping skills are useful. They’re not just tying knots for fun. They’re building something that helps the whole group. Towels dry faster. Pots stay cleaner. The campsite looks better. Scouts feel proud when they build something real and helpful. You’ll see it on their faces.

Materials Needed:

• 3 straight sticks
  (2 for upright supports, 1 for the top crossbar)
• Rope or paracord for lashings
• A towel and a couple of pots or pans to hang

Instructions:

1. Find two sturdy sticks to serve as the upright posts. These should be long enough to push a little into the ground and still stand tall—about 4 to 5 feet each.
2. Drive the two upright sticks into the ground.
   Place them upright, spaced a few feet apart. Push them deep enough into the ground so they stand firmly.
3. Place the third stick across the top.
   This will be your crossbar. Rest it across the tops of the two vertical sticks.
4. Lash the crossbar to the uprights.
   Use square lashings to hold it tight at each end. It should not wiggle or roll.
5. Hang a towel over the middle of the crossbar.
   This helps it dry cleanly and stay off the ground.
6. Hang a pot or pan from each end.
   You can hook the handles over the stick or tie them with a bit of rope.

Extra Tips and Safety Notes:

• Use dry, solid sticks. Avoid brittle or rotten ones.
• Don’t overload the crossbar—use lightweight cookware only.
• Make sure lashings are tight before hanging items.
• If the ground is hard, you may need a mallet or rock to help set the uprights.
• You can adjust the height depending on what you’re drying or hanging.

Click here for a printable copy of How to Build a Pot and Towel Rack

Projects for Scouts

The pot and towel rack is just one example of a simple and useful Scout project. It gives Scouts a chance to practice lashings and build something that helps around the campsite. There are many other projects like this that help Scouts learn new skills while having fun outdoors.

If you are looking for more ideas like this one, visit my Projects for Scouts page. You’ll find a variety of hands-on activities that are great for campouts, meetings, or just filling some free time. These projects help Scouts stay active and engaged while learning by doing.

Crafting Connections: The Importance of Creative Projects in Scouting

What is a pot and towel rack?

It’s a simple stand made from sticks and rope. You hang towels in the middle and pots on the ends to keep them clean and dry at camp.

What materials do we need?

You need three straight sticks and some rope for lashings. Two sticks are upright posts, and one goes across the top.

Is it hard to build?

No. It’s a good project for beginners. It uses simple lashings and takes only a few steps to put together.

What skills does this teach?

Scouts learn how to lash sticks together and build a useful item. They also work on problem-solving and teamwork.

How long does it take to build?

It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how quickly Scouts work and how well they know the lashings.

Can Webelos do this project?

Yes. Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts can try it with some help. It’s a good introduction to lashings before Scouts BSA.

What if the rack falls over?

Check that the upright sticks are pushed into the ground well. Also make sure the lashings are tight. Adjust as needed.

Where should we build it?

Pick a level spot away from walkways. That helps prevent tripping and keeps your gear clean.

Can we change the design?

Yes. Scouts can adjust the height, add more bars, or decorate it. Just keep it safe and sturdy.

The pot and towel rack is a simple camp gadget that helps keep things clean and dry. It gives Scouts a chance to practice lashings while building something useful for the campsite. Towels hang in the middle to dry quickly, and pots can be placed on the ends to air out after meals. It doesn’t take long to make, and it adds a touch of order to any outdoor kitchen.

This project works well for Scouts BSA and Webelos with some guidance. The structure uses just three straight sticks and some rope. Scouts will learn how to make square lashings and how to place the sticks for balance. It’s a small project, but it builds confidence and teaches practical outdoor skills.

Leaders can use this project to meet advancement goals or to fill time during a campout. It’s a good introduction to using lashings and thinking about how to solve simple problems in camp. Scouts might even come up with their own version once they see how it works.

It’s also fun to see how proud Scouts are when their rack stands on its own and holds gear. They see that with a little rope and effort, they can make something useful. It’s a small step toward learning to build and lead in the outdoors.