Hand Washing Station Gadget

Keeping clean at camp can be tricky, especially when there’s no sink nearby. That’s where a hand washing station like this comes in handy. It’s a simple gadget Scouts can build with basic materials. The best part is that it helps meet a requirement for the First Class rank. Building it also teaches some important outdoor skills.

This project uses sticks and lashings, which are part of Scout skills. It gives Scouts a chance to practice working with ropes and knots. These skills are useful for all sorts of camp gadgets. Scouts can build the station at a troop meeting, on a campout, or even at home. It helps them learn while doing something useful.

The hand washing station is great for promoting good hygiene. Clean hands are important at camp, especially before eating or after using the latrine. By building their own station, Scouts are more likely to use it. It also shows younger Scouts how to solve problems in the outdoors.

This gadget fits right into the spirit of Scouting. It’s simple, useful, and built with teamwork. Scouts work together to build something they can all use. It encourages responsibility and self-reliance. That’s what the Scouting program is all about—learning by doing.

The idea of a camp hand washing station has been around for a long time. Old-school campers and Scouts have used different versions for decades. Long before plastic milk jugs, people used metal cans or other containers. They would poke a hole near the bottom and use a stick to plug it. Some even tied the jug to a tree branch instead of building a stand.

Scouts have always found clever ways to stay clean in the woods. In the past, they used whatever they had. Soap might be tied on with string, or stuck inside an old sock or stocking. These methods helped keep the soap from getting lost in the dirt. Some camps even had long rows of handwashing jugs hanging on ropes.

This gadget has been passed down through many Scout generations. Each troop adds its own twist. Some use golf tees for plugs. Others make fancy stands with shelves. But the main idea stays the same—use your skills to make something useful. It’s a tradition that teaches problem-solving, creativity, and basic hygiene all in one.

When your Scouts build this hand washing station, they get to practice real outdoor skills. They are not just hearing about lashings—they are using them to build something useful. This gives them a chance to try out the knots they’ve learned and see how strong they can be when used the right way. It makes the skill feel real and important.

They will also learn how to solve problems. Maybe one stick is a little too short. Maybe the jug tilts. Maybe the soap keeps falling. That’s okay. Let them figure it out. That kind of thinking helps build confidence. It’s a safe way for them to try new ideas and learn what works. They’ll be proud when it finally comes together.

This is a great teamwork activity. Scouts will need to talk to each other, hold sticks in place, and share ideas. Even if they start out with different plans, they’ll learn to listen and work together. This is a big part of what we want Scouts to practice—cooperating, sharing, and working as a group.

It’s also a good way to talk about being responsible. When they build the station, they are more likely to use it. That leads to good habits, like washing up before meals or after using the latrine. It’s a small project, but it teaches a lot—skills, teamwork, and healthy habits. That’s a win in any Scout program.

This project lets Scouts practice lashings while building something useful for camp. It’s simple to build with just a few items.

Materials List:

• 3 long straight sticks (about 4 to 5 feet each) for tripod legs
• 3 shorter sticks (about 2 to 3 feet each) for the shelf
• Rope or cord for lashings
• 1 clean, empty one-gallon plastic milk jug
• 1 golf tee
• 1 bar of soap
• 1 pair of old panty hose or knee-high nylon
• Pocketknife or sharp tool (with supervision) to make a hole in the jug
• Water to fill the jug

Instructions:

1. Use tripod lashings to tie the three long sticks together at one end.
2. Stand them up to form a tripod. Spread the legs until it is stable.
3. Use square lashings to attach the three shorter sticks to form a triangle-shaped shelf a little above the ground. This shelf holds the water jug.
4. Poke a small hole near the bottom of the milk jug using a pocketknife or another sharp tool.
5. Insert the golf tee into the hole to plug it.
6. Fill the jug with clean water and set it on the shelf.
7. Put the bar of soap into one leg of the panty hose.
8. Tie the panty hose to one of the tripod sticks, near the water jug, so Scouts can reach the soap.
9. To use the station, remove the golf tee and let water flow. Use the soap to scrub, then plug the hole again with the tee when done.

Optional Variations:

• Make two stations—one for soapy water, one for rinsing.
• Use a carabiner to clip on the soap instead of tying a knot.
• For smaller Scouts, build a shorter tripod for easier access.

Safety Notes:

• Always supervise Scouts when using pocketknives.
• Make sure the tripod is sturdy and not easy to tip over.
• Do not drink the water from the jug. It’s for washing only.
• Use biodegradable soap when possible to protect the environment.

Click here for a printable copy of the Hand Washing Station Gadget Instructions

Projects for Scouts

The hand washing station is just one of many fun and useful projects Scouts can build. These types of activities help them learn outdoor skills while creating something helpful for camp. Building gadgets like this also gives Scouts a chance to work together and solve problems.

If you are looking for more ideas like this, check out the list of projects on my website: Projects for Scouts. You’ll find all sorts of activities that can be used at troop meetings, campouts, or even at home. There’s something for every level of Scout.

Crafting Connections: The Importance of Creative Projects in Scouting

What is the hand washing station made of?

It is made with straight sticks, rope, a milk jug, a golf tee, and a bar of soap. You can also use panty hose to hold the soap.

How do you stop and start the water flow?

Poke a small hole in the jug and plug it with a golf tee. Pull the tee out to let water flow. Put it back in to stop the water.

Can younger Scouts build this?

Yes, but they may need help with the lashings and using a knife to poke the hole.

Do we need special soap?

Any bar soap works. For camp use, biodegradable soap is best for the environment.

Can this be used for more than one person?

Yes. Refill the jug as needed. You can also build more than one if you have a large group.

Is it safe to use a knife for the hole?

Yes, but only with adult supervision. Always follow your troop’s knife safety rules.

What if we don’t have panty hose?

You can use a small mesh bag or tie the soap on with string. Just make sure it stays off the ground.

The hand washing station is a simple but smart project that teaches important Scout skills. Scouts use lashings to build a tripod and shelf from sticks. Then they add a milk jug with a small hole for the water. A golf tee plugs the hole. A bar of soap hangs from the side in panty hose. It’s easy to use, works well, and keeps hands clean at camp.

This project fits right into the Scouts BSA First Class rank. Scouts get to use knots and lashings in a real way. They also learn how to solve small problems, like keeping the jug steady or making sure the soap stays clean. It’s hands-on learning that makes sense.

The hand washing station also helps promote good hygiene. Scouts use what they built, and that builds good habits. It’s a useful project for any outing or troop meeting. Plus, it’s a great way to teach teamwork and planning.

You can even change it up. Some troops use two jugs—one for soapy water and one for rinsing. Others tie the soap in mesh bags. However you build it, this gadget is a great addition to your next campout.