Scouts BSA Tenderfoot Knots and Tools Requirements Helps and Documents

Scouts working on the Tenderfoot rank learn the basic knots they need to use in the outdoors. They also learn how to care for their tools and how to use them safely.

3a. Demonstrate a practical use of the square knot.
3b. Demonstrate a practical use of two half-hitches.
3c. Demonstrate a practical use of the taut-line hitch.
3d. Demonstrate proper care, sharpening, and use of the knife, saw, and ax. Describe when each should be used.

Find helps for these requirements below.

Whittling Chip Card Corners

A reader asks about cutting the corners from a Whittling Chip card when the owner commits a safety infraction.

My Favorite Knot Book

This book was recommended a few years ago when I went to Cub Scout BALOO training. I am not a "knot person". I can watch someone do a knot and repeat it, but an hour later it is forgotten.

Encouraging a New Scout

What steps can a parent take in encouraging a new Boy Scout who has just joined a troop with little or no previous Scouting experience?

Scouts BSA Tenderfoot Rank Helps and Documents

Tenderfoot is the first rank a Scout can earn. The requirements for Tenderfoot introduce the youth to the skills he or she needs to get started in Scouts BSA.

Knot Terminology

It is helpful to go over the terminology with Scouts before working on learning a knot. That way we have a common vocabulary to start with.

The Outdoor Knots Book (Mountaineers Outdoor Basics)

Many outdoor activities require extensive knowledge of knots: camping, climbing, rappelling, spelunking, and more.

Totin’ Chip Certification

A Scout who completes the requirement for the Totin' Chip certification shows that he or she has the knowledge and skills to safely handle wood tools, such as an ax, hatchet, pocketknife, or hand saw.