While working on the Pioneering merit badge, Scouts learn how to build structures with ropes and spars. They explore the uses of various knots and splices. They learn how to care for ropes. Finally they build a structure such as a bridge, tower, chair, or table.
Get the Pioneering Merit Badge pamphlet
Printable helps for requirements:
Printable requirements for Pioneering Merit Badge
Printable checkoff sheet for Pioneering Merit Badge
Printable note sheet for Pioneering Merit Badge
Printable checkoff sheet for all Scouts BSA merit badges
Build on this merit badge with these related ideas and achievements:
Crossing the Alligator Pit Game
This is a very challenging game which combines lashing skills and teamwork. It would work well for an interpatrol activity at a meeting focused on pioneering skills.
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.
This is a gadget which was shown to us at a recent Roundtable. It uses lashings to make a handwashing station from straight sticks and an empty gallon milk jug.
Pot and Towel Rack Camp Gadget
These instructions are for a pot and towel drying rack. There is a small picture of a similar gadget in the Scouts BSA handbook.
National Outdoor Badges – Camping
The National Outdoor awards recognize Scouts BSA and Varsity Scouts who really get into outdoor activities. This award recognizes Scouts who do a lot of camping and who have the skills to be comfortable and safe at camp.
Here is a really simple camp gadget I saw at a camporee a few years back. It was a simple boot scraper camp gadget for scraping the mud off of the bottom of the boots.
Living History Program Feature for Scouts BSA
The Living History program feature lets Scouts experience different cultures, times, and places in an interactive and hands on manner. They witness reenactments and learn about historical events and different ways of life.
Pioneering Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA
The Pioneering program feature teaches Scouts how to build structures and gadgets using rope, spars, creativity, and knot skills.
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