Neckerchief Slide Holder Project

Making neckerchief slides is a fun part of Cub Scouts. Scouts like to collect them and trade them. Each slide can remind a Scout of an adventure, a campout, or a pack meeting. Over time, a Scout may collect many slides.

Keeping neckerchief slides in one place is a good idea. It helps Scouts stay organized. A neckerchief slide holder gives them a spot to keep their slides safe and easy to find. It also lets them show off their collection.

This project fits well into the Scouting program. It teaches basic skills like measuring, cutting, and following directions. Scouts also learn to use tools safely. These are all helpful life skills.

Making a neckerchief slide holder is a good small project. It does not take much time. The materials are simple. Most Cub Scouts can make it with a little help from an adult.

Scouts have been wearing neckerchiefs for many years. A slide is used to hold the neckerchief in place. Early neckerchief slides were simple, like a loop of leather or a carved piece of wood. Over time, Scouts began to make slides that showed their interests, achievements, or events they attended.

As Scouts started collecting more slides, they needed a way to keep them organized. Some used shoeboxes or drawers. Others hung them on strings or old coat hangers. These ideas worked, but they were not always easy to use or display.

That’s how the idea of a neckerchief slide holder began. A pegboard works well for this. It is easy to hang up. It has lots of holes for holding slides. Scouts can see their whole collection at once. This kind of display became popular in many packs and dens. It is a simple way to store and show neckerchief slides.

Den leaders, this project looks simple—but it teaches a lot. When Scouts build a neckerchief slide holder, they practice measuring. They use a ruler and learn to mark a line. That may seem small, but it helps them understand how to follow clear steps.

They also learn to saw safely. Using a saw with help from an adult teaches them how to handle tools with care. This gives them confidence. It also helps them feel proud of what they can do with their hands.

Scouts learn patience too. This project has to be done step by step. They can’t rush it. They have to focus and work carefully. That is a skill they will need in many parts of life.

Finally, they learn responsibility. They wear safety glasses. They help clean up. They take care of their tools and materials. These are all good habits. And in the end, they get to see something they made with their own effort.

Materials Needed:

• One sheet of pegboard (about 2 feet by 4 feet)
• Pencil
• Yardstick or ruler
• Hand saw
• Sawhorses or workbench
• Safety glasses
• Metal coat hanger
• Wire snips or cutters
• Twist ties or string

Instructions:

1. Review safety rules with the Scouts. Make sure an adult is helping.
2. Use the yardstick and pencil to measure and mark a 1-foot by 2-foot rectangle on the pegboard.
3. Put on safety glasses.
4. Place the pegboard on the sawhorses or workbench.
5. Have an adult help hold the board steady.
6. Use the hand saw to carefully cut out the 1-foot by 2-foot section.
7. Use the wire snips to cut off the bottom straight part of the metal coat hanger.
8. Choose one of the short sides of the pegboard to be the top.
9. Push one end of the coat hanger into a hole near the top left corner.
10. Twist the wire so it stays in the hole and does not slip out.
11. Push the other end into a hole near the top right corner.
12. Twist that end too, so it stays in place.
13. Use twist ties or short strings to attach your neckerchief slides to the pegboard.

Notes:

• Always wear safety glasses when using tools.
• Adults should help with sawing and cutting the wire.
• You can paint or decorate the pegboard before adding the slides.
• If you don’t have a pegboard, you can use thick cardboard, wood, or foam board and poke holes in it.
• If a Scout has a large collection, you can make a bigger holder.

Click here for a printable copy of How to Make a Neckerchief Slide Holder

Projects for Scouts

The neckerchief slide holder is just one idea for a simple Scout project. If you are looking for more projects like this, check out the Projects for Scouts page on my website. You will find other hands-on activities that work well for meetings or home.

These projects help Scouts build skills while having fun. Some are useful, and some are just for creativity. Visit my page at Projects for Scouts to see more ideas you can use with your den or unit.

Crafting Connections: The Importance of Creative Projects in Scouting

What is a neckerchief slide holder?

It is a display board where Scouts can hang their neckerchief slides. It helps keep them organized and easy to see.

What size should the pegboard be?

A 1-foot by 2-foot piece works well. You can make it bigger if needed.

What can I use if I don’t have a pegboard?

You can use thick cardboard, foam board, or a wooden board. Just make sure you can poke holes in it or attach hooks.

How do the slides stay on the board?

Use twist ties, string, or small pegs to hold each slide through the holes.

Is this project safe for kids to do?

Yes, with adult help. Scouts should wear safety glasses and be careful when using tools like saws or wire cutters.

Can Scouts decorate the board?

Yes. They can paint it or add stickers. Let them be creative.

Do I need a coat hanger for this project?

Yes, the metal coat hanger is used to make a handle so you can hang the holder on a hook or wall.

The neckerchief slide holder is a fun and easy project for Scouts. It helps keep slides in one place instead of losing them in drawers or bags. With a pegboard and an old coat hanger, Scouts can make a simple holder that shows off their collection.

This project teaches Scouts useful skills. They learn to measure, cut, and work safely with tools. It also gives them a chance to be creative if they choose to decorate the board. Scouts enjoy making something they can use and be proud of.

Leaders and parents will like this too. The materials are easy to find. The project can be done at a meeting or at home. It’s a good way to tie in a hands-on activity with Scouting traditions.

The neckerchief slide holder also works well as a gift or a den display. Scouts can show others what they’ve made and share stories about each slide. It keeps their gear neat and helps them take care of what they’ve earned or created.