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.

For more information, see https://scoutermom.com/1578/hand-washing-station-gadget/