Pioneering Activities

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Knot-Tying Skill Activities

Lashing Skill Activities

Pioneering Skills Videos 

NOTE: Some Pioneering Structure Construction and use requires Supervision from a qualified Adult

Pioneering is the knowledge and skill of using simple materials to build structures that are used in a wide range of Scouting activities. These skills are sometimes referred to as “backwoods engineering.”

Down through the ages, people have used ropes, spars, and simple hardware to build bridges, towers, and even their own shelters. In the early development of our country, pioneering methods were used in mining and transportation, to clear the wilderness, and to build roads and bridges. So it is understandable that the term “backwoods engineering” was applied.

The same skills can be used by Scouts to build pioneering projects ranging in complexity from a simple camp gadget to a sturdy bridge.

Whatever the project, the same applied principles of physics, geometry, and math are used to build pioneering structures. But, keep in mind that all the information in this program feature is eventually used for a practical, hands-on application—that is, to build something.

Pioneering is a good foundation for many Scouting activities. You must learn, and then put into practice, such disciplines as planning ahead and teamwork. You can also put to use the basic skills learned in rank advancement, such as knot tying and lashing. But most of all, pioneering provides a practical way to experience the joy of accomplishment when you’ve built something that is useful for yourself or others

Pioneering Skills 

These traditional Scout Skills allow you to build all sorts of structures.  

Pioneering Games and Challenges 

Pioneering can be a LOT of fun if done right.  The key is to make it fun and challenging.  Tying knots is not fun.  But having a competition where Scouts have to construct something with knots is a blast!

• A-Frame Chariot Race (square lashing)

• Catch the Snapper (round lashing)

• Crossing the Alligator Pit (square lashing, shear lashing)

• Everyone on the Tripod (tripod and square lashing)

• Flagpole Race (round lashing)

• Joining Staves (round lashing)

• Ladder Building (square lashing)

• Lift Seat Procession (floor lashing)

• Reactor Transporter (tripod and square lashing)

• Roman Chariot Race (square lashing)

• Scout Stave Launcher (square lashing)

• Self-Standing Flagpole Challenge (square lashing)

• Snake Race (shear lashing)

Relevant Pioneering Skill Videos with Further Information

• Square Lashing

• Round Lashing

• Tripod Lashing

• Shear Lashing

• Roundturn with Two Half Hitches

• Diagonal Lashing

• Butterfly Knot

• Rope Tackle (Truckers Hitch)

• Clove Hitch / Half Hitches

• “Anchoring Pioneering Projects”