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Pioneering Projects 🪵

Pioneering is one of the most fun parts of Scouting. Using poles, rope and lashings, you can build real camp structures that your whole patrol can use. Here are 6 classic builds to try at your next camp.

🔗 Need to learn your lashings first? See the Lashing Guide
1
Camp Tripod
Hang a billy, make a flag stand, or base a wash station
Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy
Tripod lashing x1 3 poles · 2–2.5m
  1. 1Lay the three poles side by side on the ground with tops aligned.
  2. 2Apply a tripod lashing around all three poles about 30cm from the top.
  3. 3Stand the poles up and spread the feet apart to form a stable triangle.
  4. 4Hang a hook or rope from the lashing point at the top to hang your billy.
Tip: The wider the feet, the more stable the tripod.
2
Camp Wash Stand
Hang a water container for hand washing at camp
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ Easy-Medium
Tripod lashing x1 Square lashing x1 3 long poles + 1 crossbar
  1. 1Build a tripod using the tripod lashing.
  2. 2Use a square lashing to attach a horizontal crossbar between two tripod legs at waist height.
  3. 3Hang a water container from the top of the tripod.
  4. 4Place a small bucket or basin on the crossbar to catch water.
  5. 5Hang a towel from one of the legs using a clove hitch.
3
A-Frame Gateway
Entrance to a campsite or patrol area
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ Medium
Sheer lashing x2 Square lashing x2 Round Turn + 2 Half Hitches x4
  1. 1Use sheer lashings to extend two pairs of poles end-to-end to create two tall uprights.
  2. 2Drive the uprights into the ground or support with guy ropes.
  3. 3Use square lashings to attach the crossbeam to the tops of both uprights.
  4. 4Secure guy ropes to steady the structure using Round Turn and Two Half Hitches.
  5. 5Decorate with your patrol name, bunting or flags.
4
Camp Kitchen Table
A raised work surface for food prep at camp
Difficulty: ★★★★☆ Hard
Square lashing x4 Sheer lashing x2 4 uprights + 2 rails + crossbars
  1. 1Build two H-frames by lashing two crossbars between pairs of uprights using square lashings.
  2. 2Connect the two H-frames with two long rails, square-lashing them to the tops of the uprights.
  3. 3Lash crossbars across the top rails to form the tabletop frame.
  4. 4Lay a tarp or timber slats across the crossbars and lash down.
  5. 5Ensure all four legs are the same height before loading.
5
Monkey Bridge
A rope bridge to cross a stream or obstacle
Difficulty: ★★★★★ Expert
Square lashing x4 Round Turn + 2 Half Hitches (all anchors) 2 A-frames + 3 ropes
  1. 1Build two A-frame anchor structures on each side of the crossing.
  2. 2Stretch a thick rope taut between the two structures as the walkway rope and lash it securely.
  3. 3Attach two thinner ropes at a higher point on each side for handrails, spread at shoulder width.
  4. 4Connect the handrails to the walkway rope with short vertical ropes at regular intervals to form the V shape.
  5. 5Always have a leader safety-check the structure before anyone crosses.
Safety: Always have a trained leader supervise a monkey bridge before use.
6
Camp Flagpole
Fly your patrol or troop flag at camp
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ Easy-Medium
Sheer lashing x1 Square lashing x2 Clove Hitch (flag halyard) 2 poles joined + 2 struts
  1. 1Use a sheer lashing to join two poles end-to-end to create a tall flagpole.
  2. 2Drive the base into the ground or anchor with a rock pile.
  3. 3Lash two support struts at angles to the pole using square lashings to stop it leaning.
  4. 4Tie a rope halyard to the top using a clove hitch.
  5. 5Thread the flag onto the halyard and raise it with pride.
Tip: Point the two struts in different directions so the pole is braced from multiple angles.

Ready to level up? Practice your lashings before you build.

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