I know–Scout meetings have ended for the summer, but several Scouts asked about doing some advancement during the summer. Let’s try a couple of classes …
Knots, lashings, and fusing/whipping the ends of rope appear to be a real problem for many Scouts and I am not just talking about those who are not yet First Class.
So, for a couple of weeks I will run a class on Thursday from 5:30 - 6:30 PM at our usual meeting place. We will pay special attention to:
Knots and Hitches
Clove Hitch
Timber Hitch
Bowline
Sheetbend
Square or Reef Knot
Figure-8 Knot
Taut Line Hitch
Half Hitch
Butterfly Knot
Fisherman’s Knot
Lashings
Diagonal
Square
Shear
Finishing Rope Ends
Fusing
Whipping
Other methods
As a bonus, I will teach anybody who attends the trucker’s pulley knot, a very useful knot. There is a variant called the haybucker’s knot. I will also reveal to you the difference between a knot and a hitch and I might also tell you what a “bend” is.
Don’t wait until the class to try your knots and lashings. The troop Web site has some fine links to knots including a couple of links to sites where the procedures are animated. Check your handbooks to see which ones you absolutely MUST have for your next rank and try to learn to tie them.
Some other things we can do during those sessions is talk to an elected official about rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
We will work outside if the weather permits. A second adult would be nice since the troop believes in both 2DL and YPT (that’s Two-Deep Leadership and Youth Protection Training.)
-Hank