PIONEERING

REQUIREMENTS were REVISED Effective January 1, 2006

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  1. Demonstrate how to coil and throw a 40-foot length of 1/4 inch rope.
    Show that you know first aid for injuries or illness that could occur while working on pioneering projects, including minor cuts and abrasions, bruises, rope burns, blisters, splinters, sprains, heat and cold reactions, dehydration, and insect bites or stings.
  2. Present five different rope samples, of any size or material. Explain the characteristics of each type of rope -- its strength, mildew resistance, durability, and stretch. Explain where and how each type of rope can be used in pioneering.
    Do the following:
    1. Successfully complete Tenderfoot requirements 4a and 4b and First Class requirements 7a, 7b, and 7c. (These are the rope-related requirements.)
    2. Tie the following: square knot, bowline, sheepshank, sheet bend, and roundturn with two half hitches.
    3. Demonstrate the following: tripod and round lashings.
  3. Demonstrate how to tie the following seven basic knots: square knot, timber hitch, clove hitch, bowline, sheepshank, sheet bend, and roundturn with two half- hitches. Also select five more knots found in the PIONEERING merit badge pamphlet. Tie each one for the examiner, and tell where it could be used in pioneering, camping, or other Scout activities.
    Explain why it is useful to be able to throw a rope, then demonstrate how to coil and throw a 40-foot length of 1/4- or 3/8-inch rope. Explain how to improve your throwing distance by adding weight to the end of your rope.
  4. Explain the differences between synthetic ropes and natural-fiber ropes. Discuss which types of rope are suitable for pioneering work and why. Include the following in your discussion: breaking strength, safe working loads, and the care and storage of rope.
  5. 4. Demonstrate how to make the back splice, eye splice, and short splice using 1/4-inch three-strand rope.
    Explain the uses for the back splice, eye splice, and short splice. Using 1/4- or 3/8-inch three-stranded rope, demonstrate how to form each splice.
  6. 5. Construct a device or machine to make rope. Then use the device with binder twine to make a 6-foot length of rope Using a rope-making device or machine, make a rope at least 6 feet long  consisting of three strands, each having three yarns. Also demonstrate one method of whipping the end of the rope.
  7. 6. Build a three-two-one or a log-and-stakes anchor using pioneering stakes. Build the anchor at a size suitable to anchor one end of a monkey bridge.
    Build a scale model of a signal tower or a monkey bridge. Correctly anchor the model using either the 1-1-1 anchoring system or the log and stake anchoring method. Describe the design of your project and explain how the anchoring system works.
  8. 7. Demonstrate the use of rope tackle to lift a weight of 25 pounds and pulling  . Pull a log at least 6 inches in diameter and 6 feet long with the tackle. Use the tackle to put tension a strain on a line. Explain the advantages and limitations of using a rope tackle. In your explanation, describe the potential damage that friction can do to a rope.
  9. 8. By yourself, build an A-trestle OR X-trestle OR H-trestle H-frame trestle with ropes and spars using square and diagonal lashings. Explain the application of the trestle you build. Demonstrate how to tie two spars together using a west country shear lashing.
  10. 9. With a group of Scouts, OR on your own, select build a pioneering project. Before building, present a rough sketch of the project and a list of the ropes and spars needed to build it. With your counselor's guidance, create a rough sketch of the project. Make a list of the ropes and spars needed, then build the project. (Note: This requirement may be done at summer camp, at district or council events, or on a troop camp outing.)

BSA Advancement ID#: 84
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2006
Requirements last revised in 2006

Page updated on: September 08, 2023

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