02.21.06
Rope Works and Boy Scouts
As an Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster for my local troop, I am fascinated with knots and rope work in general. On several of our recent campouts, I have carried a Knot and Rope work book with me along with some sportsman’s cord. Besides occupying my free time, the boys have become addicted to trying some of the more complex knots. Several of the other ASMs have noticed and the Scoutmaster has found a program that another troop has implemented to encourage knot work.
We have taken that program and are modifying it somewhat for our troop. In general, it follows a “Martial Arts” style grading system of awarding different color ropes for varying skill levels. The first 2 earned levels will just include the requirements for the rank of First Class. So, every scout should be able to advance quickly. The advanced levels will include optional knots and additional lashings. The program will be for both scouts and leaders.
This should be fun!! I will post more as details about the program are finalized. Then about how the program performs, whether the scouts and leaders enjoy it, what the progression rate is, and if we find any problems or modifications to make. I may even post some instructions on tying some of the knots. You never know………
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Bobster said,
February 21, 2006 at 10:17 pm
Hmmm, I like the color coded grading system! Just watch out homeland defense does not try and say you are making fun of their threat level alert system!
Bobster
spryken said,
February 22, 2006 at 3:36 pm
Heaven Forbid!! Maybe we should consider using specialty knots to indicate levels. Nahhhh!! The Martial Arts grading levels have been around longer than the Homeland Security Threat Levels.