Check-in starts 1/2 hour prior to the start time of your class. You should bring a blue card filled out properly for this class. If you are not familiar with how to fill out a blue card, you should familiarize yourself with Scoutmaster Bucky's "How To Fill Out A Blue Card" document.  Click here for Scoutmaster Bucky's "How To Fill Out A Blue Card". Remember it is a Scout's responsibility to take care of their own blue card from beginning to end.


Your Scout Uniform is required to be worn for attending this Merit Badge session.   If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Brian Reiners; Scoutmaster Bucky via email or on the phone at 612-483-0665.

Reviewing the merit badge pamphlet PRIOR to attending and doing preparation work will insure that Scouts get the most out of these class opportunities. The merit badge pamphlet is a wealth of information that can make earning a merit badge a lot easier. It contains many of the answers and solutions needed or can at least provide directions as to where one can find the answers.  It is NOT acceptable to come unprepared to a Scoutmaster Bucky event.

You can (and should) use the Scoutmaster Bucky Pioneering Merit Badge Workbook to help get a head start and organize your preparation work. You can download the Scoutmaster Bucky Pioneering Merit Badge Workbook by clicking here.

It should be noted that this merit badge class is not meant for those who just want to come and see what they can get done. It is possible to complete this merit badge by being properly prepared and having done the preparation work prior to the class. Preparation is a MUST.


Things to remember to bring for this Merit Badge Class:

1. Merit Badge Blue Card properly filled out and signed off by your Scoutmaster
2. Your Registration Receipt
3. Scout Uniform
4. Scoutmaster Bucky Merit Badge Workbook for this merit badge printed out and preparation work filled in
5. Any additional supporting documentation or project work pertinent to this merit badge 
6. A positive Scouting focus and attitude

Following is an outline of the class syllabus to help you prepare.  Also note that Scouts will be signed off only on those requirements that the Merit Badge Counselor determines meets the requirements; no more no less  This Merit Badge should not be expected to be earned without preparation and work.

1. 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

   Scouts should review this requirement and its components and be prepared to show that they are familiar and capable of performing these first aid components.

2. Do the following:

   1. Successfully complete Tenderfoot requirements 4a and 4b and First Class requirements 7a, 7b, and 8a. (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. 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.

   While some of this requirement will be taught and performed in the class, Scouts should come to the class prepared with an explanation and knowledge of the concepts involved in coiling and throwing a 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.

   Scouts should review this requirement and its components and be prepared to discuss.  It is strongly recommended that Scouts bring any notes or supporting documents they may have to help show the counselor that they have prepared for discussion of these items.

5. 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.

   Scouts will need to work on their skills of creating splices.  In the class they will have an opportunity not only to demonstrate their ability to form each splice but will be expected to actively partake in a groups dicussion (with their prepared notes and knowledge) on the uses of each of these splices.

6. Using a rope-making device or machine, make a rope at least 6 feet long consisting of three strands, each having three yarns

   This requirement will be completed in the class..

7. 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.
   
   (Counselor discretion) At this time it is undetermined whether this requirement will be completed in the class or not.  Scouts may choose to create their own model and bring it to the class or Scouts may wish to wait and complete this requirement at Scout Camp in the summer.

8. Demonstrate the use of rope tackle to lift a weight of 25 pounds and pulling a log at least 6 inches in diameter and 6 feet long with the tackle. Use the tackle to put tension 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.
   
   Currently it is undetermined as to whether the resources to complete the demonstration portion of this requirement will be able to completed at the class.  The Counselor is working to see what can be arrange3d, however Scouts should realize that they may have to utilize a visit to the Pioneering area at Scout Camp or another arranged opportunity to complete this requirement.

9. By yourself, build an A-trestle OR X-trestle OR H-trestle using square and diagonal lashings. Explain the application of the trestle you build. Demonstrate how to tie two spars together using a shear lashing.
   
   Scouts should be prepared to show their ability to perform this skill in the class. Scots are encouraged to bring their own materials to demonstrate this if they have them easily available.

10. With a group of Scouts OR on your own, select a pioneering project and get your counselor's approval before you begin building. 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).
    
    Scouts will have an opportunity to work on components of this requirement in class however completion of this requirement MAY need to take place outside of the class, after the class.

this page last reviewed and updated - March 2011