Basic Knot Tying in Scouting
Knot tying is an essential skill for many outdoor activities. If they're going to participate in them, every Cub Scout or Boy Scout needs to know how to tie knots.
But knots aren't just for the outdoors. We usually don't think about how we use knots at home. We tie our shoes, we tie a package, and the boys tie their own neckties. We can't forget that for some folks, knot tying is a hobby.
In the Cub Scout program, Wolves, Bears, and Arrow of Light ranks have knot tying in their required adventures. This post will help you find great resources to help teach the Scouts how to tie knots.
Cub Scout Knot Tying Requirements
Wolf Adventure – Call of the Wild 5: Show how to tie an overhand knot and a square knot.
Bear Adventure – Bear Necessities 5: Demonstrate how to tie two half hitches and explain what the hitch is used for.
Arrow of Light Adventure – Outdoorsman Option A 5 and Option B 3: Show how to tie a bowline. Explain when this knot should be used and why.
Arrow of Light Adventure – Scouting Adventure 5a: Show how to tie a square knot, two half hitches, and a taut-line hitch. Explain how each knot is used.
I have to admit that I'm not very good at tying knots. So, I was pretty intimidated when I had to teach the kids in my den. Fortunately, there are some great resources online!
Online Knot Tying Resources
My absolute favorite resource is Animated Knots by Grog. What I love about this site is that while you play the video, you can stop on any step. Simply click on the number of the step in the bottom left corner of the video.
To always have this resource with you, download the iPhone app or the iPad app through my affiliate links. Google Play has an Android app too. These apps are about $5 each, but they are well worth the money.
Another good online resource is Scout Life. The video demonstrations can be slowed down to help you follow along.
For a great Cub Scout knot tying handout, check this one out. A printed "how to tie knots" pdf can be helpful for the Scouts.
Knot Tying Practice
The best way for our Cub Scouts to learn how to tie knots is by practicing them over and over. In fact, knot tying is a great gathering activity. It's also a quick filler if your planned activity doesn't take as long as you thought.
I bought clothesline rope and cut it into 6′ pieces–one for every kid. The Scouts can then whip or fuse the rope, which is an Arrow of Light requirement.
Arrow of Light Adventure – Scouting Adventure 5b: Show the proper care of a rope by learning how to whip and fuse the ends of different kinds of rope.
Keep the rope in your den bucket so you'll have it at every meeting. I put the rope in a zip top bag with copies of the "how to tie knots" pdf. That way, we had what we needed to tie knots at any den meeting.
Do you need to spice up your Scouts' knot tying practice? Think Fun has an awesome game called Knot So Fast. Kids (and adults) will love the 40 challenges in this knot tying race game. What better way to practice your knot tying skills than with a fun game?
What ideas do have for teaching the skill of knot tying to your Cub Scouts?
Yours in Scouting,
Sherry
P.S. If you liked this Cub Scout activity, sign up below for more fun pack meeting and den meeting ideas!
Source: https://cubscoutideas.com/412/knot-tying/
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