{"id":4033,"date":"2019-02-07T08:00:42","date_gmt":"2019-02-07T14:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/totscouting.org\/teach-scouts-to-identify-essential-knots-by-making-this-cool-knot-recognition-game\/"},"modified":"2019-02-07T08:00:42","modified_gmt":"2019-02-07T14:00:42","slug":"teach-scouts-to-identify-essential-knots-by-making-this-cool-knot-recognition-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/totscouting.org\/teach-scouts-to-identify-essential-knots-by-making-this-cool-knot-recognition-game\/","title":{"rendered":"Teach Scouts to identify essential knots by making this cool Knot Recognition Game"},"content":{"rendered":"
Tom Mahany wanted to challenge his Scouts to learn and identify essential Scouting knots.<\/p>\n
So the assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 165, part of the\u00a0Coastal Georgia Council, invented a brilliant solution. It\u2019s called the Knot Recognition Game.<\/p>\n
Mahany\u2019s invention is equal parts work of art and practical teaching tool.<\/p>\n
He started with six broomstick handles lashed together into a pyramid. Then he added a maze of knots and lashings \u2014 affixing a number to each. At troop meetings and Scout outings, Mahany gives each Scout a scoresheet and asks them to match the knot\u2019s name to its corresponding number.<\/p>\n
It was an instant hit \u2014 so popular, in fact, that the adult leaders started participating too.<\/p>\n
When Mahany brings his Knot Recognition Game to summer camp or a district camporee, volunteers from other troops take notice.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have had many leaders ask me where I got the idea or where they can get or make one,\u201d Mahany tells me. \u201cSome suggested I send my idea to\u00a0Scouting<\/em> magazine to be shared.\u201d<\/p>\n And we\u2019re glad you did! Find complete instructions below.<\/p>\n Mahany\u2019s motivation for this project? Wood Badge<\/a>.<\/p>\n To complete Wood Badge,\u00a0the BSA\u2019s premiere training course for adult leaders, volunteers must complete a series of five service projects. Together these projects form the \u201cWood Badge ticket.\u201d<\/p>\n Each ticket item should benefit Scouting in some way, and Mahany\u2019s Knot Recognition Game certainly qualifies. It trains Scouts and leaders in an essential outdoors skill.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Step 1, Construction:\u00a0<\/strong>Using the six dowels, make a three-sided pyramid with a tripod lashing on each corner. (For instructions, check out Page 377 in either the\u00a0Boy Scout Handbook\u00a0<\/em>or\u00a0Scouts BSA Handbook<\/em>.)<\/p>\n Note: Mahany says that, over time, you might need to reinforce these lashings with screws.<\/em><\/p>\n Step 2, Tying<\/strong>: With the different ropes, make a maze of knots in and around the pyramid. There\u2019s no right or wrong way to do this. Just use your imagination to join the ropes with different knots, hitches and lashings.<\/p>\n Step 3, Tagging<\/strong>:\u00a0Tag each knot using key tags and safety pins. Be sure to randomize the order so it doesn\u2019t match the scoresheet.<\/p>\n Step 4, Playing the Game<\/strong>: Place the game in the center of the table, hand out the scoresheets and explain the rules. There\u2019s no time limit.<\/p>\n Things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n Step 5, Scoring<\/strong>: You can score the game however you\u2019d like. You could make each knot worth the same amount \u2014 or make less-common knots worth more. At camporees or multitroop events, Mahany presents awards to the top three individuals or teams.<\/p>\n Step 6, Explanation<\/strong>: After the scoresheets are tabulated, Mahany explains each knot and answers questions about how the knot is used.<\/p>\n Mahany made this PDF<\/a>, which includes the scoresheet, instructions and a hand-drawn diagram.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhy he did it<\/h2>\n
How he did it<\/h2>\n
What you\u2019ll<\/strong> need<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
What you\u2019ll do<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
Download the instructions and scoresheet<\/h2>\n