Pioneering in many places is not like it used to be. You can’t just go and cut down trees anymore. Furthermore, the risks and liabilities are threatening, as is the cost for all the rope needed. Nevertheless, there is a time and place for this great scout activity.

There are a few free scout books floating around the internet, here are two that are better than most (the color one is from the Irish scout association).

scoutengineering.pdf

pioneeringprojects.pdf

The monkey bridge is probably the most common and really the most interesting project to take on. The books above provide a good resource to help you build one. If I come across something better that is more specific I will post. One trick to a good bridge is getting the large X end supports to incorporate small Y splits near the tops to hold up the guide ropes.

Note the monkey bridge is covered in the Guide to Safe Scouting, specifically:

Rope Monkey Bridges

When constructing monkey bridges, observe the following safety rules:

1. Always follow the steps for constructing monkey bridges outlined in the Pioneering merit badge pamphlet.

2. Before beginning the project, inspect your rope, looking at both the inside fibers and inner strands. Know the size and strength of the type of rope you are using, and its safe working load.

3. Monkey bridges should not be constructed higher than 5 feet above flat-surfaced ground nor longer than 40 feet. Initially, beginnersshould not span more than 25 feet.

4. Know the effect the knots will have in reducing rope strength and the proper care that rope requires.

5. Rope, especially rope carrying a load, should be checked each day before using. Rope carrying a load and left in place tends tobecome slack from fatigue and will break under stress. Tighten rope as necessary to maintain the integrity of the original construction.

6. Exercise special care when members of the public are allowed to use these monkey bridges. Establish controls when monkey bridgesare constructed outside the camp environment. Station Scouts at each end to control access to the bridge. Allow only one adult at atime on the bridge. Never allow unaccompanied children on the bridge. Shut down the bridge when any repairs are being made and donot reopen until the adult leader has approved the repairs.

7. Any activity on rope swings, monkey bridges, slide-for- life, or similar devices that are located over water must comply with SafeSwim Defense.