What's pioneering? When Lieut.-General R. S. S. Baden-Powell wrote Scouting for Boys, under the heading Camp Life chapter 4, he started by explaining that Pioneering is Knot-tying-Hut making Trees-Bridging-Measurements-Handicrafts. and that Pioneers are men who go ahead to open up a way in the jungles or elsewhere for those coming after them. During his time in Africa whilst commanding a large force of native scouts, they not only looked out for the enemy, but also improve the way forward for the main army following. In doing so they became pioneers as well as scouts and built nearly two hundred bridges of timber over streams. One of the things Baden-Powell learnt during this most important work was that out of the thousand men only sixty knew how to make knots and most of them didn't know how to use an axe. So with this in mind one of the things a good scout should be able to do is know how to tie a number of simple knots and lashings, that will enable them to build a number of different pioneering structures

 Before we can start to learn how to tie knots, we must first learn the basic parts of a rope and what goes into making a knot/hitch. The Standing part, this is part of the rope that stands above a loop or bight, the opposite to the end. The End is the opposite to the standing part, the loose part of the rope. The Bight this is the name we give to an open circle or the middle of a rope. Finally the loop this is a closed circle in a rope that forms part of a knot. OK what is a knot? If its not a Bend this is something that we use to tie one rope to another.  and if its not a Hitch, something we use to fasten a rope to a post or other object, then its a knot. You can have a figure of Eight knot, this is probably the best known of all knots, and one what we term as a Stop knot,

The Reef Knot.

This is one of the most popular knots used for tying the ends of two ropes together. it can also be used in first aid for tying the ends of a sling, or bandage together. Its a good knot to use because it will not jam, and is easy to untie. But this knot shouldn't be used if the strain comes at an angle!

The Clove Hitch.

 This is not a knot but a hitch, and is use at the beginning and end of most lashings. Its also useful for fastening a rope to a post, because it will hold fast but can be easily untied by twisting it in the direction of what was the strain.

On the left is the Figure of Eight knot as described earlier and its tied on the end of a rope to stop it slipping through a loop or block. It can be used as a temporary knot to stop a rope fraying, and different forms of this knot are used by fishermen to secure the hook to the end of a line. If tied on the bight it makes e quick and easy loop.

Pioneering can be one of the most enjoyable, and rewording things a scout can do. Learning all the different knots and lashings can be a bit daunting at first, but once learnt the number of things you can do with this newfound skill is almost endless. But never forget that before you start any pioneering project, no matter how small, you must first consider all the safety aspects. Is your equipment suitable for the project, and in good condition. Are you competent enough to do the job, or do you need someone better trained than you to help? Never attempt to build something without proper supervision! Although pioneering is fun it can also be dangerous, you must never start anything without first doing a health and safety assessment.