Camp Projects

Choose the Right Level

Before Choosing a Project

1. Is it useful? Decide what campsite or program need it will meet.
2. Is it age appropriate? Every participant should have a safe, useful role.
3. Does the patrol have the needed skills? Practice the knots and lashings before the build.
4. Do you have the specified materials? Do not redesign around weaker substitutions.
5. Does the site allow it? Consider soil, traffic, weather, trees, overhead hazards, and landowner rules.
6. How will it be inspected, tested, operated, monitored, dismantled, and stored?

Tripod Hand-Wash Station

A tripod hand-wash station is an excellent first full-size camp gadget. It combines a tripod lashing, square lashings, triangular bracing, a practical campsite purpose, and a controlled load.

1. Inspect the three legs, braces, crossbar, and rope. Lay the legs beside one another with their butt ends even.
2. Tie a tight tripod lashing near the upper ends and have another Scout inspect it before lifting.
3. Raise the tripod with one Scout controlling each leg and spread it into a stable footprint. Keep fingers away from the tripod head.
4. Add braces between the front legs and rear leg to create triangular sides.
5. Lash a crossbar across the front legs.
6. After inspection, hang the water container from the intended support point and attach the soap and towel.
7. Add water gradually while watching the tripod head, braces, feet, and lashings.

Simple Camp Gear Table

A simple gear table can practice shear, square, and floor lashings. This type of table is for light equipment and food-preparation supplies, not for people.

1. Build two matching A-frames with shear lashings and cross supports at the measured height.
2. Stand the frames parallel at the planned distance and secure the approved stabilizing arrangement. Keep holding the frames until they are stable and inspected.
3. Lay similar tabletop poles across the supports for an even surface.
4. Floor-lash the tabletop poles to both supports.
5. Inspect the frame and add a small amount of equipment near the center. Increase only to the predetermined load limit.

Scout-Stave Flagpole

A Scout-stave flagpole introduces round lashings, guylines, anchors, a controlled raising sequence, and even tensioning.

1. Inspect and sort the staves, then mark the required overlaps.
2. Use two separated round lashings at every overlap so the joint cannot pivot.
3. Attach the guylines at the height and arrangement shown on the approved plan.
4. Lay out and mark the anchor locations before raising.
5. Assign one signal caller, a lifting team, and people controlling each guyline.
6. Raise slowly. Stop if the pole bows, a lashing moves, or an anchor shifts.
7. Tension the guylines evenly and inspect the completed pole before displaying the flag.

Low Gear Rack

A low gear rack is a good beginner project because it uses only a few joints and carries a limited load. Build two matching low A-frames, connect them with a crossbar, and use the rack for light packs, jackets, or towels.

• Keep the rack low and out of tent entrances and walkways.
• Use only light gear and distribute the weight.
• Do not allow anyone to sit, hang, swing, or climb on the rack.
• Check that both frames have the same spread and that the crossbar cannot rotate.

Model Trestle

A tabletop trestle lets a patrol learn the geometry and lashing pattern before handling full-size poles. A basic trestle uses two legs, upper and lower ledgers, and crossed braces. The crossed braces create the triangles that resist racking. Because the model does not support a person, Scouts can focus on symmetry, lashing quality, and inspection.

More Project Ideas