Square knot and sheet bend

These two useful knots are related to each other, so if you know how to tie the square knot, the sheet bend is easy to learn.



The square knot, also known as the "joining knot" is used throughout the Cub Scout and Boy Scout requirements. It is used to join two ropes of similar thickness. The sheet bend is used to join two ropes of different thicknesses. If you've ever been on a campout, you've probably run into lots of times when you need a long rope, but all you have is two smaller ones with different thicknesses.

Neckerchief Slides (aka "Woggles")

Neckerchief slides, those metal things that keep your neckerchief in place (but tend to fall off of active little boys), are known as "woggles" in other countries. Most people think that you have to wear the specific neckerchief slide for your rank. That's not true. You can make any sort of slide you want. In the accompanying picture, you can see several different slides that I and my sons have made. You can take almost any item and attach it to a small ring cut from a piece of 1/2" PVC piping, which is available in 6' lengths for about $2. At that price, you can easily make this into a pack activity. There are also kits for carving a slide from wood or stamping designs into leather. I have also made some from beads, a slice of wood from a branch, laminated paper, and colored pieces of foam. I will go into specific details of making a neckerchief slide in a future post.

The Bowline Knot

The bowline knot is one of the most important knots you can learn. If you are ever in a situation where rescuers can only reach you with a rope, knowing how to tie this knot can save your life. It is known as the "rescue knot" because it will stay tightly tied no matter how much you pull on it. It will, however, easily come undone when you push on it, so it can also be used to tie something to a rope or tree, like a clothesline when you're camping. Depending on the size of your rope, two half hitches can be a struggle to undo when you're breaking camp.



This can be used as part of Bear Cub Scout Achievement 22b or First Class Boy Scout requirement 8a.