The Badge Archive

Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Cabin Camper badge requirements.

Items Needed

• Rope (one length per scout)
• Small post, stick, or chair leg (one per scout)
• (Optional) Tie a Clove Hitch Knot by GSUSA

Instructions (Total Time: 35 minutes)

1. Learn What a Clove Hitch Is (5–7 minutes)
   • Show scouts what a clove hitch knot looks like
   • Explain it’s used to tie a rope to a stick, post, or tree
   • Talk about how campers use it to hang things or hold gear in place
2. Try It Step by Step (10–12 minutes)
   • Demonstrate how to tie the knot with simple instructions or a diagram
   • Scouts follow along using their rope and post
   • Repeat the steps together until everyone has made the knot
3. Practice on Their Own (10–12 minutes)
   • Scouts practice tying the knot without looking at the diagram
   • Leaders help anyone who gets stuck
   • Try tying it a few different ways to see how strong and useful it is
4. Talk About Camping Uses (5–6 minutes)
   • Share fun ideas for using the knot outdoors (like hanging a paper towel roll between trees)
   • Scouts brainstorm other ways the knot could help during a camping trip

Note to Leaders: View the Animated Knots to watch a clove hitch knot being tied.