Meeting Ideas – Knot Tying Competition
🏁 Knot Tying Competition (25–30 minutes)
Setup:
- Divide scouts into patrols or small teams
- Provide each team with identical lengths of rope
- Set up knot stations or run the competition relay-style
Suggested knots:
- Square knot (reef knot)
- Two half-hitches
- Bowline
- Clove hitch
- Sheet bend (optional for advanced scouts)
Tip: Pair experienced scouts with newer ones during practice.
Competition Options:
- Relay Race
One scout runs to the rope station, ties the assigned knot correctly, returns, and tags the next scout. - Timed Knot Challenge
Scouts tie a set number of knots as quickly and accurately as possible. - Mystery Knot Round
Scouts are shown a knot diagram and must identify and tie the correct knot.
Scoring Ideas:
- Speed (fast completion)
- Accuracy (correct knot and dressed properly)
- Teamwork and communication
🧠 Bonus Challenge (Optional – 10 minutes)
- Blindfold knot tying (with verbal instructions from a teammate)
- Knot identification game using finished knots
- Real-life scenario challenge (e.g., tying a tarp, securing a load)
🎉 Wrap-Up & Reflection (10 minutes)
- Announce winners (focus on fun, not just speed)
- Quick reflection:
- Which knot was hardest?
- Where could you use these knots in real life?
- Encourage scouts to practise at home
🏕️ Closing (5 minutes)
- Scout closing or friendship circle
- Reminders about upcoming meetings or campouts
🧰 Materials Needed
- Rope (1–2 metres per scout)
- Knot diagrams or cards
- Stopwatch or phone timer
- Poles, chairs, or hooks for tying
- Blindfolds (optional)
✅ Leader Tips
- Emphasize correct knots over speed
- Keep the tone fun and encouraging
- Adapt knot difficulty based on experience
- Celebrate effort and improvement
