Pioneering—the knowledge of ropes, knots, and splices along with the ability to build rustic structures by lashing together poles and spars—is among the oldest of Scouting’s skills. Practicing rope use and completing projects with lashings also allow Scouts to connect with past generations, ancestors who used many of these skills as they sailed the open seas and lived in America’s forests and prairies.

The badge is available to any registered Scout (including Scouts BSA and Venturers). 

Date & Time: Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 10:00am to 12:30pm

Cost: $50 per Scout (8 scouts max in class)

Pioneering Merit Badge:

• Read all the requirements. Due requirements to the best of your ability. The phamplet is helpful.
• Wear field uniform
• Bring a signed Blue Card
• Know how to tie: rope tackle, clove hitch, two half hitch, butterfly knot, roundturn with two half hitches, and rolling hitch
• Lashings to know:  square, diagonal, round, shear, tripod, and floor lashing

Contact: Pamela Craft at Pamela.Craft@scouting.org