Monkey Bridge

[Gutterbird 10]

We have many new scouts in our troop and we will attempt to build a monkey bridge at our next campout. Never having built one myself, does anybody know of any resources out there that will explain the ins-n-outs of biulding a monkey bridge?

[Twocubdad 665]

I don't have a copy to check for you, but I may try the Pioneering MB book.

[CNYScouter 46]

Doing a Goggle search for Monkey Bridge I found the following:

 

http://www.netwoods.com/monkeybr/monkeybr.html

 

Monkey Bridge Construction

By William Hillcourt

National Director of Scoutcraft

Reprinted from Boy's Life for all boys

 

bwlow the article there are links to pictures that show construction

 

 

[Eamonn 61]

I'm a big fan of the Pioneering books that John Sweet wrote. (For the UK Scouts)

I think they can still be bought from the Canadian Scout stores and every now and then pop up on ebay.

While it's great that the Scouts are showing an interest in pioneering, if they are new to pioneering maybe the Monkey Bridge is not the best project to start with?

You might want to try and talk them into starting with a few flag poles, towers and gateways before tackling a bridge.

Good Luck.

Ea.

[CNYScouter 46]

On the web site "The Dump" there are pdf's of Pioneering books that were written by John Thurman written in the 50's and 60's

 

http://www.thedump.scoutscan.com/scouts.html

 

I see that these were Illustrated by John Sweet.

Are these the same books?

 

i have to say that there are great project ideas in these books

 

 

[scoutldr 738]

From the G2SS:

 

Always follow the steps for constructing monkey bridges outlined in the Pioneering merit badge pamphlet.

 

Before beginning the project, inspect your rope, looking at both the inside fibers and inner strands.

 

Know the size and strength of the type of rope you are using, and its safe working load.

 

Monkey bridges should not be constructed higher than 5 feet above flat-surfaced ground nor longer than 40 feet. Initially, beginners should not span more than 25 feet.

 

Know the effect the knots will have in reducing rope strength and the proper care that rope requires.

 

Rope, especially rope carrying a load, should be checked each day before using. Rope carrying a load and left in place tends to become slack from fatigue and will break under stress. Tighten rope as necessary to maintain the integrity of the original construction.

 

Exercise special care when members of the public are allowed to use these monkey bridges. Establish controls when monkey bridges are constructed outside the camp environment. Station Scouts at each end to control access to the bridge. Allow only one adult at a time on the bridge. Never allow unaccompanied children on the bridge. Shut down the bridge when any repairs are being made and do not reopen until the adult leader has approved the repairs.

 

Any activity on rope swings, monkey bridges, slide-for-life, or similar devices that are located over water must comply with Safe Swim Defense.

[emb021 16]

The four books by John Thurman at "The Dump" are the books being referred to.

 

There were hard copy reprints of these books you could get from some of the memorabilia dealers, but I don't see them available now.