Pioneering is about using what you know and what you have to make life outdoors easier and to get things done. It has played a major role in Scouting for over 100 years. Lord Baden-Powell, Scouting’s founder, said, “Pioneering is practical and character-building: the two essential ingredients of any program material for Scouts.” The main reason Scouts do pioneering: It is a lot of fun.
Pioneering is knowing how to use simple materials to build structures, sometimes referred to as “backwoods engineering.” Throughout history, people have used ropes, spars, and simple hardware to build bridges, towers, and shelters. In the early days of our country, pioneering was used in mining and transportation, to clear the wilderness, and to build roads and bridges. The same skills can be used by Scouts to build pioneering projects ranging from a simple camp gadget to an elaborate gateway or bridge.
Another quote by Baden-Powell: “Pioneering develops initiative and resourcefulness. Additionally it gives practice in team work and discipline.” You also get to use or play with what you’ve built.
In all Scouting activities, safety must come first. It follows that the first requirement for the merit badge includes reviewing safety tips.
Pioneering legend John Thurman said, “There’s only one activity where it pays to start at the top, and that’s swimming.” That means before you can build sturdy bridges, dependable rafts, ingenious camp gadgets, and impressive gateways, you need to start at the bottom. You must become well acquainted with effective, time-tested ways to use your materials. As you take each step toward the completion of this merit badge, you’ll put what you learn into action so your skills can be applied to completing projects that are safe and that work the way they’re intended.
Pioneering skills are more than just knots and lashings. You must also learn how to plan and use teamwork. Principles of physics, geometry, and math come into play to build pioneering structures.
This pamphlet is geared for a practical, hands-on application. Pioneering provides the joy of accomplishment that comes when you’ve built something for yourself or others, whether it’s for a practical purpose or just something fun to play with.
The projects shown in this pamphlet can be constructed with materials available during summer camp, at district or council camping events, and during special sessions with your counselor.
In addition to being a merit badge reference, this pamphlet is designed to serve as a field guide. It’s filled with how-tos and suggestions. But when building your pioneering projects, do not rely solely on this pamphlet. Pioneering is also about relying on one’s resourcefulness, creativity and ingenuity, along with a healthy dose of good sense. Happy pioneering!
Introduction to This Merit Badge ->