Req 9 — Double A-Frame Monkey Bridge
9.
Working in a group, (or individually with the help of your counselor) build a full size pioneering structure, using one of the following designs in the Pioneering merit badge pamphlet:Carefully plan the project, assembling and organizing all the materials, referring to the points under Safe Pioneering, and complying with the height restrictions in the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Double A-Frame Monkey Bridge
A monkey bridge is one of the classic pioneering projects because it looks exciting and teaches a lot at once. It combines elevated supports, strong anchoring, hand lines, foot lines, and real moving loads as people cross.
What makes this option challenging
This bridge teaches how a structure behaves when the load is not static. The force changes with each person’s movement, so alignment, anchors, and inspection matter more than looks.
Plan before you build
Questions to answer with your team
- Do we have enough room for the span and approach areas?
- Do we have enough qualified adult supervision for a bridge project?
- Are our anchors and A-frames appropriate for the expected load?
- Who is checking the bridge before anyone crosses?
This official monkey bridge video is the most direct example for this option.
🎬 Video: Double A-Frame Monkey Bridge (video) — https://youtu.be/qlafze5YVXI?si=P1CTghvisAMAU1bA