Req 9 — Counselor-Approved Custom Structure
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.
Another type of structure approved in advance by your counselor
This option gives you the most freedom, but it also removes the safety of a pre-selected design. That means your planning has to be even better. You and your counselor need to agree on the purpose, materials, expected loads, anchor plan, and supervision before the first spar moves.
When this option makes sense
- Your site or camp needs a structure not listed in the standard options.
- Your counselor wants to adapt the project to available materials.
- Your team has a strong design idea and can explain how it will stay safe.
Questions your custom plan must answer
Get these approved before building
- What problem does the structure solve?
- What forces will act on it?
- What lashings and anchors will resist those forces?
- What are the limits on height, use, and supervision?
However your project turns out, the real win is learning to build safely, work as a team, and leave camp better than you found it.