KNOT TYING by Dixie Plata – Pathfinder Historian

Most everyone that has any connection with Pathfinders would agree that learning to tie knots is important.  Knots are used for:

  1. Boating
  2. Climbing
  3. Decorative
  4. Fishing
  5. Household
  6. Neckties
  7. Rescue
  8. Rope Care
  9. Scouting/Pathfinders
  10. Splicing
  11. Surgical

Pathfinders use knots when camping, among other uses, for:

  1. Securing ropes when putting up tents
  2. Clothes line for kitchen towels, swim suits, towels, etc.
  3. Hanging Hammocks
  4. Securing curtains around a latrine
  5. Repairing various camp items
  6. First Aid
  7. Rope ladders
  8. Rock Climbing
  9. Obstacle Courses
  10. Lashings
  11. And the list goes on…
Knot Tying Pacific Union

Knot Tying Pacific Union

The first mention of knot tying related to Pathfinders would be in 1927-1928 when John McKim and Southeastern California Conference Youth Director (MV) Guy Mann listed ways to work with young people in the very first Pathfinder Club on record.  McKim a Scout Master knew the value of knowing various knots and enjoyed teaching young people how to tie them.  Knot tying activities have been used from the very beginning of Pathfinder History at Pathfinder Campouts and Fairs.  Knots were taught at summer camps and in clubs in the Pacific Union and maybe elsewhere using a felt diamond patch for completing the requirements.  The first official AY Honor for Knot Tying was developed in 1975.

Various Class levels, i.e. Investiture Achievement, lists knots that each group needs to learn to tie.  As the Friend level masters a required knot they also learn the use of them, which includes following knots:

  1. Square – a binding knot used to tie parcels, bandages, and most any object
  2. Double bow – a common knot used to tie shoe laces
  3. Figure eight – a stopper knot usedto prevent the end of a rope from sliding through a pulley, hole, or block
  4. Slip Knot – an overhand knot that is used to prevent the end of a rope from unraveling or slipping through
  5. Sheepbend – this knot is used to join two ropes of different diameters
  6. Clove Hitch –holds a line to a post when being pulled in two directions
  7. Bowline –used to form a secure loop
  8. Fisherman’s loop –also known as a middleman’s knot, is used to form a loop along a rope
  9. Double half hitch –consists of two basic overhand knots and is used to tie a rope to a post or dock eye
  10. Timber hitch – is used to secure a rope around a post

Now I know that some individuals are great with knots and can remember them and easily teach others how to tie them and explain their uses.  I on the other hand, and I believe I am not alone, have difficulty remembering each knot – sure I can tie a granny!  Of course, because I use them on a regular basis, I can tie a square and a double bow but then I need to review to remember the other knots.  As Pathfinder leaders and TLT’s we need to review so we can share and use the knots when needed.

Companions need to learn to tie and the practical use of 20 knots… the above ten plus ten additional knots, including:  Anchor Bend, Overhand Knot, Carrick Bend, Cat’s Paw, Crown Knot, Hunter’s Bend, Packer’s Knot, Stevedore’s Knot, Taunt-lion Hitch and Sheepshank.

Explorers need to earn the Knot Tying Honor which includes making a knot board with 25 knots from memory and telling their practical uses.  The Knot Honor was included in the A Y Honor’s Manual in 1976

In our display we have numerous knot boards including:  one made with ladies hair, small made by our son in 1970, and a larger one made by a brother-in-law in the 1960’s, each unique in their own way.

Make learning fun – learn to tie the knots that Desmond Doss used to lower at least 75 soldiers to safety.  Remember many don’t retain information until they have made them over and over again.  Have contests to see who can tie a certain knot fastest and also explain how they are commonly used.   Have relays with knots being used to tie items to drag across a finished line, etc.

Teaching tips include:

  • Why Knot DVD by Easthaven Productions (AdventSource #000711)
  • Knots and How to Tie Them, by Boy Scouts of America (hardcover and paperback)

Online videos on how to make a knot tying board Animated knot tying websites such as: www.animatedknots.com/indexscouting.php

Knot displays and hands on experience with knots will be a part of the Adventist Youth Ministries Museum once built in Battle Creek, MI.