Outdoor Theory
INTRODUCTION TO KNOTS
Definition of Rope
The word "rope" generally defined as any plaited, braided or laid product of over 10mm in diameter. Anything thinner than that is referred to as cord, string, twine or thread. A rope or cord dedicated to a particular job becomes a line (guyline, lifeline, tow line, flagline, etc.) or if it's even more specific label (lanyard, lashing or lasso).
​
Definition of "Knot"
The word "knot" is being used as a general term describing rope works under three main categories: knots, bends and hitches. Bends join two ropes together. Hitches are attached to poles, rails, rings or even other ropes. Knots are anything other than bends and hitches.
Knots are not hard to learn. Most knots can be tied in more than one way. You will remember them for life once you know them, especially so when the knots described here have been chosen for their usefulness and ease of tying.
​
INTRODUCTION TO LASHINGS
The general function of Lashings
To join two poles (spars) together.
​
What is Lashings?
There are many lashings, each of which is designed to do a particular job depending upon what use you put the poles to.
Lashings form a very important part of pioneering and if you wish to construct any pioneering project you will need to have tried and practised all the lashings in this manual at least once.
It is important that you choose the correct lashing for the job. Look at the angle poles cross. Are they touching each other? Where will the strain be on the poles? What are you using the poles for? What type and length of rope will you need?
No matter what lashing you decide upon it is important that you tie it correctly, neatly and securely. Make sure that all the turns are tightened as you go and don't let the rope slack off or, at best, you will lose strength in the lashing and at worse, your construction will fall apart!
​
INTRODUCTION TO TENTAGE
Introduction to Four-men Tent
Camping is one of the regular activities of the NPCC. Campers stay in tents during annual school camps and Adventure Training Camps at the Pulau Ubin Campsite. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for instructors and cadets alike to get familiarized with tent pitching.
​
INTRODUCTION TO FLAGSTAFF
Introduction to Flagstaff
It is a common practice to have a flag raised during camps. Flagpoles are not always readily available at all campsites. Therefore it is necessary to improvise one from the available materials at the campsite.
​
INTRODUCTION TO PIONEERING
About Pioneering
Pioneering involves the process of designing and constructing equipment for practical uses. This can range from a simple washstand for your bowl to a cantilever raising bridge across a river.
​
Pioneering requires familiarity with knots and lashings and their appropriate uses. With the more ambitious projects, teamwork and forward planning will be welcome additions to the pioneers' skill set.
​
For outdoor camps, pioneering can serve many practical and useful purposes. A lengthy camp will be made all the more comfortable with the addition of gates, benches, tables, washstands, dressers, showers and other items.
​
Pioneering can be great fun, simple monkey bridges and aerial runways can be as much fun to build as they are to use.
Using your skills to construct a bridge across a river can serve both the enjoyment and practical sides in one go. You certainly learn how to tie your lashings properly once you have walked over a bridge and have it collapse under you!
​
Practising safety observation is part of good pioneering skills. It is important to know that a good structure will not have protruding parts and no loose lines. The direction of guylines should also not be in the passageway so that people will not accidentally trip over them. And as a whole, the structure has to be stable.
​