Pioneering Poles

SUMMARY

Handle large pioneering poles—also called spars—with the same care as any other tool. Before starting an individual or patrol-based pioneering project, Scouts should demonstrate proficiency in safe handling and construction techniques under adult supervision.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• When carrying spars, be sure that you are a safe distance from the person in front of you and the person next to you. Your spars should not be able to touch anyone around you, even by accident.
• Do not carry more spars than you are physically able to carry. Do not overexert yourself, as this can result in a physical injury such as a pulled or strained muscle. The more spars you carry the harder it is to balance them, so be sure that you only carry what you can safely and comfortably balance.
• Take extra caution when transporting spars inside of a building and especially when going up or down a flight of stairs. Be sure to know the clearance between your spars and the building’s walls and doors. It is a good idea to walk through the building first to map out your path of travel and ensure you have enough space to carry the spars through.
• When spreading the legs of a tripod to assist during the frapping process, especially when using larger spars, be careful not to pinch the fingers of the Scout applying the frapping turns. Make sure that all Scouts are paying attention to the task at hand and are not distracted.
• Do not walk or stand upon spars that are lying on the ground. They can easily roll under the pressure of your weight and cause an injury or fall.
• Ensure soundness of spars by checking them regularly for cracks or other signs of wear or damage. Remove damaged spars from your inventory of pioneering poles and dispose of them properly.
• Spars harvested from natural sources should be stripped of bark before use and storage to increase soundness and reduce likelihood of insect damage.
• Spars should be stored under cover and off the ground when not in use.
• Each frapping should be checked by a qualified person to verify security of the knot to ensure it will not collapse during use.

RESOURCES