Monkey Bridge

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B.-P. wrote: “I am inclined to suggest to Scouters that in addition to the technical details of knotting, lashing, and anchorages, there is an educative value in Pioneering since it gives elementary training in stresses, mensuration, etc.” In addition to the “mensuration” skills that come into play when setting out the area for the bridge’s A-frames and anchors, a good deal of measuring takes place to assure the A-frames are as close to identical as possible, the pairs are joined together in similar fashion, an the spanner ropes are spread evenly. (Hand in hand with the building, Scouts do a lot of planning.) Using a tape measure, measure 5 feet up from the butt end of each leg, lash on another ladder rung, directly below, just touching, the 5-foot mark, ON THE OTHER SIDE (what will become the inside) of the legs. See the diagram on the right. Robert Birkby is author of three editions of The Boy Scout Handbook , two editions of the BSA’s Fieldbook and the newest edition of the Conservation Handbook . Find him at robertbirkby.com Anyway, Katra Laidlaw has been working on the Monkey Bridge Project for the last four months. While we were in Costa Rica, we got to learn more about the project, and more about Katra.

The plot of Monkey Bridge revolves around protagonist Mai’s quest to learn why her mother, Thanh, left Mai’s grandfather behind in Vietnam when the two women fled their homeland in wartime. In telling this multi-generational story, Troop 86 from Sumter, SC wanted to do a pioneering project and they selected the Double A-Frame Monkey Bridge. Great place to start, and a great way to illustrate sequential programming. What skills enter into the picture? A whole bunch! And with each step along the way, there’s an activity wherein each campcraft skill can be put into action, in a fun way, as reinforcement. This is a classic pioneering project, and a variety of styles and instructions have been shared many times, from a 1965 Boys’ Life article penned by Scouting leader and author William “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt to various editions of the Pioneering merit badge pamphlet. The Titi Conservation Alliance consists of a coalition of concerned individuals and hotels in the area who are working to protect the endangered titi monkey. If the funds for a proper census can be raised, not only would it be an important update for this once critically endangered species, but it would be essential for a study on the effect the rope bridges have on the population of titi monkeys. This type of study would offer valuable insight to the other wildlife crossing structure projects in Costa Rica and to the field of road ecology in general, since wildlife crossing structure studies that incorporate population data are few and far between.You have missed the railway bridges over the Dutch River and canal. I can see it from my bedroom window for the last 45 years. Posted by Peter on 08/07/2007 This is one of the 10 rope bridges that I observed during my time here. Photo provided by Katra Laidlaw In addition to conducting daily observations, Katra works with the local electric company, ICE, to maintain the rope bridges. This short commentary is one part surmise and three parts observation. It’s composed of a series of events with a predictable outcome. Except to those familiar with Scout Pioneering, and Scout competitions, the whole scenario will appear obscure. But to the Scouts involved, it’s far from obscure. On the contrary, whenever something like this happens, it’s downright confusing, and without being melodramatic, maybe a little traumatic too. No real names are used in this account, and no fingers are being pointed at any individuals. The characters in stories like this are always well-intentioned and without malice. There are no wrongdoers involved… just victims.

This type of bridge is known as a rope bridge due to its historical construction from rope. Inca rope bridges still are formed from native materials, chiefly rope, in some areas of South America. These rope bridges must be renewed periodically owing to the limited lifetime of the materials, and rope components are made by families as contributions to a community endeavor. Participants should be well-acquainted and experienced in the skills required for building this project. News from Dezeen Events Guide, a listings guide covering the leading design-related events taking place around the world. Plus occasional updates. Dezeen Awards ChinaEnter the “Raccoon Patrol”: As part of a troop that regularly embraces large pioneering projects, the Raccoon Patrol is well-versed in building A-frames. During inter-patrol competitions at Scout meetings, they do well in A-frame Chariot Races. On outings they build camp see-saws where the roller bar for the plank is supported by two heavy duty A-frames. They have also helped to build several monkey bridges relying on sturdy A-frames as sub assemblies. Belonging to a unit with a successful pioneering program, they’ve been taught to make their A-frames using three Japanese Mark II Square Lashings. In addition to being supported in certain BSA publications, their grasp of Scouting skills stems from Scouters who’ve served on the pioneering staff at national jamborees and who, themselves, have learned from some of the most esteemed Scout Pioneering legends.