Girlguiding Ribble Valley Division invite you to get knotty with our This challenge has been started to support Division trips, including our Guide and Senior Section Trip to Switzerland in February 2019 We suggest that this is most suitable for Brownies, Guides and TSS Members. However, feel free to adapt the clauses for Rainbows, Trefoil Guild, adults or any combination of the different sections of Girlguiding. We suggest that to earn this badge, individuals complete all of Section 1, and any any further 5 clauses from Section 2. The ordering details and form are on the last page of this pack. Thank you for your support to Ribble Valley Division and helping us to have more amazing adventures; this pack has been written to fundraise for our trip to Kandersteg in February 2019. Knotted Challenge Version 3; Page 1 of 14
Introduction and Useful Information: Places to buy materials to knot Strawberry laces and string are readily available in shops, markets and supermarkets. You could also use embroidery thread (available from sewing or haberdashery shops), particularly for making things like friendship bracelets. Wool is possible, but hard to undo if it s not right. Paracord is very popular and is available at outdoor shops like Cotswold Outdoor (a discount is available for Girlguiding members), or if you want to buy large quantities you can order on line. Pairs of pet ropes (2 in different colours) are available to order with the badges if you wish, at 40p per pair). Instructions and Resources We have included some information in the Resources Section at the back of the pack. There are thousands of ideas, webpages and sets of instructions on line, and we also have a Pinterest Page with lots of ideas on. Girlguiding sell a great, small publication called Knots for Everybody (priced at 1.50 in Summer 2017), or there are plenty of resources available on line, e.g.: http://www.bc-girlguides.org/web/documents/bc/program/guide-justbasicknots.pdf http://www.guidesontario.org/web/on/girl_program/program_tools/programming_id eas/knots.aspx?websitekey=318eeeb7-c427-43af-9d49-966db40f550a Guides may prefer to look up resources of their own choice, or use YouTube to locate videos to follow. Knotted Challenge Version 3; Page 2 of 14
Section 1 1. Show how to tie a reef knot, a clove hitch and a friendship knot, and be able to suggest a use for each. There are some pictures showing these knots in the Extra Information section at the back of this pack. 2. Tie a reef knot, clove hitch, sheetbend, friendship knot or monkey s paw in each of 3 different materials. For example, you could make a monkeys paw first by tying paracord, then using a strawberry lace and then using rope. 3. Produce something that can be used as a teaching aid to tie a friendship knot, or another knot of your choice. This could be written instructions, a set of photographs or a video. Share this with others to try it out! 4. Make a knotted gift and give it to someone in Guiding, for example, a keyring or bracelet. See the resource section for ideas, or there are lots on line; try a google search, or by looking on Pinterest. We have a Girlguiding Ribble Valley Knotted Pinterest Board which you are welcome to follow. Knotted Challenge Version 3; Page 3 of 14
Section 2 A. Learn the knots that are traditionally used to hoist and fly a flag. (See also Section 2 clause F for an idea of how to take this further!) Learn also the correct way to fold and roll the flag for flag break. B. Make paracord survival bracelets a bracelet that when undone is a useful length of paracord. C. Research different materials that knots can be made with and are used for and find out why they are used for the job they do e.g. twine, paracord, wool. D. Make some knotted items and sell them for funds for your unit, or for a charity of your choice. E. Make a display of at least 8 knots that you have learned to tie, including information on what they are traditionally used for. Present this to your patrol, unit, visitors to your group or another unit. F. Hoisting and flying a flag is a very traditional part of Girlguiding, done by Girlguides since 1910. Build a model working tentpole and make a flag to fit, string it so that you can actually hoist your flag up it. Then use the right knots to do so (as in clause A)! You could take this further by making a whole miniature camp around your flagpole, either as you think camp was 100 years ago, or some other time in the past. Alternatively you could make a futuristic camp and flag of how you think Guides will be camping in 50 years! G. Try making a large item out of thick rope or cord there are lots of ideas on the Internet for things like rugs, bowls and ornaments. H. Knitting and crochet are a form of knotting learn how to crochet or knit and produce a small item, such as a scarf, or blanket for a toy or baby. I. Try finger or arm knitting use YouTube or other online instructions for a guide of how to do this. Who can make the longest piece? How about making something useful from what you make, e.g. a scarf? Knotted Challenge Version 3; Page 4 of 14
J. Teach some younger Guides, or some Brownies how to do the 3 basic knots in clause 1 of Section 1. K. Make up a game using knots e.g. a wide game outside with different activity stations, the first is a knot to hold a bedding roll together, the next may be to build a tripod, the third could be to use a knot to tie a horse up safely! Let your imagination run wild. L. Tug of War is a very old game played with a very thick rope. Make or borrow a tug of war rope and try out the game you may need to research the rules first! Is it easier to tie a knot in thicker or thinner rope? Is it easier to play tug of war with a thick or thinner rope? M. Have a knot tying race start off with simple knots and see how complicated you can make them! You can also try the race blindfolded. N. Guides and Scouts traditionally made gadgets from wood and string to help them on camp. Research and make some gadgets and test them. This could be anything, from making tripods for washing up bowls and use them for handwashing in your unit meeting place through to a collection of gadgets that you would use on a traditional Guide camp, that use different lashings as well as knots. NB There are various resources on our Pinterest board, and loads of ideas and instructions on line. Try searching for information, and you could also try the UK Scouts website and the following: animatedknots.com O. Make your own web! Sit or stand in a circle. Take a ball of string or wool. The first person holds the end of the thread, and throws the ball to someone else, saying something about themselves or something they believe in. The next person hold the thread, but throws the ball on, saying something related about themselves. Continue until the ball of thread is uncovered and have a look at the web that connects you all! P. Make a cat s cradle and learn how to play with it. There are lots of resources on line. You could try one in elastic thread and one in non elastic and see how much harder or easier it is with one or the other. Knotted Challenge Version 3; Page 5 of 14
Q. Learn to use knots for rescue by learning to tie a bowline and using it to rescue a toy who has fallen off a cliff and needs to be lifted back up. Can you make a one handed bowline for when a person falls into water and needs to be rescued? What other rescue knots you can research and learn how to make and use? R. Make some bread and make plaited bread you can use a simple plaited loaf or rolls, knotted loaves or if you want a challenge, learn how to make a 8 plait knotted loaf. You will need some instructions of some sort have a look on line or in a Baking Book. If you are really adventurous, how about making some pretzels? S. Try out some fancy hair braiding with your patrol. How many plaits can you get into one Guide s hair? How about a hair braiding contest, blindfolded hair plaiting or incorporating threaded braids or beads into your creations? T. Make a no sew knotted item hat or cushion cover see Resources in appendix for instructions. This could be used as a great fundraiser! U. Make your own neckers for your unit or for an event and teach everyone wearing one how to tie a friendship knot. V. Make a bag out of an old t shirt, by just using scissors and a single knot! See the Resources Section. W. Research and try out some different knotting materials, such as different ropes and cord. Learn how to care for each and understand the difference between synthetic and natural materials. Discuss what you like about each type. Knotted Challenge Version 3; Page 6 of 14
ORDER FORM KNOTTED CHALLENGE Name of Unit Name of Person Ordering Number of Badges Ordered Address to send badges to Contact e mail address and / or phone number (in case of issue or query) Cost of badges ( 1 each) Number of pairs of pet ropes (pairs of paracord ropes in 2 colours (e.g. red and blue), about 25cm long. Cost of pet ropes (40p / pair ropes are approximately 20cm+ in length) P&P to add, UK: (1-20 badges - 1, 21-40 badges - 2, 40+ badges - 3 Pet ropes no extra P&P) International costs on request TOTAL COST TO PAY Please send cheques addressed to Guide Association Ribble Valley Please send cheques and order forms to: Ribble Valley Division Guiding c/o 8 Abner Row Foulridge Lancs BB8 7PN Payment would be preferred via cheque. If Paypal is needed to pay, please e mail ribblevalleydivision@gmail.com. Please note that badges will be sent second class as standard and normally dispatched within 2 weeks of payment being received. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND HAPPY KNOTTING Knotted Challenge Version 3; Page 7 of 14
Resources Section HOW TO TIE A REEF KNOT Use for tying: -The ends of a rope or 2 ropes together Commonly remembered as left over right, right over left. If you remember that the same end goes over and under both times, you should be ok. Knotted Challenge Version 3; Page 8 of 14
Resources Section HOW TO TIE A CLOVE HITCH Use for tying: -A rope around a post -Around a few sticks / poles to start a tripod Knotted Challenge Version 3; Page 9 of 14
Resources Section HOW TO TIE A FRIENDSHIP KNOT This is the finished knot when tightened: Above from the top (above) and also from the underside Knotted Challenge Version 3; Page 10 of 14
Resources Section HOW TO TIE A BOWLINE KNOT This knot makes a secure loop at the end of the rope and is used often in climbing. It has often been used when rescuing people from below or in water the loop can use used to sit in. It is also often used in sailing. Knotted Challenge Version 3; Page 11 of 14
Resources Section MAKE A BAG FROM AN OLD T SHIRT This works best with jersey material t shirts. Make sure that whoever it belongs / belonged to is happy for you to cut it up and if it s yours, check with a parent first if it s ok to cut it up! 1. Take an old t shirt and lay it out flat. Use a pen to mark out where you will cut, using the dotted lines below as a guide. Knotted Challenge Version 3; Page 12 of 14
Resources Section 2. Carefully cut along the lines you have marked, taking care to cut the same on the back of the t shirt as the front. You may find it is helpful to pin the front and back together to keep the sides together. 3. Turn the t shirt inside out and tie a knot in the bottom of the material, as near the bottom edge as you can, and pull the knot tight. 4. Turn the whole thing the right way out. The knot should sit in the bottom of your new bag Don t forget to tidy up afterwards! Knotted Challenge Version 3; Page 13 of 14
Badge and Branding Approval Photograph of the Badge Confirmation of Badge Review and Approval by Girlguiding v Knotted Challenge Version 3; Page 14 of 14