Hey, Scouts and Scouters! How about a fun and competitive way to learn tying knots? Knotmasters helps you to learn the knots you need for advancement and keeps your skills sharp. Every Scout and Adult will enjoy participating. Here's how it works.

There are four skill levels in the program. Each level is represented by a different color rope. Everyone starts out with a pink rope. Each color change represents an increase in skill and knowledge. Skill levels are achieved one meeting or activity at a time. As Scouts and Scouters learn, they will in turn teach and encourage each other. The real fun of Knotmasters is in the competition. Any Scout or Adult can challenge the knot tying ability of any other Scout or Adult at any time except during the business part of a troop meeting. Only one challenge is allowed per person each day. You are allowed only two attempts to properly make each knot. You also need to know the purpose of each knot.

If you can not tie the knots required for the level rope you are wearing, you must return to the pink rope and cannot change back to a higher level until the next meeting or activity. Even then, you have to work your way back up, one level per meeting or activity. If you show up at a meeting or activity without your rope, you are allowed to wear one of the troop's pink ropes. If you come to two meetings or activities in a row, you will automatically return to the pink level. Lost ropes may be replaced for $1.00 each.

To introduce a new knot (not on this list) you must give each participant a minimum of one meeting or at least one day notice, these are added to the Advanced Knotmasters skill level. Knotmasters and above are the judges at all times.

The Colors and Skill Levels:

1. PINK - Rope issued; learn Lark's Head
2. WHITE (or any solid color) - All First Class Knots (they are in your Scout Handbook). Square Knot, Half Hitch, Two Half Hitches, Taut-line Hitch, Clove Hitch, Timber Hitch, and Bowline.
3. Knotmasters (Colored Climbing Rope) - White level knots plus; Sheet Bend, Sheep Shank, Mooring Hitch, Square, Diagonal and shear Lashing, One Handed Bowline, and the Alpine Butterfly.
4. Advanced Knotmasters (Colored Climbing Rope with Whipping) - Can teach all knots plus; End or Back Splice, Eye Splice, Short Splice, plus all added knots.

To wear your rope is an honor. Your rope must never be used inappropriately. NEVER - use your rope to tie or hit another person, swing your rope in the air, or use it in any dangerous manner. Failure to follow these rules will result in the return to the first level or loss of your privilege to wear the rope of the Knotmasters.

*Galactically Famous