Introducing hanging to Scouts

**BryanG** · 09-17-2013, 09:56

First and for most, We camp in Florida, it is always wet (rain or dew) and there are always bugs.

We have 2 leaders that hang, one for years, one just started. I have been interested in it but the cost of entry is so high (people always talking about $100+)

Then I so web blog thing with the author of the Ultimate Hang. He talked about how he was hanging with his family and with his troop. Oh, this is interesting, but how can we afford that???? He went on to say that there are hammocks for $30 out there, but you can DIY for less.

So I am interested in figuring out how I can introduce this form of camping to our Troop. I would like to see the Scouts try new and different things. If I can build out 5 hammocks for $30 each (including a bug netting) I think I may be able to convince the Troop to offer it up as an option.

Where do I start to put a project like this together? Any suggestions?
I think I will start with getting myself and my son a hammock, and build from there. Budget is always a concern, I need to try and do this as inexpensively as possible.

**DAdamEich** · 09-17-2013, 10:04

You should search the DIY sub-forum. There is TONS of information in there, as well as tutorials and lots of people that have done it before. There will be suggestions on where to get materials and everything. Go through the sticky threads first, that's always a good place to start. Good luck!

**bab5freak** · 09-17-2013, 10:35

Papasmurf used to have it on his web page, but I don't see it anymore. At any rate, here is a thread about how DIYing scout hammocks, and it is probably a good starting point: DIY Scout Hammock Thread

**BryanG** · 09-17-2013, 11:15

Well look at that.

I think this place is going to cost me a bunch of money

**DAdamEich** · 09-17-2013, 11:50

Haha... welcome to the club.

**mountain_man_mike** · 09-17-2013, 13:30

Be careful what you ask for though. You might find another addiction. Then again, it's only an hour a week

**cpverne** · 09-17-2013, 14:06

... per boy.

**Gristlehead** · 09-17-2013, 14:12

An Hour a week is the time you reserve for your wife and family...

**BryanG** · 09-17-2013, 14:19

Oh man ... I am a Cubmaster and Troop Committee Chair. I have a Star who is currently a Patrol Leader and Webelos I.

I took the pack from a small 20 scout pack, that camped 2 times a year, to 65 scouts that camp 8 times a year. We formed our Troop 18ish months ago, have 20 active boys and camp 12 to 14 times a year.

Wife is always screaming about family time. (oh the Webelos is also playing Travel Baseball, just to spice it up a little)

I love being out doors, always looking for new innovative fun things to make it easier and expand the boys experience. I think with Hammocks I get to being all sorts of new skills to the table. What I am really looking forward to is the inventiveness that the scouts can bring to the table in customizing their hang. This is going to be a lot of fun, I think. IF I can get the Scout Master to buy in

**mountain_man_mike** · 09-17-2013, 16:32

Just to make things challenging for you with the lil bride, check out WLMiller's Hammock Camping merit badge. The merit badge is unofficial but a total blast and wildly popular with the boys.

https://docs.google.com/document/pub...TCpwQvSx9kGwxM

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ng+merit+badge