Flag pole learning basics.

Using teaching aids to learn how to erect a flag pole assists with back ground visual knowledge. We use various teaching aids often when showing the Guides how to erect a flag pole. Like all things the picture might be worth a thousand words but to actually get the flag flying there is more than just hastly shoving up a pole with a few roles and rocks. It's having the background information and lots of practice.

Firstly there are the knots that need practising. Then the measurements that ensure the poles manageability are worked out. From the ground end to 1/3 of the way up is the focus point for tying the clove hitch. Leaving 2/3rds the height of the pole above this clove hitch. The clove hitch area is important as the ropes from one peg to the other run straight out (at a 180 deg ) either side to the pegs are then tied off with rolling hitches. The ropes to the peg are called guy ropes. The two guy ropes used for the four pegs cross over at the clove hitch point.

Starting at the top of the pole a grommet is tied onto the pole. The string that ties the grommet into position run twice around the pole. Then a reef knot [squareknot] ties the grommet into poistion. When the grommet is hand made there should be enourh string left to tie this onto place securely. When the grommet is made it is made small and tight.

The Halyard rope, which hoists the flag into position, runs through this Grommet. As a guess the halyard should be just shot of being one measure from the top of the pole to the cleat and back plus about another 1/4 meter for securing up the halyard.

The cleat is square lashed on at about elbow height of the Colour Bearer. The halyards are 'figure of 8' tied off at the cleat.

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Set up a flag pole well.

Knowing how to set up a camp flag pole so that there is no danger of it falling down, or being in the wrong spot is something that can easily be learned by watching, trying and doing.....then doing again another time. On a slightly breezy day having time to watch you flag flap in the breeze is a good feeling. Knowing that that same breeze will not sent the pole sideways is even better!

One real trick to this is learning how to erect the flag pole and having a good grasp of background knowledge and experience. this will include knowing how to choose the right pole, the site, the size of the flag, the weather conditions, having the knots just the right tautness, tied in the correct spot, and of course having the appropriate knot tied for the job.

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Campcraft acting

The Guides are numbered in their patrols. All no. 1's come to the leader who tells them a camp activity. They return to their patrols and mime it. The first patrol to guess correctly wins. Then no.2's go up for a different activity.

Examples — blowing the fire, knocking in a tent peg, making your bed, getting into bed, hoisting colours, campfire, breaking colours, washing up

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