Summary

Monkey bridges are fun to build and use; however, as with all pioneering projects, strict safety measures are essential. Please adhere to all Guide to Safe Scouting standards during construction and operation.

General Information

• There should only be one person on a monkey bridge at a time.
• Scouts should only climb onto the monkey bridge after all lashings are tight and the structure has been completely inspected by a qualified adult leader.
• While crossing a monkey bridge, participants should not bounce or purposely swing or sway on the ropes, nor should anyone race to see how quickly they can get across.
• Participants waiting their turn to cross a monkey bridge should stay off the ropes until the participant before them has exited the monkey bridge.
• Everyone should stay off a monkey bridge whenever the foot and hand ropes are being tightened or the spanner ropes are being adjusted.
• Anchorages and holdfasts are essential for safe bridges. Check soil conditions to ensure that pickets driven into the ground are secure and will not move.
• Pickets should be at least 4 feet in length, 4 inches in diameter, and pointed at one end. Pickets should be driven at least 3 feet into the ground. Pickets are ideally used in sets of three.
• The log and picket holdfasts provide a sound anchorage, so at least four pairs of pickets are recommended.
• Monkey bridges constructed and used during council-sponsored events must follow guidelines outlined in section PS-212 of the National Camp Accreditation Program National Camp Standards book.