Knot Tying – Clove Hitch Knot – Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Youth learn how to tie a clove hitch knot and practice using it for simple camping tasks.

Items Needed:

Rope (one length per Youth)
Small post, stick, or chair leg (one per Youth)
(Optional) Tie a Clove Hitch Knot by GSUSA

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20–30 min):

Learn what a clove hitch is. (5–7 min)
- Show youth what the knot looks like.
- Explain that it is used to tie a rope to a stick, post, or tree. Share how campers use it to hang items or hold gear in place.
Try it step by step. (8–10 min)
- Demonstrate how to tie the knot using simple steps or a diagram.
- Youth follow along using their rope and post. Repeat the steps together until everyone can make the knot.
Practice on their own. (5–10 min)
- Youth practice tying the knot without looking at the diagram. Leaders help anyone who needs support.
- Try tying it a few different ways to see how strong and useful it is.
(Optional) Talk about camping uses. (5–6 min)
- Share fun ideas for using the knot outdoors, such as hanging a paper towel roll between trees.
- Youth brainstorm other ways the knot could help during a camping trip.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

Alternative Instructions: Tie a Clove Hitch Knot by GSUSA
Video: Animated Knots

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Click Here -> See what GSUSA Requirements could be met

Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Daisy Buddy Camper badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Brownie Cabin Camper badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Junior Camper badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Cadette Primitive Camper badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Cadette Trailblazing badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Cadette Eco Trekker badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Senior Adventure Camper badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Ambassador Survival Camper badge requirements.

Click Here -> See what Scouting America Requirements could be met

Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Fulfills Step 1 of Tiger Let’s Camp Tiger requirements.
Fulfills Step 1 of Wolf Let’s Camp Wolf requirements.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
_{(No official Groups)}

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Updated on January 2, 2026, by:

Tia Kennard

Click Here -> To see information References:

Disclaimer: The information published on Youth Activity Archive and The Badge Archive is built from the references listed below. These sources demonstrate that our content is grounded in facts and research, not opinion or speculation. Readers may consult them directly when looking for additional material.

Animated Knots. “Clove Hitch – Rope End.” animatedknots.com, http://www.animatedknots.com/clove-hitch-knot-rope-end. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.
Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. “Tie a Clove Hitch Knot.” My.girlscouts.org, 2020, https://my.girlscouts.org/content/dam/girlscouts-vtk/meeting-aids/Brownie-Tie-A-Clove-Hitch.pdf. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.
Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. “Volunteer Toolkit Explore.” Girlscouts.org, my.girlscouts.org/content/girlscouts-vtk/en/vtk.explore.html. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.