Monkey Bridge (The Real Deal)

The well-known, time-tested, traditional Monkey Bridge is perhaps the most familiar of all Scout pioneering projects. It’s frequently featured at Scout Expos, Camporees, Scout Camps, and is often a central attraction at public gatherings where Scouting is represented.

Using a double A-frame to build a monkey bridge is a departure from the usual X-frame that supports the foot rope and hand ropes. This new method has two distinct advantages over the X- frame version.

First, the double A-frame provides a wider base making it less likely to tip over. The second advantage is that the positions of the A-frames can be adjusted so the span between the hand ropes can be narrowed for better balance as you make the crossing.

Here's a detailed, step by step procedure and list of materials.

Scouts lash together two 8ʼ spars and one 6ʼ spar to form four A-Frames.

Two A-Frames are joined together to form each side of the bridge.

The Double A-Frames are held up in the proper positions and at the right distance.

Two Hand Ropes and one Foot Rope are tied on and anchored at either end.

Spanner Ropes are added to the Hand Ropes and Foot Ropes.

The Monkey Bridge is tested and adjustments are made as necessary.