Make It Yourself
3D Printing Projects
Printable gear and gadgets for scouting, camping and the outdoors.
Scouts with access to a 3D printer can make some of their own gear. These are free designs shared by makers on Printables and Thingiverse. Click a project to see photos, download the files and read the designer’s print settings. Printed something that worked well? Send us a photo and we’ll add it here.
Before you print
Every design belongs to its creator. Download it from the original page and follow its license. Designs marked NC (non-commercial) can’t be sold, so don’t sell those prints at fundraisers. Printed gear is lighter and weaker than store-bought: never use printed parts for climbing, lifting or anything that holds a person’s weight. Plain PLA can soften in a hot car or the South Texas sun, so PETG or ASA is a better choice for gear that lives outdoors.
Low-Poly Fox Neckerchief Slide
Designed by UechiMike on Printables
A faceted fox slide that makes a good first print. A natural fit for a Fox patrol, or print one in each patrol’s colors.
Popcorn Bucket Neckerchief Slide
Designed by AlienThePete on Printables
A tiny popcorn bucket for the neckerchief. A fun nod to the troop’s fall popcorn sale.
Arrow Woggle (OA Neckerchief Slide)
Designed by AlienThePete on Printables
A neckerchief slide with an arrow on it, for scouts who are members of the Order of the Arrow.
Neckerchief Slide with a Blank Face
Designed by rheaghen on Thingiverse
A slide with a flat, blank front so scouts can add their own patrol emblem or design. A good project for a patrol to customize together.
Deer Head Neckerchief Slide
Designed by barchett on Thingiverse
Made for a patrol called the American Stags. A good example of turning a patrol name into a matching slide.
Scout Sign Woggle
Designed by MVSG on Thingiverse
A slide shaped like the Scout sign. The designer notes it needs to be mirrored in the slicer before printing so it shows the right hand.
Tent Stake
Designed by povsky on Printables
A simple printable tent stake. Handy as spares in the patrol box for soft ground; keep metal stakes for hard or rocky soil.
“Automatic” Paracord Rope Tensioner
Designed by firstgizmo on Printables
Tightens a clothesline or tarp ridgeline without tying a knot. One of the most popular camping prints on Printables. Try it side by side with a taut-line hitch.
Tarp Clip
Designed by F12bof on Printables
Clamps onto the edge of a tarp to make a tie-out point where there’s no grommet.
Mini Paracord Winders
Designed by BuildX on Printables
Small winders that keep short lengths of paracord tidy and tangle-free in a pack. Comes in four versions.
Paracord Bracelet Jig
Designed by gregornoriskin on Thingiverse
A jig that holds paracord steady while scouts braid survival bracelets. Makes a good hands-on meeting activity.
Flat Pocket Whistle
Designed by Jonas Daehnert on Printables
A loud, flat whistle that fits in a pocket or on a zipper pull. Every scout should carry a whistle on hikes and campouts.
Compact Emergency Whistle
Designed by whistleblower on Thingiverse
A small two-chamber emergency whistle the designer describes as extremely loud. Test a few prints side by side and keep the loudest.
Pocket First Aid Kit Organizer
Designed by The 3D Printing Warrant on Printables
An insert that turns a small mint tin into a pocket-size first aid kit. A good start on the personal first-aid kit for Tenderfoot 4d.
Pace Cord Bead
Designed by Cyclone-6 on Printables
Beads for a pace-count cord, to keep track of distance on a compass or orienteering course. Pairs with the Night Compass Course meeting activity.
Orienteering Control Punches
Designed by Samy on Printables
Make your own control punches so scouts can prove they reached each checkpoint on a troop orienteering course.
Scout Orienteering Tokens
Designed by Traumahawk on Thingiverse
Made by a scout dad for his own troop. Tie the tokens to landmarks; scouts follow compass headings from one to the next and spell out a word as they go.
Hiking Trowel
Designed by BN3D on Printables
A lightweight trowel for digging cat holes, so the patrol can practice Leave No Trace on the trail.
Flint and Steel Fire Starter Case
Designed by Handy Handcrafts on Printables
Keeps a flint, striker and tinder together and dry. Useful for practicing fire building for Second Class.
Know a great scouting print?
Send the link (and a photo of your print) to bsatroop87@hotmail.com and we’ll add it here.