In addition to most of the above, some education is the workings of simple mechanical items. I know cars today are not as simple as they once were, as everything is managed by a computer. However, it's sad when I meet a man who has no clue whatsoever on how to do anything with a tool in his hands.

As far as knots, I think every human should know how to tie a hitch (I prefer two half hitches), a bend that will connect two lines together (double becket bend) AND, ABOVE ALL, a bowline. And bowlines should be tied without the use of the rabbit, tree and hole story.

And thseng's comments on cubscouts being too craftsy are right on. It was fine to be one for two years, but at the end of those two years, it was lame, and that is a memory from thirty years ago.