Mosquito Net Frames

Summer camp is just around the corner, so that means we can start talking about mosquito net frames. I have seen several designs that have been used at camp to hold the mosquito net above the cots inside the tents. So the frame that I have drawn in the attached file is not the only way this can be done. However, I think that this frame has a couple of advantages. First, it is angled so that you can have more room under your mosquito net and still slide it over to the side of the tent. Second, it can be easily modified to be longer/shorter or wider/narrower, depending on the size of your mosquito net and cot. The tent on the right has frames like the one in the drawing. The tent on the left has frames with a flat top. Also, I used 1/2-inch PVC. If you want a more rigid and stronger frame, you can use 3/4-inch PVC.

I would recommend that you first get your cot and mosquito net. Academy has both of these items. We also have scouts in the troop that have these items and could loan them out if they are camping that same week. I have one possibly two) cots and mosquito net frames that would be available for Lost Pines.

After you have your cot and mosquito net, you build the frame. The reason that you want to do it in this order is that the nets and cots vary in size and you may need to modify the attached plans to fit.

If you build this frame, here are some pointers.

1. Four 10-foot pieces of PVC are enough for this project. However, you need to give some thought to how to cut up the pieces before you start, or you will need a fifth. The following cuts that will work with only 4 lengths of PVC:

   1. Cut the first pipe into 4 pieces of 30"

   2. Cut the second pipe into 1 length of 34", 2 lengths of 32.5", and 6 lengths of 3.5"

   3. Cut the third pipe into 1 length of 30", 2 lengths of 32.5", and 1 length of 19"

   4. Cut the fourt pipe into 1 length of 30", 2 lengths of 34", and 1 length of 19"

2. The lengths specified in the handout fit my large Magellan cot. The width was just fine, fitting snugly against the side of the cot. The length is just an inch or so shorter than the ends of the cot. The frame legs are between the cot legs and the ends of the cot. I think it will work just fine. If necessary you can lengthen the frame by making the 32.5" segments just a little longer, but you will need to figure out your own pipe cuts or buy another piece of pipe.

3. Lastly, I added 4 end caps to use on the feet. They will help keep dirt and bugs out of the pipes, as well as adding a smoother end to keep from tearing your tarp.

4. Mark the connection points with a marker or tape to help when you reassemble the pieces at camp.

5. Use a bag from an old folding chair to put all of the pieces in for storage and transportation

6. Academy can sell out of mosquito nets as we get closer to summer camp time (early June). Thinking about this ahead of time will save you some hassles later.