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Boy Scout Troop 215

Totin' Chip & Firem'n Chit Certification Tests

Safety has always been a high priority in any Scout function and activity. Two tools to help with safety in the troop in the Totin' Chip Card and the Firem'n Chit card. These cards are given to Scouts who have demonstrated that they are knowledgeable of the safety rules associated with these cards.   

All Scouts should earn these cards by the time they achieve the rank of First Class.

Totin' Chip

In order to attain his Totin Chip Card, a Scout must demonstrate that he knows the ruled for safe handling of a hatchet, ax, saw, and pocket knife.   Below are the Requirements for a Totin' Chip Card.
 

BSA Requirements for the Card:
 

The wording below appears in Boy Scout Requirements.  The introductory text in the book reads as follows:
 

This certification grants a Scout the right to carry and use woods tools. The Scout must show his Scout leader, or someone designated by his leader, that he understands his responsibility to do the following:

1. Read and understand woods tools use and safety rules from the Boy Scout Handbook.

2. Demonstrate proper handling, care, and use of the pocket knife, ax, and saw.

3. Use the knife, ax, and saw as tools, not playthings.

4. Respect all safety rules to protect others.

5. Respect property. Cut living and dead trees only with permission and with good reason.

6. Subscribe to the Outdoor Code.

The Scout's "Totin' Rights" can be taken from him if he fails in his responsibility.

Many Scouts earn this card during demonstrations at summer camp or camporees. The staff signs cards for each Scout who was present for the demonstration. Scouts receive the card with the understanding that they may lose in if they violate safety rules. In Troop 215, Scouts are not allowed to use wood tools until they earn the card. Troop 215 allows up to four violations before taking the card away from the Scout.  Violations are recorded by tearing off a corner of the card. Extreme violations may result in multiple corners or immediate suspension of Totin' Chip Rights.  Once a card looses all four corners the Scout must earn it once again.   

NOTE: Scouts who have earned this card - Regardless of Age or Rank MUST have this card with them at all times at any Scouting Outdoor activity.  Any Scout can be asked to produce this card by any leader from any Troop at any time.  If a scout does not have this card on them, they will NOT be allowed to handle any wood tools during that event.

If you are ready to take the written certification for Totin' Chip - click here!
 

Firem'n Chit
 

The Firem'n Chit card is used in the same manner. However, the topic covered is fire safety, fire building, and safe cooking skills. Many of these rules and tips are covered under chapter 10 of the new handbook, however many others are scattered through the book.   

BSA Requirements for the Card:

The requirements in Boy Scout Requirements read as follows:

This certification grants a Scout the right to carry matches and build campfires. The Scout must show his Scout leader, or someone designated by his leader, that he understands his responsibility to do the following:

1. Read and understand fire use and safety rules from the Boy Scout Handbook.

2. Secure necessary permits (regulations vary by locality).

3. Clear all flammable vegetation at least 5 feet in all directions from fire (total 10 feet).

4. Attend to fire at all times.

5. Keep fire-fighting tools (water and/or shovel) readily available.

6. Leave fire when it is cold out.

7. Subscribe to the Outdoor Code and Leave-No-Trace.

The Scout's "Firem'n Rights" can be taken from him if he fails in his responsibility.

Many Scouts earn this card during demonstrations at summer camp or camporees. The staff signs cards for each Scout who was present for the demonstration. Scouts receive the card with the understanding that they may lose in if they violate safety rules. In Troop 215, Scouts are not allowed to to build fires, cook or work with fires until they earn the card. Troop 215 allows up to four violations before taking the card away from the Scout.  Violations are recorded by tearing off a corner of the card. Extreme violations may result in multiple corners or immediate suspension of Firem'n Chit Rights.  Once a card looses all four corners the Scout must earn it once again.   

NOTE: Scouts who have earned this card - Regardless of Age or Rank MUST have this card with them at all times at any Scouting Outdoor activity.  Any Scout can be asked to produce this card by any leader from any Troop at any time.  If a scout does not have this card on them, they will NOT be allowed to handle any wood tools during that event.

If you are ready to take the written certification for Firem'n Chit - click here!

Totin' Chip Test  & Firem'n Chit Test Test answers may be found by clicking on the links at the bottom of the test pages.  Each Test allows for the Scout to enter their name, take the test and automatically scored.  Once this is done, the Scout can print out this page and bring it to a Scout Leader who will help them complete the requirements for these cards.