Totin' Chip
Totin' Chip | |||
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Totin' Chip equipment emblem | |||
Country | United States | ||
Created | 1950 | ||
Founder | John Page, Yawgoog Scout Reservation | ||
Awarded for | Demonstrate knowledge of and proper handling, care, and use of the pocket knife, axe, and saw. | ||
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The Totin' Chip is an award in Boy Scouts of America that shows Scouts understand and agree to certain principles of using different tools with blades. With this, a Scout has the right to carry and use woods tools. A Scout must demonstrate to his Scout leader, or someone designated by his leader, that he understands his responsibility.
The basic principle for blade-use in the Boy Scouts is to use blades only for constructive purposes.
Basic safety rules and requirements for this recognition are:
- Read and understand woods tools use and safety rules from the Boy Scout Handbook.
- Demonstrate proper handling, care, and use of the pocket knife, axe, and saw.
- When not using a blade keep it covered (sheaths, folding knives, etc.).
- Use only sharp clean blades, as they are less likely to slip.
- When carrying blades, keep them sheathed and keep axe and saw blades at your side with the blade perpendicular to your body.
- When passing a blade it must be closed or sheathed. Before you let go the other person acknowledges that they are holding the blade by saying 'thank you'.
- Check to make sure no one is in your blood circle before you use a blade (i.e. No one within your maximum reach with the blade).
- When using a knife cut away from yourself, preferably while sitting at a table.
- When using an axe, saw, or hatchet wear safety glasses and gloves and ensure that when you cut through the object you will encounter something hard.
- Respect property. Only cut dead trees and with good reason. Make sure you have permission before cutting any trees, living or dead.
- Subscribe to the Outdoor Code.
A scout is given a Totin' Chip card when he meets the requirements. A Scout can lose "Totin' Rights" if he commits a severe violation of the rules. If a scout loses his "Totin' Rights" he may get it back by taking the lesson again and passing the requirements. A Totin' Chip is required for the Woodcarving merit badge and to choose a knife prize for selling popcorn.
A similar award, the Firem'n Chit, allows the Scout to build and light campfires, as well as carry matches. In a similar vein, the Scout has a set of rules to follow when using fire and can lose the rights by breaking these rules.
See also
External links
- Totin' Chip at Scouting.org
- http://scoutleaderawards.com/advance/boyscout/totinchip.asp - US Scouting Service Project
- https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByR7x2hv-W3IMDdmTEw5WVdhVTQ/edit?usp=sharing - Printable sheet of Totin' Chip