Public Totin'& Fire chip - Boy Scout Troop 289 (Clarksville, Tennessee)

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 of the card's topic.

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. In the new Scout Handbook these rules and tips may be found under chapter 4.
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 many troops a Scout are not allowed to use wood tools until he earns the card. Many troops allow up to four violations before taking the card away from the Scout. Violations are recorded by tearing off a corner of the card. Once a card looses all four corners the Scout must earn it once again.
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.

The leadership of Troop 289 immediately saw the value of using these cards. However, after seeing some Scouts still breaking the rules, and at times not even understanding them, the troop leadership decided to make it tougher to earn the cards.
Scouts must earn both cards each year. Cards are dated when they are earned are are good for one year from that date. A Scout usually does not have any trouble earning it each year.
Troop 289 is also tougher on the violation penalties. Scouts are allowed only one corner to be ripped of the card. When the second violation occurs the Scout loses his card and then must re-earn it.
How a Troop 289 Boy Scout earns the card is probably the toughest of any troop. While troop leadership always encouraged members to attend demonstrations and read the handbook they discovered that some Scouts did not take the time to read or pay attention at the demonstration. So, in order to earn a card the Scout must take a written test (or verbal if he chooses). There are 20-25 questions on each of the tests. A Scout must receive an 80% score to pass.

The test have gone through several revisions over the years. Usually these changes occur when the handbook is rewritten. If a Scout reads the handbook and pays attention at demonstrations he usually will pass the test. However, many Scouts do not pass it the first time. The troop allows a Scout to take either test as many times as needed. However, it may only be taken once per day

Troop 289 Totin' Chip Test

KNIVES
1. Sharpen your knife on an oiled _____________________.
2. Hold the blade at a _____ degree angle to the whetstone.
3. How many hands are used to properly close a knife?____________________.
4. Don’t carry a knife with the _________ open.
5. Close the _________ before handing the knife to a friend.
6. Cut __________ from you to prevent injury.
7. Keep your knife dry, __________, and ___________ at all times.

AXES
8. List eight of the 14 areas of an ax.
1. ____________________ 5. ____________________
2. ____________________ 6. ____________________
3. ____________________ 7. ____________________
4. ____________________ 8. ____________________
9. How do you fix a loose ax head? ____________________________________
10. When honing an ax rub a dry ____________ against the ax blade in a ________________ motion.
11. What does bucking a log mean?
12. What is the procedure for filing an ax?
13. Safe cutting with an ax requires clearance of an area at least how far all around?
14. List two reasons for not driving an ax into the ground.
15. How many people are allowed in an ax yard at any time?
16. When an ax is not in use, what should be done with the blade?
17. Describe the contact method for chopping a stick.
18. Describe the contact method for splitting a stick.
19. Ax safety: _________ when you are tired. __________ it when not in use. When passing an ax to
someone, hold the handle near the _____________ with the _______________ down.

SAWS
20. A saw will cut wood __________ as fast as an ax.
21. Hold the wood ___________ in place and use _____________, smooth saw strokes.
22. When you have ____________ to clear a campsite of saplings, saw them off just above ____________.
23. Name two kinds of camp saws.
24. What kind of file is used to sharpen a saw?
25. Write the Outdoor Code and explain what it means.

Each question = 4 pts. Score______________
75 pts. to pass/100 points possible

Attachments
Icon	File Name	Comment
	Boy Scout Troop 289 Totin Chip Test Answers.docx

Troop 289 Firem'n Chit Test

100 POINTS. EACH QUESTION WORTH UP TO 4 POINTS.

NEED 75% TO PASS.
(Write down your answers on a separate sheet of paper.)

Name; _________________________________________ Patrol; __________________Score;________

1) In many public parks & grounds you may need a _____________to build a fire.
2) In areas where campfires are not allowed you may need to cookon a ____________________.
3) Name two of the four fuels commonly used in camping stoves.
4) Never leave a lighted stove _____________________.
5) Always keep a campfire under complete ____________________.
6) Clean a campfire site down to _________________ , then removeall burnable material away from it for a radius of ______________.
7) If you must prepare a new fire site remove a (how many) _______________foot square piece sod and place it in a _________________ place with whichside up?
8) What are the three categories of materials needed for a properfire?
9) Break or saw fuel wood into pieces about _____________ long.
10) Name three types of fire lays.
11) What is a fuzz stick? When is one used?
12) How is a 'fire bug' made?
13) Name three types of campfire 'fireplaces'.
14) Name two ways to waterproof a match.
15) Name three ways of starting a fire with out matches.
16) What is the Cold Out test?
17) When putting out a fire sprinkle ______________ on the embers,then _____________ the embers with a stick.
18) When water is scarce, what two items can be worked into the coalsto extinguish the flames?
19) When using charcoal, you should light the briquettes how many minutesbefore you need them?
20) List two fire fighting tools (not water).
21) Write the cooking slogan that campers use.
22) Never take tinder or fuel from a ______________ tree.
23) Keep a supply of dry tinder in a ________________________.
24) What should a fire site be examined for before leaving the site?
25) Write the Outdoor Code

Attachments
Icon	File Name	Comment
	Firem’n Chit Answers Page.docx

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