Woodsman Program

The Woodsman Program is an excellent program new Boy Scouts. It is designed to teach new Boy Scouts many of the Scouting skills required to advance through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class.

A new Boy Scout who earns First Class rank during his first year in Scouting will stay in the Scouting for an additional two years. One year to First Class is a BSA goal. Within the Woodsman Program a new Boy Scouts can pass many of the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class advancement requirements, and also have a great summer camp experience with all the other exciting activities in camp.

 

Woodsman Skill Areas	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thur	Fri
Ropes & Knots	AM	-	-	AM	-
Map & Compass	PM	-	-	PM	-
Nature	-	AM	-	-	AM
First Aid	-	PM	-	-	PM
Knife & Axe	-	-	AM	-	-
Cooking & Fire Building	-	-	PM	-	-
Swimming	X	-	-	-	-

While in the Woodsman Progam, Scouts have the opportunity to receive three additional certifications. These certifications are Totin'Chip, Safe Swim Defense, and Firem'n Chit. The requirements are explained in more detail below.

Totin' Chip: 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 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 good reason.
6. Subscribe to the Outdoor Code.

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

Safe Swim Defense: Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader must complete Safe Swim Defense training, have a commitment card with them, and agree to use the eight defenses in this plan.

One of the best opportunities for Safe Swim Defense training is in summer camp. The eight defenses are:

1. Qualified Supervision
2. Physical Fitness
3. Safe Area
4. Lifeguards on Duty
5. Lookout
6. Ability Groups
7. Buddy System
8. Discipline

Firem'n Chit: 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.