What Is Firecrafter?

What Is Firecrafter?

Firecrafters is a Boy Scout honor camper association similar to the Order of the Arrow. Click here for more information ( or visit the official Firecrafter website(

Dedication:

This Firecrafter Website is dedicated to my late uncle, Henry Marsh, who became an Eagle Scout at Camp Belzer in 1920 and the Firecrafter's first Minisino in 1920, John Wyatt, who encouraged me become a Firecrafter, and John Pratt, who served Scouting for over 35 years and was for most of those years Firecrafter's historian. I too am a Firecrafter (Ransburg Fire, July 15, 1972), though it has been many years since I attended a Firecrafter event. And yes I am a member of the Order of the Arrow - Vigil 1971. It has been a long time, so please accept my apologies in advance if I've missed some of the recent changes to the Firecrafter organization.

Short History:

Fircrafters was conceived by Chief Belzer of the then Central Indiana Council in 1920 as an association of honor Scout campers to promote the best values in Scouting among youth. (This was in the days before the Order of the Arrow was adopted by the National Office of the Boy Scouts of America as the primary honor camper association.) Chief Belzer based much of his new organization on Daniel Beard's Woodcraft Camp at CulverMilitaryAcademy.

In the 1920s and 1930s the Firecrafter organization took hold in many Midwester Councils and was particularly strong in Indiana and Illinois.

Over the years Firecrafters lost ground to the Order of the Arrow and by the late 1960s was only active in four councils. In the early 1970s these Councils introduced the Order of the Arrow and membership gradually declined.

Each Council Firecrafter Organization was composed of Embers (similar to Order of the Arrow Chapters) in each District. Each Ember had a distinctive flap patch until 1972 (similar to Order of the Arrow flap patches).

Firecrafter is still actively promoting Scout camping in the Crossroads of America Council, Lincoln Trails Council, and Okaw Valley Council.

For Firecrafter service and events members wore an olive drab athletic shirt adorned with a backpatch sized circular badge of Firecrafter rank over a white T-shirt with uniform shorts or trousers. For normal uniform wear a three inch version of the Firecrafter Badge of rank was worn suspended from the right pocket button on a leather backing or sewn in the place of a temporary patch. The round patch has a Red "C" for camping. The fire has three points for the three points of the Scout Oath. Members frequently include "XXX" above their names in the same manner as Order of the Arrow members use "WWW".

Firecrafter Purpose:

In direct pursuit of the principles and ideals of Scouting for boys the Firecrafter Organization was creatThe Firecrafter Organization and each individual Firecrafter shall be directed toward the observance of the following creed:

“That unselfish friendship to others at all times makes a better Scout.

That high trusts and responsibilities of leadership cannot be neglected or forgotten.

That sincere lifelong service to Scouting will aid young men in the building of better character and citizenship.”

Firecrafter Method:

The Firecrafter program was designed to help Cubmasters and Scoutmasters in their responsibility for citizenship and leadership by promoting advancement, camping. leadership training, service, and character development.

The first five ranks are earned by completing a succession of requirements that in part reinforce the Webelos to Scout transition and the first three ranks of Scouting, while challenging each Scout to go a bit further.

Webelos Scouts may earn the first two ranks of Firecrafter. The first two ranks (Webelos Camper and Firelight) are directly administered by the Cubmaster.

As part of promoting camping, Scouts are encouraged to earn their third and fourth ranks (Camper and Woodsman) during a long term resident camp. These two ranks are admistered by the Scoutmaster.

The fifth rank (Firecrafter) is administered by Firecrafters in established council camps. The rank of Firecrafter is only conferred following a weekend Grand Ritual similar to the Order of the Arrow Ordeal.

These three camp ranks (Camper, Woodsman, and Firecrafter) require candidate Scouts to adhere to the high standards of Scouting and Firecrafter in daily life.

Minisinoin days gone by was the highest rank, but today is an honor similar to the Order of the Arrow's Vigil Honor. The Minisino honor is conferred for extraordinary service and may not be earned. This honor is administered by Minisinos in Council camps.

Adult Membership

Adult membership was in 1971 based on nomination at the rate of one per every 300 youth members. Candidates were screened by youth officers of the Fire and then voted on by the Alumni association and approved by the Council Camping Committee.

Additional Information

Additional information may be obtained by writing to:

The Crossroads of America Council
P.O. Box 1966
Indianapolis, Indiana46206-1966

Or by calling

Phone: (317) 925-1900
Fax: (317) 921-3474

And if you plan to visit,
their street address is:

1900 North Meridian Street

Firecrafter has six recognitions (ranks and honors):

Webelos Camper

The Webelos Camper award is designed to provide a challenging and beneficial program for Webelos. The requirements of this award not only offer a valuable experience, but also help the Webelos to advance along the trail to the Arrow of Light.

The award is also designed to promote long-term camping and to encourage the Webelos to continue into Boy Scouting. The patch earned provides the incentive for this program and for continuing in the Firecrafter program once the boy becomes a Scout. It is an integral part of the Cub Scout Day Camp program.

The Webelos Camper award is completed within a five-day Day Camp period. If a Webelos has not completed the requirements in this time, he must discard his requirement card and begin again. This is done to emphasize personal responsibility for success. All the requirements are geared toward camp and making a smooth transition from Webelos to Scouting by stressing the importance of the camping experience in a Scout's life.

Requirements

Attend Webelos Camp (Cub Day Camp or Adventure Camp) for five days.

Learn the Outdoor Code, and repeat from memory.

Be introduced to the Scout Law. The Webelos should be introduced to the meaning of the Scout Law, but not expected to memorize the points.

Know the Scout Motto.

Know the Scout Slogan.

Know the Scout Sign.

Know the Scout Salute.

Know the Scout Handshake.

Learn to set up tentage. A proper camper must be able to set up tentage, any kind of tent will qualify for this requirement.

Tie two of these knots: Square, Bowline, Taut-Line hitch.

Know the significance of the Webelos Badge. Tell what each part stands for.

Tell the three ideals of Firecrafter.

Participate in the parent-son overnighter, or explain how to take a safe hike.

Read the requirements for the rank of Firelite.

Firelight

The Firelight Award is the most recent addition to the Firecrafter Program. It is designed for second-year Webelos attending Webelos Adventure Camp at CampKikthawenund. It builds on the Webelos Camper Rank. Neither cub rank is required for a boy scout to earn any other Firecrafter ranks.

Requirements

1.Attend second year Webelos Camp (Adventure Camp).

2.Repeat from memory the Scout Oath.

3.Repeat from memory the Scout Law.

4.Show once again that you can give:

a.the Scout Motto

b.the Scout Slogan

c.the Scout Sign

d.the Scout Salute

e.the Scout Handshake

5. Explain how to treat the following First Aid cases:

a.Hurry cases

b.Shock

c.Cuts, scratches

d.Puncture Wounds

e.Poison Ivy

6. Understand and explain the meaning of:

a.the Scout Badge

b.the Arrow of Light

7. Know the four main compass points and their degree readings.

8. Nature Awareness

a.Identify six forest trees.

b.Identify six forest plants.

9. Tell the three ideals of Firecrafter

10. Take a one mile hike.

11. Be introduces to the Boy Scout Firecrafter ranks. Read the requirements for Camper.

12. Participate in the Spark of Interest Trail.

Eligibility

Have or receive the Webelos Camper rank.

Camper

The Camper rank is designed for the first year Camper and is a basic review of the Tenderfoot requirements. The Camper rank is easily included in a normal camp schedule; the rank is elementary and earning it should cause little interference with other camping activities.

The Camper rank must be begun and completed within a five day period. If the Scout has not completed the requirements in this time he must discard his requirement card and begin again. This is done to emphasize personal responsibility. All requirements are geared toward long-term camping, stressing the importance of including this experience in a Scout's life, a basic Firecrafter purpose. The Firecrafter program is available to units planning Lone Troop long-term camping away from an established council camp, upon application by the Scoutmaster. Applications are available in the CouncilServiceCenter and should be submitted no later that April 15th.

It is important that the instruction be followed carefully so this rank will be truly quality review of the Scouting requirements. In each requirement of Camper, Woodsman, and Firecrafter, the Scout should have passed a fair, yet rigid examination. To be a truly quality review, the standards of the Firecrafter camp rank system cannot be lowered. Improper qualification could harm the camper's chance to complete successfully the higher ranks and lessen the significance of the rank for others. Camper is easily included in a normal camp schedule.

Requirements

1.Understand and demonstrate the principles and high standards of Firecrafter in personal attitude and example, showing respect for your fellow campers and your environment.

The Scout should perform his given duties in camp and in the camp site. He should follow the rules of the camp at all times. He shall show respect for his fellow campers and his environment. If the Scoutmaster wishes to do so, he may have the Scout stand a brief personal and tent inspection as part of this requirement.

2.Repeat from memory the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan. Be able to give the Scout Sign, Salute, and Handshake. Tell the meaning of each in your own words.

The scout shall recite from memory the entire wording of the Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan.

3.Tell how Scouting began and how it came to America.

The Scout should tell in his own words how Scouting began and how Baden-Powell's concepts came to America (see Boy Scout Handbook)..

4.Hiking

d.Tell what to do to take a safe hike.

e.Plan and take a hike in the field demonstrating proper methods and courtesies.

The Scout should explain proper precautions, including road safety, clothing, hike plan, and common hiking courtesies. The Scout should submit a hike plan before leaving and report on the experience upon returning to camp. He should be made aware of restrictions, boundaries, and dangers of camp. During his hike, he must be accompanied by someone appointed by the leader, the leader himself, or a qualified staff member. The Scout must demonstrate proper hiking methods and courtesies throughout the hike.

5.Compass

e.Explain how a compass works.

f.Give the eight (8) principal points and their degree readings.

g.In the field, follow a route through three different degree readings.

The Scout shall orient a map (preferably a topographical map) and follow a course outlined on the map, taking at least three degree readings.

6.Using a topographic map, demonstrate your knowledge of ten (10) common map symbols, including contour lines.

7.Demonstrate at least one way to find your way by the stars.

This is required so that the Scout may better find his way if he is lost at night. Preferable methods of determining direction involve locating the North Star. If observation is prevented by poor weather every night of the camping trip, this requirement may be satisfied by using cards, charts, or something similar.

8.Whip the end of a rope. Tie and explain the uses of the square knot, bowline, clove hitch, and taut-line hitch.

9.Demonstrate the proper handling, use, and care of a pocket knife.

10.Do one hour of service beyond what is normally expected.

One purpose of this requirement is to let the Scout use his personal initiative and imagination in deciding which service project he should perform. Some Scouts may need advice from an encouraging older Scout or the Scoutmaster. Another purpose of this requirement is to teach the Scout the satisfaction of doing service above what is normally expected. He may be invited to work for a longer time to complete the project, but must not be required to do this.

11. Read the requirements for the rank of Woodsman.

EligibilityBe at a long-term camp.

Woodsman

The Woodsman rank is designed for the second year camper, but if the Scout is qualified when he first comes to camp, he should consider completing both the Camper and Woodsman ranks so that he will be ready for the Firecrafter camp rank the next year. The Woodsman rank is easily included into a normal camp schedule.

Requirements

1.Understand and demonstrate the principles and high standards of Firecrafter in personal attitude and example, showing respect for your fellow campers and your environment.

The Scout should perform his given duties in camp and in the camp site. He should follow the rules of the camp at all times. He shall show respect for his fellow campers and his environment. If the Scoutmaster wishes to do so, he may have the Scout stand a brief personal and tent inspection as part of this requirement.

2.Using proper woodsman's tools and two matches, build a fire from natural materials. Set the fire to burn for 15 minutes without additional wood or alteration.

If the Scout does not light the fire with the given two matches, he should rebuild the fire and then try to light it with the two more matches. If the fire does not burn for the required time, the Scout must gather more wood, and repeat the entire requirement. After burning for the proper time, he should extinguish it properly and then clean the area. Proper safety precautions, including fire buckets and a clear area, should be followed when completing this requirement.

3.Whip the end of a rope. Tie and explain the uses of the square knot, bowline, taut-line hitch, bowline-on-a-bight, sheet bend, timber hitch, sheep shank, two half-hitches, clove hitch, and lark's head.

The Scout must whip the end of a rope and tie correctly the ten knots in one sitting, explaining the uses of each. Once he has begun, no further instruction should be given. One should not be able to remove the whipping from the rope by hand. All of these and many others are shown in the booklet Knots and How to Tie Them as well as in the Boy Scout Handbook and the Pioneering Merit Badge Book.

4.Demonstrate the proper sharpening, care, and transportation of the knife and ax.

5.Demonstrating proper methods in the use of Woodsman's tools, use dovetail notches to make a useful camp gadget.

6.Repeat from memory the Outdoor Code and explain its meaning in your own words.

7.Nature

d.Identify five edible plants in the field and explain their preparation.

e.Identify and name five trees in the field.

f.Identify and name, by sight or sound, five wild animals.

Identification should be done by observation. Plants should not be removed from their natural site. Explanation of preparation is to thoroughly cover preparation of the plants so as to be consumed.

8.Demonstrate proficiency in first aid by showing the proper treatment of minor wounds and injuries, bandages used to hold dressing in place, handling of "hurry cases," and general procedure for all first aid cases.

9.In the outdoors, cook a simple meal without utensils. The meal must include one raw meat, one raw vegetable, and a bread prepared from scratch. Demonstrate proper fire safety methods and leave the cooking site clean.

10.Complete leadership responsibilities while in camp by assisting Scouts to advance.

The Scout is to assist the younger Scouts to advance in the Scouting ranks or the Firecrafter camp rank system. The required number of Scouts which he will assist should first be determined by the Scoutmaster, but it is best if the candidate can learn to recognize when another Scout needs help and help him without needing further reminders. Each of the other requirements of this rank should be performed in such a manor as will demonstrate the ability of the candidate to teach that skill or knowledge to other Scouts.