The Firem'n Chit is a
Scouts BSA
Scouts BSA (known as Boy Scouts until 2019) is the flagship program and membership level of Scouting America
Scouting America is the largest scouting organization and one of the largest List of youth organizations, youth organizations i ...
award and contract, in the
Boy Scouts of America
Scouting America is the largest scouting organization and one of the largest List of youth organizations, youth organizations in the United States, with over 1 million youth, including nearly 200,000 female participants. Founded as the Boy Sco ...
program, stating that a Scout may be able to use, tend, and start a
fire
Fire is the rapid oxidation of a fuel in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction Product (chemistry), products.
Flames, the most visible portion of the fire, are produced in the combustion re ...
. Generally, the process to earn the Firem'n Chit takes about four hours.
Requirements
In order to earn the Firem'n Chit, a Scout must prove to either their Scout leader or their designee that the Scout understands their responsibility to
# Read and understand fire use and safety rules from the ''Boy Scout Handbook''.
# Build a campfire only when necessary and when having necessary permits (regulations vary by locality).
# Minimize campfire impacts or use existing fire lays consistent with the principles of
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace, sometimes written as LNT, is a set of ethics promoting conservation of the outdoors. Originating in the mid-20th century, the concept started as a movement in the United States in response to ecological damage caused by wilderne ...
. Check to see that all flammable material is cleared at least 5 feet in all directions from fire (total 10 feet).
# Safely use and store fire starting materials.
# See that fire is attended to at all times.
# Make sure that water and/or a shovel is readily available. Promptly report any wildfire to the proper authorities.
# Use the cold-out test to make sure the fire is cold out and make sure the fire lay is cleaned before leaving.
# Follow the Outdoor Code, the Guide to Safe Scouting, and the principles of Leave No Trace and
Tread Lightly!.
If the rules to tending or making a fire are not followed after any amount of given warnings, or none at all, then the Scoutmaster or senior patrol leader may revoke the privileges associated with the award.
Although the patch is shaped like a pocket flap, it is not to be worn on the pocket flap. It may be worn as a temporary patch on the right pocket.
Boy Scout Insignia
''Guide to Awards and Insignia'', page 40.
See also
* Totin' Chip
The Totin' Chip is an award in Scouts BSA that shows a Scout understands and agrees to certain principles of using different tools with blades. It can be physically represented by a patch or a small paper card. With this, a Scout has the right t ...
External links
Firem'n Chit
at Scouting.org
References
{{Firelighting
Advancement and recognition in the Boy Scouts of America