The Firecrafter rank can be earned only in long-term camp; Eagle requirements can be completed in any of the 12 months of the year. The Scoutmaster will know which of his Scouts are capable of the Firecrafter camp rank. Not every Scout will stick to the program long enough to get his Eagle rank, and the Scoutmaster cannot expect every Firecrafter candidate to complete his candidacy successfully. The standards for the Firecrafter camp rank are very rigid. The Firecrafter is expected, in all examinations, to do his best in fulfilling the requirements. The standard time for the completion is five days. Additional time, however, may be granted by the Consul of the Fire based on the individual circumstances (attitude, inclement weather, illness or injury, heavy demands on his time, or lack of sufficient endurance for example). The Consul of the Fire will act favorably in any case where a genuine effort to perform the requirements has not resulted in a satisfactory score. The Consul should assign the candidate who has an extension of time to his Scoutmaster or a responsible Firecrafter for completion of the requirements. Itis preferred that this be done at a council camp whenever possible. Lone Troop Scoutmasters may request time extensions from any officer of the Firecrafter Council, however, in no case may the extensions continue after that year's August Ritual. When the Firecrafter candidate has completed the requirements of the Firecrafter card, he is eligible to participate in the Firecrafter Ritual. The annual ceremony begins on Friday evening and continues until the following Sunday morning. It is held in July and August, at one of the council camps. It is at this time that a Scout becomes a Firecrafter. Only Firecrafters and candidates attend this encampment. Before breaking camp, the successful candidates will receive information about the Ritual.
Requirements
1. Understand and demonstrate the high standards of Firecrafter in personal attitude and example, showing respect for your fellow campers and your environment. Discuss the ideals of Scouting and Firecrafter with your Scoutmaster. If during the candidacy the Scout's actions do not demonstrate the standards of Firecrafter, he may be asked to candidate at a later time.
2. Complete a daily tent and uniform inspection. The Scout will stand a daily uniform inspection conduced by either the Scoutmaster of by a designated member of the Fire.
3. Read the History of Firecrafter and be able to tell when, where, and by whom Firecrafter was founded.
4. Complete leadership responsibilities while in camp by assisting Scouts to advance in your troop and in an approved program area of camp for at least one hour. In administering the camp ranks, the Scoutmaster should realize that the Scout is learning both skills and how to teach the skills. The requirements can be demonstrate the Scout's ability to teach well as well as to learn. The Scout may assist with either progress awards of the Firecrafter camp ranks.
5. Build a fire-by-friction, unassisted, using a set made by the candidate while in camp of natural materials (except thong) and keep the fire burning for 15 minutes. The fire set must be made of natural materials gathered and assembled at during the candidacy by the Scout himself. The best wood Indiana has to offer for the floorboard and spindle are red elm and cottonwood, or similar combinations. A leather thong, rope, or nylon cord may be used for the bowstring. Tinder, firewood, and lubricants for the thunderhead must also be natural materials. Suggested tinder is the inner bark of red cedar. The best lubricants are sassafras leaves and the stems of jewel weed. The fire must burn for at least 15 minutes, after which time the candidate will extinguish and clean the area. The scout must obtain the spark and build the fire himself, although advice may be given. At no time will there be double pressure, double pumping, steadying of the bow, or "Warming up" of the set to obtain a fire.
6. Complete all tasks listed: Write out the following on paper and explain fully, in complete sentences, using the Boy Scout Handbook as a guide: Checklist of personal and patrol gear needed for a typical overnight campout. A backpacking menu including two breakfasts, three lunches, and two dinners. How to construct a latrine by yourself. How to properly pack a backpack. How to protect your camp, including food and gear, from animals, insects, and wet or bad whether. How to protect yourself against any type of whether if caught on a trail with only a pocket knife. The proper way to dispose of garbage and rubbish in the wilderness. Complete the following as directed by the Firecrafter Consul: Go on an overnight campout. Bring a backpack which includes the following: sleeping bag, flashlight, complete paper work from section A, fire building materials, and any other necessary items for an overnight campout. Construct a proper shelter using ground clothes, ropes, and stakes. Sleep in the shelter, using a comfortable ground bed. While on this campout, cook a meal over a fire using materials provided by the consul. Strike camp and properly clean your assigned area.
7. Make useful camp equipment using square, diagonal, and sheer lashings. The lashings should be neat and correct so as to serve their purpose. The lashings and equipment needs to be able to withstand moderate use. Demonstrate one of the following: an eye splice, a back splice, or a short splice.
8. Swimming: Explain the Safe Swim Defense Plan. Explain water rescue procedures and methods. Demonstrate a reach-and-throw rescue. Swim 100 yards.
9. Identify, by sight or sign, 10 wild animals, 10 trees, and 10 plants.
10. Plan, prepare, and conduct a campfire program. The Scout and his Scoutmaster should select the time and place of the campfire. Not more than one candidate may conduct any activity. Before beginning this requirement, the Scout should be thoroughly trained in the skills required to complete this requirement successfully. This requirement will be graded on an equal basis with those of all other candidates. Scout will be provided a grading sheet at the beginning of their candidacy. They will be carefully judged on each of the points of the grading sheet. It is preferred that three Firecrafters grade the activity, but who, or even one will-qualified Firecrafter may do the grading.
11. Do three or more hours of service beyond what is normally expected. Since service to others is one of the three major objectives of Firecrafter, it is vital that the Scout does both a worthwhile project and understands the purpose behind the project. Selections of this project should be guided, not dictated, by the Scoutmaster.
12. Complete successfully the inspections, reviews, and Unknown Test at the Firecrafter Ritual. The Firecrafter Ritual consists of a period of service, a period of examination, a period of dedication, and, if the candidate is still in the Ritual, a period of induction. An element of mystery is used to intensify the experience. There is nothing in any of the Firecrafter requirements or ceremonies that could influence or alter a Scout's allegiance to his religion or his country. Also, the Scout will not be asked to do anything that goes against the Scout Oath or Law. Note: Scouters 21 years of age or older may be nominated and voted in the Firecrafter Alumni Association by the council committee. Any Firecrafter who wishes to nominate a Scouter or any Scouter interested in becoming a Firecrafter should contact their Ember Advisor. Eligibility At the time of the ritual: Be at least 13 years old or have been an active registered Scout for at least two years, and Be not more than 21 years old Have or receive the Camper and Woodsman ranks. Be a First Class Scout.