If you’re a new Scout or working your way through early rank requirements, you’ve probably heard about the Firem’n Chit and Totin’ Chip. These aren’t just slips of paper or patches—they’re your ticket to responsibly using fire and wood tools in the outdoors.
Whether you’re tending a campfire or chopping wood at a campsite, these certifications prove you’re ready to handle real Scout responsibilities. Here’s everything you need to know about earning—and keeping—these important privileges.
What Is the Firem’n Chit?
The Firem’n Chit gives a Scout the right to build, manage, and extinguish campfires under supervision. It’s not worn on a sash like a merit badge, but Scouts often carry the card or attach the patch to their uniform pocket.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to build and tend a fire safely
- The importance of never leaving a fire unattended
- How to fully extinguish a fire with water and tools
- Leave No Trace principles for fire use
- How to follow fire bans and local restrictions
Tip:
One of the easiest ways to lose your Firem’n Chit is by walking away from a fire. Even a few seconds is too long. Never leave it unattended.
What Is the Totin’ Chip?
The Totin’ Chip is your certification to carry and use wood tools such as knives, axes, and saws. It proves you’ve learned how to use, maintain, and store them safely.
You’ll need this before using tools during activities like:
- Carving or whittling with a pocketknife
- Splitting wood with an axe or hatchet
- Cutting wood with a saw
Skills You’ll Master:
- Establishing a safety zone (“blood circle”)
- Properly sharpening and maintaining tools
- Using each tool correctly
- Storing and transporting tools safely
Tip:
A dull blade is more dangerous than a sharp one. Keeping your tools sharp and clean is part of using them responsibly.
How to Earn Them
There’s no official national checklist, but most troops follow a structured, hands-on process. Typically, you’ll:
- Attend a skill session or outdoor safety training
- Demonstrate your knowledge and tool/fire handling skills
- Receive a signed card or patch from your Scoutmaster or troop leader
Some troops cover both certifications during a weekend campout or Scout skills day.
Can You Lose These?
Yes. Both the Firem’n Chit and Totin’ Chip are privileges that can be taken away.
Many troops use a “four corners” policy. If you misuse fire or tools, a corner of your card or patch is cut off. After four corners, you lose the privilege and must re-earn it.
Common reasons for losing these include:
- Running with tools
- Using tools outside a safe zone
- Leaving a fire unattended
- Acting recklessly or ignoring safety rules
Why They Matter
These certifications are often the first sign that a Scout is ready to take responsibility for themselves and others. They show maturity, safety awareness, and readiness to participate in more advanced outdoor activities.
They’re also the foundation for other important requirements, from campouts and rank advancement to leadership positions and service projects.
Ready to Get Started?
Ask your Scoutmaster or troop guide when your next skills session is scheduled. In the meantime, you can start preparing by:
- Practicing fire building and fire safety (with supervision)
- Learning how to carve with a pocketknife
- Understanding how to maintain and store tools safely
