Firecrafter's Program

Scout campers have an opportunity to distinguish themselves while long-term camping in much the same way as they may distinguish themselves by climbing the trail to Eagle. (Long-term camping-- Camping for at least six days and nights.) There are three camp ranks Scouts may earn when they have met the standards listed. These are: Camper, Woodsman, and Firecrafter. Webelos Scouts may also earn the awards of Webelos Camper and Firelight. Youth Firecrafters that distinguish themselves with excellent service may be given the opportunity to candidate for the honor of Minisino. A patch and wallet-size membership card are available to the holders of each of these ranks. The Firecrafters and Minisinos may wear their Firecrafter or Minisino shirts as the official uniform at certain times and occasions. The basic emblem is a three inch blue disc. A red "C" plus the Webelos emblem indicates the Webelos Camper rank, a red "C" surrounding an Arrow of Light indicates the Webelos Firelight rank, a red "C" indicates the Camper rank, a yellow teepee is added to the "C" to designate the Woodsman rank, a red fire signifies the Firecrafter rank, and the Minisino rank is marked by a green "M". Firecrafter officers and advisors are recognized by special name plates.

The Scoutmaster administers the Camper and Woodsman ranks to their unit when long-term camping on their own. The Firecrafter rank is offered in all established summer camps in the council. The Minisino candidacy is administered by the Minisinos in those camps. Both the Firecrafter rank and the Minisino candidacy may be administered with the Executive Committee approval in other situations. The camp ranks are designed to assist the Scoutmaster in their responsibility for citizenship and leadership training in the following ways:

• Troop leadership training is a vital part of the camp rank program. Scouts are encouraged through the requirements to accept leadership responsibilities within the troop.

• Scouts are trained to offer service to Scouting above and beyond the normal expectation.

• By achieving each of the ranks, the Scout is advancing toward the rank of Eagle.

• The program promotes participation in long-term camping

. • A quality review of basic Scouting skills is provided in long-term camping.

• Accomplishing the camp ranks require a demonstration of very important character values: persistence, initiative, desire, and dedication to the basic ideals of Scouting.

Any Scout may try for each camp rank, but no Scout may be successful in their quest without having shown each of these values to be a part of themself. One of the most heart-warming experiences a Scouter may ever know is to witness the pride and sense of accomplishment in a new Firecrafter or Minisino. The renewed enthusiasm for Scouting in the new Firecrafter provides a wonderful opportunity for their Scoutmaster to continue to train the young man in the ideals of Scouting, and greatly enhances their chances to be successful.