Whittling Chip

Dear Bear and Webelos Parents & Scouts,

As previously mentioned the “Whittling Chip” is on the agenda for our upcoming June pack meetings for the Bear den and Webelos dens. If you choose to have your scout participate in this, then you will need to bring a small pocket knife for your scout to use. This is a requirement if your scout is working on their bear rank. This maybe a refresher for some of the scouts that have already earned their whittling chip. As a pack we have decided that with safety it does not hurt to repeat!

If you decide to buy your scout a knife, please be aware of the following:

· Blade must be 3.25 inches long or less

· A simple Cub Scout knife IS recommended. It can have a locking blade or not. Locking blades are good, but depending on the knife, they be a problem for small hands to close safely.

· Fixed blade knives are NOT recommended because they can drop out of sheaths, or tilt and jab the wearer.

· Swiss army or multi-tools are NOT recommended because they are difficult for small hands to hold.

· Military knives are NOT recommended because they can have a laser sharp edge.

· Knives are NOT allowed at pack or den meetings, even after the Whittling Chip is obtained - Knives are NOT allowed to be used at camp outs unless there is adult supervision.

You should also consider getting a small sharpening stone or other sharpening device. The stone should be carried by the scout whenever they have their knife.

A parent/guardian is required to attend Whittling Chip training with the scout to ensure rules are understood. At the completion of training your scout will be given a “Whittling Chip” card - assuming you approve. This card must be carried by your scout whenever they are using their knife. Any leader, parent, or adult can ask for the Whittling Chip at any time a Cub Scout has a pocketknife in their possession. If the Cub Scout does not have the card in their possession, the knife will be collected and returned to the parent. The Whittling Chip will be taken along with the scout’s knife and returned to the parent for any violation of the rules. Any adult who feels a safety violation has occurred can take a scout’s whittling chip. The pack is going to be very serious about this and will not be giving warnings as the safety of our scouts and their families are of the upmost importance. For very serious infractions (such as threatening another scout), the card will be taken immediately and permanently.

While we are sure some of you may be concerned with the idea of your scout carrying a pocketknife, this program is designed to teach knife safety. Even if they do not get the card the class is important since most scouts will use kitchen and other knives in the future. The actual Whittling Chip card will be given to the scouts only with the parent’s approval at the end of the class. Again you will ultimately have the final say at the end of class on whether your scout gets a card, or even when and where your scout carries a knife after the card is issued.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your den leader.

Becky Brown—Bear Den 1 Leader

Jon Clifton—Webelos Den 2 Leader

Bill Voet – Webelos Den 3 Leader