Paul Bunyan Award

Study, then demonstrate to a qualified person Milestone

Study the Scouts BSA Handbook and the Camping merit badge pamphlet first. Everything below is demonstrated to your Scoutmaster or another qualified person.

1. Know the hazards of the tools, and how to handle them Requirement

For the tools in requirement 5: how to anticipate, help prevent, manage and respond to each hazard.

Usually comes after Study, then demonstrate to a qualified person.

2. First aid for woods-tool injuries Requirement

3. Earn the Totin' Chip Milestone

Already holding it counts.

4. Help someone else earn the Totin' Chip Requirement

A Scout or a whole patrol, showing them why proper woods-tool use matters.

Usually comes after 3. Earn the Totin' Chip.

5. Learn nine woods tools Requirement

Proper and safe use, maintenance and storage of the axe, hatchet, loppers, McLeod, Pulaski, saw, shovel, pick axe and pry bar.

6. Use four of them properly Requirement

Any four from requirement 5.

Usually comes after 5. Learn nine woods tools.

7. Two hours of conservation work with woods tools Often forgotten Requirement

With unit leader approval and supervision. Clear trails or fire lanes, cut and stack a downed tree, or build a natural retaining wall or irrigation way.

Get your unit leader's approval before the project, and work under supervision. Two hours is the minimum.

Buy the award at a Scout shop Milestone

An ax-shaped patch for decorating equipment, not for the uniform.

Usually comes after 1. Know the hazards of the tools, and how to handle them, 2. First aid for woods-tool injuries and 5 others.