Paul Bunyan Award
Seven requirements built on the Totin' Chip, with the tool list in requirement 5 feeding requirement 6, and a supervised two-hour conservation project at the end.
9 steps. · Version 1, published 9 October 2026 · About Paul Bunyan Award
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This is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody.
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The steps
Stage 1 of 9
1 step,
all ticked
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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.
Stage 2 of 9
1 step
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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.
Stage 3 of 9
1 step
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2. First aid for woods-tool injuries Requirement
Stage 4 of 9
1 step
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3. Earn the Totin' Chip Milestone
Already holding it counts.
Stage 5 of 9
1 step
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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.
Stage 6 of 9
1 step
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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.
Stage 7 of 9
1 step
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6. Use four of them properly Requirement
Any four from requirement 5.
Usually comes after 5. Learn nine woods tools.
Stage 8 of 9
1 step
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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.
Stage 9 of 9
1 step
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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.
This plan is a planning aid: the current Boy Scouts of America publication is always the authority, and the sources used here are listed in full. Each step names its own.