Cub Scout Pack 322 - Whittling Chip Award

Whittling Chip Award

Safety is a priority in Scouting. That's why Cub Scouts are not allowed to carry knives of any kind, until they have shown they are capable of using it properly, and treating it with the proper respect.

Bear Scouts and Webelos Scouts can earn the Whittling Chip card, which gives them the privilege of carrying a pocketknife at Cub Scout functions only. The Scout must understand the rules for safe use of a pocketknife and handle his pocketknife with care. Failure to follow the guidelines will result in suspension of the carrying privilege. BSA guidelines provide that the knife must be a folding knife with a blade shorter than the palm of the boy’s hand.

Under no circumstances should younger scouts be given a pocketknife to carry.

These are the requirements:

Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the use of a pocketknife
Read, understand, and promise to abide by: KNIVES ARE NOT TOYS

Close the blade with the palm of your hand
Never use a knife on something that will dull or break it
Be careful that you do not cut yourself or any person nearby
Never use a knife to strip the bark from a tree
Do not carve your initials into anything that does not belong to you

Read, understand, and promise to abide by: Pocketknife Pledge

I understand the reason for safety rules
I will treat my pocketknife with the respect due a useful tool
I will always close my pocketknife and put it away when I'm not using it
I will not use my pocketknife when it might injure someone near me
I promise never to throw my pocketknife for any reason
I will use my pocketknife in a safe manner at all times

Please consult your Bear Cub Scout Book for the detailed information about these requirements.