An extra post for my blog

I've just returned from the Firecrafter Mid-Summer Ritual, and have been reading a lot about the history of Firecrafter. I wanted to share this history with those that read my blog. I hope you find it as interesting as I have. Here is the history:

Firecrafter History

The Beginning: The Founding Fathers, Emblems, and First Members

In 1920, in the heart of the Central Indiana Council, Camp Chank-Tun-Un-Gi, a program was established to inspire the interests of young Scouts and emphasize camping and Scouting skills. It was a program that would help to bring out that spirit in every boy who participated. Through the efforts of two men, the Scout Executive, Francis O. Belzer and his Assistant, Stanley L. Norton, a camp rank system known today as Firecrafter was created.

The idea of this new camp rank system arose out of a similar system employed at the Culver Woodcraft Camp of Dan Beard, the famous outdoorsman and early Scouter, whom Belzer knew and visited often over a period of many years. Belzer served as an instructor there in 1917. Beard rewarded his campers' achievements with a series of three ranks: Notcher (bronze), Midnotcher (silver), and Topnotcher (gold), each symbolized by a patch of appropriate color having a beaver within a stylized "C" for Culver. Belzer was impressed by Beard's methods and decided that a system of awards was needed at Chank-Tun-Un-Gi, not only to inspire interest in camping activities, but also to shift the emphasis from athletics to Scouting skills. During the winter of 1919-20 with the help of Stanley L. Norton, Scoutmaster of Troop 20 and newly employed Assistant Executive, he formulated the camp rank system to offer this recognition. With remarkable foresight, he structured the system to provide a continuing source of service to improve the physical facilities of the camp. The discussions of Belzer and Norton led to the introduction of three ranks, Camper, Woodsman, and Firecrafter in 1920. The third rank's name "Firecrafter" was coined during the winter of 1920-21. It was first published in 1921. Knowing the tastes and interests of Scouting-age boys, the founders made the new third rank both a challenge and a mystery.

The first Firecrafter ceremony took place at Camp Chank-Tun-Un-Gi on a summer Friday night on June 25th, 1920. At the close of the first camping period (June 14-26), the customary awards campfire was held in the camp arena. Among those expecting to be recognized were four Woodsmen, Louis Booth (T46), Robert Effroymson (T46), Paxton Unger (T46), and Stanley Gray (T21), who had completed all of the requirements for the new third rank. They waited through the campfire without being called, and as its closing minutes came near, they began to think they had been forgotten. Finally, just before the Scoutmaster's benediction, Assistant Executive Norton instructed the candidates to remain in the arena after the close of the campfire. And so the bewildered Woodsmen waited anxiously while the other Scouts, Scouters, and parents drifted away. When they were at last alone facing the dying embers of the campfire, they were put to the Unknown Test and became the first of over ten thousand Scouts to become Firecrafters. The ceremony was conducted by Belzer, Norton, Rexford Pruitt, Scoutmaster of Troop 46, and Ernest (P.D.) Hoelscher, the camp physical director.

In looking back over that first brief ceremony, the four founding Scouters realized that the full possibilities of the third camp rank had not yet been worked out; but they lost no time in completing the job. Before the end of the next camping period of 1920, they had collaborated on a ritual, which is still the basis of the Hill Ceremony today, drawing heavily on the writings of Ernest Thompson Seaton for the three fires and the Story of the Fire. In 1920, a total of ten Scouts and three Scouters sealed their membership as Firecrafters.

In addition to the first four youth of the first camping period, Henry Marsh and Eugene Reid of Troop 46 became Firecrafters during the second camping period. In the third camping period, Alfred Franklin, Troop 2 and Carl Ledbetter, Troop 59. Finally in the fourth camping period, George Loucks and Owen Burton of Troop 32 became members. It should also be noted that the founding leaders F.O. Belzer, Stanley L. Norton, and Rexford M. Pruitt were named Firecrafters during the first season. The fourth adult at the first Hill, Ernest S. (P.D.) Hoelscher of Troop 46 became the second 'Honorary' adult Firecrafter in 1922. The first was Frank W. Hawkins of Troop 46, 1921.

The camp rank emblems were also designed by Belzer, starting with the Culver "C" for the Camper rank. The original patches were cut from felt and hand-sewn by 'Aunt Stella' Doeppers, who worked at the Council office. In the early days, when a Scout became a Camper, he received a khaki vest with the Camper "C" emblem sewn on it. When he became Woodsman, a yellow teepee was added to the original patch. When he became a Firecrafter, he received a whole new patch including the red fire. The kahki vests were worn over the Scout uniform at campfires.

Original 1920-1921 Requirements

First Rank - (Camper) Requirements
I. PHYSICAL.
1. Learn the prescribed Health Rules.
2. Pass standard personal inspection.
II. SCOUTING.
1. Pass Tenderfoot Review.
2. Know the Camp Bounds.
III. SOCIAL
1. Put in one hour’s work for the camp as directed.
2. Place nameplate on cot.

Second Rank- (Woodsman) Requirements
I. PHYSICAL.
1. Swim fifty feet.
2. Perform one of four types of requirements for the Athletic Merit Badge.
3. Be at place daily in setting up exercise within one minute after reveille.
4. Maintain standard personal inspection daily.
II. SCOUTCRAFT.
1. Pass or review Second Class requirements.
2. Identify ten birds, ten trees and ten plants.
3. Tie three additional kinds of knots (12 total ).
III. SOCIAL
1. Put on an acceptable campfire stunt.
2. Maintain standard requirement in daily tent inspection (work, conduct, attitude, etc.).
3. Two hour’s additional work for camp as directed.

Third Rank - (Firecrafter) - Requirements
I. PHYSICAL.
1. Pass Swimming Merit Badge Test.
2. Pass Athletic Merit Badge Test.
3. Maintain standard personal inspection daily.
4. Continue morning dip regularly.
II. SCOUTCRAFT.
1. Pass or review First Class requirements.
2. Make a fire by friction method.
3. Spend the night alone or with a companion in tent properly pitched and ditched.
4. Identify fifteen additional trees, ten additional birds, fifteen additional plants.
5. Win Pioneering Merit Badge.
III. SOCIAL.
1. Make an acceptable improvement in camp.
2. Maintain standard daily tent inspection.
3. Arrange and direct one campfire program or feature.
4. Win Public Health Merit Badge.
5. Receive vote of approval of Camp Executive Staff.
6. Unknown Test.

Fourth Rank - (Minisino) - Requirements
1. Major in some Scouting activity. (That is, attain unusual proficiency in such activity, Examples, bird study, plant study, first aid, signaling, etc.)
2. Serve as O.D. for at least one day in camp
3. Assist fellow campers to advance in rank. (At least eight advancements)
4. Be responsible for the Mess Hall program for one day
5. Render a distinguished service to the camp or exemplify distinguished conduct in camp. (Such as cheerfulness, co-operation, punctuality, participation, etc.)

The Honor and Shenanigans: Minisino, Hi-Bark, High Leaf, NT

The rank of Minisino was established in the spring of 1921. Although called the fourth rank, Minisino is not a rank at all in the sense of outranking Firecrafter, but rather is a recognition and honor of one who has made outstanding contributions to Scouting and Firecrafter and who can be expected to continue his contributions. Minisino is a Miami Indian word meaning "tried and proven". The requirements and manner of selection were secret. Every youth Firecrafter is eligible for candidacy after he has served Scouting and Firecrafter for a prescribed amount of time. If chosen, he will be "tapped out", and in order to be crowned he must successfully complete a two-week candidacy (originally four weeks) in a long-term summer camp having the Firecrafter program. Every adult Firecrafter is a candidate for Minisino from the day of his induction, but his candidacy ordinarily requires a minimum of four years for completion. All Minisinos are crowned at special ceremonies at summer camp or at rituals. The first Minisino crowned was Henry 'Heinie' Marsh in 1921 at Camp Chank-Tun-Un-Gi during the First Camp. Also during the First Camp, Stanley Gray of Troop 21 was crowned. During the Second Camp: Thomas Smith, Junior Williams, and Paxton Unger of Troop 46, along with Harry Ice, Troop 82. During the Fourth Camp: Alfred Franklin, Troop 2, Fred Kirgis, Troop 22, Donald Hawkins, Troop 46, and Merle Miller, Troop 82. During the Fifth Camp: Earl Ostermeier and Gordon Worley of Troop 15, and Charles Highlegman of Troop 46.

While Minisino originated as an accolade for special merit in Firecrafter, the Royal Order of Hi-Bark became, for a time, an outlet for the fun and games group. Starting as a prank to relieve the tedium of staff life, it quickly caught fire and burned its own special brand of loyalty into the hearts of its members. Hi-Bark began one day in the summer of 1924, when P.D. Hoelscher, Harry Ice, and Merle Miller were standing at the old swimming hole in Fall Creek discussing, as a camper would, the needs and shortcomings of the world and what to do about them. Having considered the merits and demerits of their fellow campers, they decided to form a new and exclusive organization to be known as the Blockheads.

As they talked, they noticed that a number of bark-covered slabs and chips of wood were floating down the creek from a logging operation at Fort Benjamin Harrison, and this gave them the idea of having some "Chips off the Old Block." For a first Chip they chose Norman Hammer, who was Hoelscher's tent mate and Commandant. Norm was assigned the task of providing Hoelscher with water to shave with in the afternoons, and also to arrange the setting for a stunt to announce to the other campers the formation of the new and exclusive organization. Norm found a pile of bark and decorated the campfire area with it. Late that night, a plot was hatched to hoist a piece of bark up the flagpole instead of the camp flag, and to require all present at reveille to salute the "Bark on High." Morning came, and the bark was hoisted, but the campers rebelled at the idea. The campers dubbed those staffers as "High Barks" and themselves, "Low Weeds." The result was a vigorous competition in every staff verses camper event for the rest of the camping season. The movement, now formally called "High Bark," really got off the ground the following season. It was made invitational, open only to Minisino staff members, and total exclusion was certain for an eligible man who expressed interest in becoming a member. The Eternal Woodsman was now joined by the Eternal Minisino. A candidate, upon being chosen, was "chipped" with a length of a bark-covered log, which he pulled around with him at the end of a rope. The candidacy was long and strenuous emphasizing athletics and high jinx, and lasting for as long as an entire camping season.

The candidate, called a "Chip", had to get up early every morning and run a mile, swim a half mile, do thirty push-ups and twenty pull-ups, and run between the tent rows dragging his log and barking to awaken the campers. If the candidacy progressed satisfactorily, a piece was sawed off the log each day until it was down to a chip of wood on the tow rope. When the candidacy was deemed successfully complete by the Senior Hi-Bark, the Royal Mahogany, the "Chip" was taken to the pool, and there, atop the high board with all the camp watching, he was "dubbed" with a tree name and propelled into the pool by a blow to the seat with a paddle fashioned from the original bark covered slab. Hi-Bark had no formal emblem, but it had its rituals and functions. The woods next to the infirmary were set aside and marked as Hi-Bark Grove, which could be entered only by observing a strict ritual code, and which was the site of many business meetings. Hi-Bark, besides being a fun organization, was a further challenge for Minisinos, and its members considered themselves keepers of the Firecrafter and the camp, addressing themselves to solving the problems of the camp, whether personal or physical. Alas, all of the shenanigans involved in the Hi-Bark candidacy did get in the way of regular camping activities, they did have the appearance of tolerated hazing, and they did not necessarily please all persons in authority in Scouting. So in the end, Hi-Bark had to go. The last recorded meeting was held at the 40th Anniversary Reunion of Firecrafter in 1960, at which time "several chips were dubbed in true and proper form." As lately as June 1977, an informal reunion was held at Camp Belzer, with twenty members present. The Hi-Barks were there, and they shared fond memories, but nothing else had survived, not even the dubbing paddle or the totem pole into which each member's name was burned. So ends a fascinating, if troublesome, chapter in the history of Firecrafter.

Several members of the Crossroads Council became "chipped" into the Hi-Barks through the Southern Illinois fire after the Central Indiana program no longer existed. As recent as the early 2000's, key youth leadership in Firecrafter have connected with brothers in Southern Illinois to join the ranks of Hi-Bark. The program remains unrecognized by the Crossroads Council. Since the Central Indiana Hi-Barks disbanded, a few programs have made appearances in Firecrafter. A short stint of a Hi-Bark spin off, High Leaf was created and introduced in 2004. It was observed that many of the youth leadership of the time were becoming burnt out with the overwhelming effort they were putting into Firecrafter's events and the small number of active youth Firecrafters. Outgoing Council Chief Justin 'Sox' Scott and a former Council Vice Chief Nathan Butler refurbished the fun and games committee and began calling out candidates during the summer of 2004 with the goal of creating a new motivation for youth Firecrafters to become involved. High Leaf made its official public appearance at the Grand Ritual at camp Kikthawenund when a ceremony was sprung in the middle of the dining hall. Although the program seemed to be a fun opportunity for Firecrafters, before 2005 had ended, High Leaf was not given support by Firecrafter and was forced to cease its operation. Only nine Firecrafters were able to complete the program and at the end, three Firecrafters remained as Eternal Candidates.

Those who completed included Justin "Sox" (Cottonwood) Scott, Nathan (Sycamore) Butler, John (Sweet Gum) Byer, Stephen (Sassafras) Crayner, Scott (Red Bud) Pollom, John (Slippery Elm) Perkins, Michael (Quaking Aspen) Allen, Chris (Paw Paw) Elworth, and Nick (Tulip) McLarnen. The three eternal candidates who did not complete before the disbanding of program included Walter (Bitternut Hickory) Sullivan, Shawn (Willow) Fitzpatrick, and Adam (Shagbark Hickory) Reynolds.

The High Leaves were disheartened when their program did not meet the purpose and intent which they set out to achieve. Many members of leadership amongst Firecrafter and the Council felt that the program was more of a mockery and distraction that did not provide its intended positive incentive for Firecrafter. Because of this outcome, a couple members of the Leaves decided to take a completely different approach by creating a group that would support the foundation of Firecrafter's purpose. In 2007, Nim Tanteyunk was created. Nim Tanteyunk, Indian for "Brothers of the Fire" started as ten strong youth leaders in the Firecrafter program who pledged themselves towards the betterment of the Firecrafter organization. The group included several Firecrafter Chiefs, Officers, and Ember leaders. The Nim take a profoundly reflective approach on their own Firecrafter journey and how they can use their talents to support Firecrafter and Scouting before sealing their membership. Once a member of Nim Tanteyunk, they believe in a deep commitment to the Unknown Test and Firecrafter Creed exemplified as they step up when called to serve Firecrafter. As of 2009, Nim Tanteyunk was not a part of the Firecrafter program. Its only connection is its members, some of Firecrafter's most outstanding leaders, who believe in providing strong support for the organization.

Building the Foundation: Leadership, Expansion, and the Crossroads

As the Firecrafter membership grew in the early ‘20's, officers were selected to lead the fledgling organization. The first youth leader of the Firecrafters was Paxton Unger, being chosen as the first Chief in 1920. Stanley Gray was chosen as the Scribe-Treasurer. The next year in 1921, Merle Miller became Chief, Charles Highleyman, Scribe, and Harry Ice, Treasurer.

Firecrafter provided the spirit for every camp activity. Chief Belzer served constantly and vigorously as the driving force of the organization, making many suggestions for improvement, which were implemented with advice and counsel of Advisor Norton.

By the end of 1921, the Firecrafter program was well established. Requirement cards were printed, officers were elected, and improvements at Camp Chank-tun-un-gi were numerous in the early years. Also in 1921, the Firecrafters made an attempt to become an organization with Robert Effroymson as president and published the first Firecrafter Bulletin with the aid of Miss Doeppers and her reliable mimeograph machine.

The Firecrafters were featured at the annual stunt nights usually held on a weekend every March or April during the early 1920’s at Tomlinson Hall. One in 1924 included a Minisino ceremony. There was a one-week Firecrafter camp held following the regular Fourth Camp period in 1922. The 1922-23 officers were: Robert Effroymson, Chief, Harry Ice, Secretary, and Fred Kirgis, Treasurer.

In 1923, Firecrafter ran into the problem of excessive rain during the time of the Hill ceremony. This would have been Thursday night at the second camp. Because of this, the Firecrafters held their first Hill ceremony indoors. History did not record which building was used for the ceremony. In all probability it was the K-Hut. The K-Hut and Mess Hall were the only permanent buildings. It was not the first time the ceremony was indoors. The next would be in the 30’s and held in the fieldhouse. since it at least had a fireplace and it and the original Mess Hall were the only permanent buildings. The 1923-24 officers were Chief Don Hawkins, Treasurer Norman Hammer, and history doesn’t recall the Secretary.

Firecrafter’s first official document of operation, its constitution, wasn’t adopted until the end of the 1927 camping season. It was written by Chief Alfred Chouinard and Advisor Norton. The preamble contained the first formal statement of the principle by the growing organization: “The Firecrafter Organization’s one guiding principle is service to others.” The constitution set the organization on a solid foundation. The “Hill Ceremony” was written and kept in the Chief’s Box. The Chief’s box was a wooden box approximately 14”(l) x 6”(w) x 8”(h). The names and year of every chief was wood burned into one of the surfaces of the box. The side of the box had the Firecrafter Chief’s emblem consisting of the Firecrafter emblem with three small yellow chevrons in the open part of the “C”. This box was subsequently passed on from chief to chief beginning in 1928 to sometime in the early 1980’s when it disappeared.

Having been founded in summer camp at Chank-Tun-Un-Gi, Firecrafter reflected the camping customs and facilities of its day. Things have long since changed, so that it is difficult to associate the practices of the early days with the camp, as it exists today. Many early Firecrafter meetings were held in a barn near Boy Scout Road. Soon all the meetings were held in the K Hut, and later in the Field House. Firecrafter Hill was in an area not commonly used by the other campers, near the south boundary of the camp. Firecrafter became more and more active and helpful, undertaking service projects of increasing difficulty. It gained in prestige among the camp membership, with the result that eligible Scouts were attracted into the organization in increasing numbers.

The attitude of the campers is reflected in one of the early songs, sung to the tune of a popular song of the day:

I want to be a Camper here,
M-m-m and a little bit more.
I want to get my Teepee here,
M-m-m and a little bit more.
I want to be a Firecrafter,
Camping out of doors.
I want to camp here all the time,
M-m-m and a little bit,
M-m-m and a little bit,
M-m-m and a whole lot more.

Throughout its existence the Firecrafter idea has been tried and adopted in several councils throughout Indiana and in other parts of the country. As early as 1926 Firecrafter was the camp activity of choice at Camp Horseshoe Bend, of the Madison-Tipton County Council, near Ingalls, Indiana. Also, in 1926 seven Eagle Scouts and Mr. J. M. Guest, Scout Executive from the Gateway Area Council, La Crosse, Wisconsin attended Camp Chank-tun-un-gi and were initiated into Firecrafter. Unfortunately the Firecrafter Scroll does not record their names.

Firecrafter had spread to several councils. Here is a list of some of the known fires, Aurora Area Council, Aurora, IL; Champaign-Urbana (Arrowhead) Council, Champaign, IL, and Wayne Area (Whitewater Valley) Council, Richmond, IN; Kikthawenund Council Madison County, IN; Delaware County Council, Muncie, IN; Buffalo Trace Council, Evansville, IN; Lincoln Trails Council, Decatur, IL, Okaw Valley Council, Flora, IL, Sekan Area Council, Independence, KS, South Plains Area Council, Lubbok, TX, Wabash Valley Council, Terre Haute, IN; Licking County Council, Newark, OH; Grand Valley Council, Grand Rapids, MI; and Pottawattomi Council, Jones, MI.

Even a Scout Club was started at Shortridge High School. The officers were: Leslie Barlet, president; James Shoemaker, vice-president, and Richard Agster, secretary. Mr. Joel Hadley was the faculty sponsor. Evidence of Firecrafter would eventually be found in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Kansas, Texas, and Pennsylvania.

A few unique facts of the time include: William Cook suggesting that a general camp reunion should be held one night each summer. This was the forerunner of the grand rituals. Also, at this time Chief Belzer pushed for a scroll to be created listing all of the members’ names. Also during this era, the tradition of having cracker barrel after the Hill ceremony became official. This came about in 1937, when older junior staff would sneak into the Mess Hall late at night after the Hill ceremony and steal pies that the cook would bake. Herman Reese reported on the food situation in 1937 and it was decided that pie and ice cream would be served to all Firecrafters after the Hill ceremony. The tradition has held up all of those years.

It wasn’t until 1936, when the idea of Firecrafter pocket insignia was discussed. The three-inch emblem would be allowed to be worn on the pocket or on a neckerchief. In 1925, the Boy Scouts of America adopted the proposal that had the following requirements: For the emblem to be permissible at Scout camps, they must first be submitted to and approved by the National Council office. The emblems shall bear no Scout insignia, and approved camp insignia may be worn on the breast pocket of the Scout coat or shirt. This would lead to the reason why Firecrafter insignia does not bear the fleur-de-lis and why the pocket patch is worn where it is today. Firecrafter Chief Marion (Diz) Disborough suggested the possibility for the officers of the organization having a distinctive emblem. These would consist of a red disk behind the regular miniature emblem, but other Firecrafters argued for a chevron concept. Diz’s idea did not get approval. The Firecrafters would decide to go with the chevron idea. The three-inch emblem would contain three chevrons for the Chief, two chevrons for the Scribe, and one chevron for the Treasurer. The chevrons were located in the open portion of the “C”. The past officers’ chevrons were red and the active officers, gold.

Marion Disborough would go on to become a Scouting professional in the Buffalo Trace Council in Evansville, Indiana. This may have led to the introduction of Firecrafter at Camp Pohoko. Disborough moved on from there in 1943 when he became Scout Executive of Sekan Area Council in Independence Kansas. Going off of his original idea that was not accepted in the Central Indiana Council, when he started Firecrafter at Camp Cauble, Disborough used a red border on all three ranks. Uniquely, when Sekan Area Council went with the nationally recognized Order of the Arrow instead of Firecrafter, they named their lodge “Mi-Ni-Ci-No”.

World War II and the late '40's brought many changes in the world, Scouting, and Firecrafter. The trend of mass camping was fading and the move to individual troops camping with their own leadership was gaining favor. Chief Belzer retired June 1940, and Homer T. Gratz was his successor. However Gratz was only here a short time before joining the Navy in 1941. Delmar H. “Skipper” Wilson followed serving from 1941 to 1950. There was a big problem with the Firecrafter program at camp. The Firecrafter candidacy was geared for a two-week candidacy with the ritual held at the end of the two-week period. By 1949, Firecrafter was forced to go to a five-day candidacy. For some time Firecrafter refused to adapt the candidate’s card to the shortened period or the revised rank requirements. By 1950, “Skipper” Wilson was succeeded by Frank Chase as Council Executive. It was suggested by National to Chase that, as Executive of the Central Indiana Council, he should try to drop the Firecrafter program in favor of the supported OA program. Very quickly it became apparent that the local community leaders, involved with the Scouting program, were strongly against such a move.

Chase felt that he had to get some control over the Firecrafter program at camp and he also wanted Firecrafter to be more than just a camp activity program. He appointed Joseph P. Harshman as an adult advisor to the organization. With the help of the Fire officers they revised the requirements to be in line with the newly revised rank requirements and a one week or 5 day candidacy. No time was wasted in revising the requirements and the timing of the rituals to coincide with the new one-week candidacy. Also, at this time the Hi-Bark shenanigans were getting out of hand. “Chips” were required to perform all sorts of demeaning tasks and the hazing was way out of hand. Such things as crawling in the mud at campfires with all parents looking on or other such stunts involving stinging nettle were clearly not intended to be condoned at a Boy Scout camp. However, the hazing of candidates at rituals still presents somewhat of a problem. By the early 1950’s Candidates were told that they failed tests. They were screamed at and chastised for failure. The Minisinos would conduct what was referred to as “snuff outs”. These were occasionally held when a particular candidate had failed but did not realize he had failed. The ceremony would begin for the candidate’s crowning and just before the point where Manitou calls out the candidate’s name the flares would be extinguished thus humiliating the candidate before the entire camp.

Joe Harshman would serve until he gave up his post in 1973. This would set the trend of many influential Firecrafters to serve the organization in an advisor role. Some of those names include: David Joe Krentler, Steve Holt, Andy Wilkinson, Dave Williams, Mike St. Pierre, Jeff Osterman, Ken Bennett, Kenn Reinhardt, Matt Prine, and Justin 'Sox' Scott taking the post in 2010. All were youth Firecrafters many of which served as Chiefs. Scout Executive Frank Chase was succeeded by Robert L. Calvert, who was replaced by August John Bosio who then was succeeded by Scott Clabaugh. Despite the changing circumstances of the '40's, Firecrafter expanded from its single Fire at Chank-Tun-Un-Gi to Rotary in 1943, Bradford in 1948, Cullom in 1948, and Ransburg in 1966. The fires at Rotary, Bradford, and Cullom would be a driving force to the expansion of Firecrafter outside of Chank-Tun-Un-Gi. A key player in the move to Bradford was Eddie Cline. Eddie would also go on to help with the development of Camp Ransburg and eventually become ranger there. Bradford was considered a good camp for roughing it as Kenn Reinhardt and David Joe Krentler recall.

About 1946-47 the Firecrafter officers began to think seriously of becoming a national organization, providing an alternative to the Order of the Arrow program already established in many councils across the country. They wrote a constitution and by-laws to govern the national Firecrafter program. All decisions were made at the Home Fire (Indianapolis). Since the early 1930's the National Council had been searching for a suitable service organization that would have the full support and backing of the National Council. There were several camp activity programs in play at that time, among them were Order of the Arrow, Mic-O-Say, Pipestone, and of course Firecrafter. The National Council contacted Belzer about having Firecrafter become the National program. Belzer thought long and hard about the concept of a national Firecrafter organization, but in the end turned down the offer. His reasons being losing the quality control over the program and he felt it was best left local.

1960-2010

The first Firecrafter ritual not to be held at Chank-Tun-Un-Gi was in 1961 when it was held at Camp Cullom. The 1960 Chief of Cullom was David Williams and the 1961 Chief was John Quick. David Williams took post again in 1963. The fires were loyal to their camps and the idea of the Council Committee was difficult for them to accept. In 1961, the constitution & by-laws were revised to establish the Council Committee. In 1963 the first elections for council officers were held at the mid-winter dinner. A Chief’s term would be from January to December and as such only one year would be associated with the Chief. Normally the Belzer Fire Chief would be elected the Council Committee Chief. The 1963 Belzer Chief was Burr Betts, while Michael Timmons held down the fort at Cullom. The Council Committee and year round Firecrafter program was implemented after Joe Harsman, Roger Wildman, Mike Ayers, David Williams, and Steve Holt went to an OA Conclave at Camp Tamarack in Jones, MI, which is now the LaSalle Council’s camp in South Bend.

The first non-standing Fire Chief was elected in 1966. This was Lawrence Hood, and his Vice-Chief was R. Andrew Osman, Secretary, Walter H. Schuchmann, and Treasurer, Joseph A. Thomas. This process of elections would continue until 1987, when it was decided to move elections to the Grand Ritual.

A unique story from this time period comes from 1964 Chief Michael St. Pierre. In the winter of 1961, Scouters from Zionsville, Lebanon, and the Pioneer District were given the Council’s permission to form a Philmont contingent for the summer of 1962. Joe Griffin was the Belzer Chief, and Williams at Cullom. The Scouters were “Heiny” Beard, John Hughes, and Del Smith. Del took his Pioneer Troop to Bradford each summer while the other two always took their Scouts to Cullom or Rotary. The contingent was made up primarily from Lebanon, Zionsville, Crawfordsville, Pioneer, and a few other Scouts scattered within the council. In total there were about 35 boys. There was a rumor that this contingent was given permission to take Firecrafter to Philmont. In reality, the contingent had several (6-8) “shake down” sessions at Camp Bradford. During these sessions each Scout was given the opportunity to earn Camper, Woodsman, and Firecrafter. Of those who started the adventure, only seven obtained the requirements for all three ranks. The contingent arrived home from Philmont on a Thursday night and the seven had to be at Camp Cullom on Friday. Six of them made it to the ritual and the seventh carried over to the next year. This would set the standard for the Lone Troop program some 15 years later. This also showed the opportunity for a suitable substitute to the campfire requirement. Some of the Scouts hosted other events such as a chapel service. St. Pierre was a member of this group and attended that Cullom ritual.

In 1964, the Council Committee accepted Firecrafter's most challenging service project, “council-wide promotion of long-term camping”, a program that ties directly into the very existence of both Scouting and Firecrafter. The Ember structure, which had been created in 1954 along with the Council Committee, was brought into the project and given a positive reason for existence. Slide shows and film strips were created. Under the leadership of Maurice Riser, brochures were prepared for use by boys and adults in visiting troops all over the council to what the summer camping appetite of the scouts who saw them, as well as to acquaint them with the Firecrafter program. The first film strip, used for camp promotion in 1965, brought 978 more boys into summer camp that year than attended in 1964. The efforts of the organization toward this goal have been greatly rewarding over the years, and have gone a long way to justify Firecrafter's existence. Skip Lange made the first camp promotion visual that was used by Firecrafter in camp promotion. Skip was a huge supporter of camping and Firecrafter for many years.

The fire spread to Camp Ransburg in 1966 when the camp was acquired by the Central Indiana Council. The 1966 ritual was held at the camp. Eighty-three Scouts and forty-three Scouters received their Firecrafter rank at the 1966 Grand Ritual. Over 100 Firecrafters conducted the ceremony and were quartered in tends for the first time at a ritual. Those who attended the ritual recall that it was very wet. There was also a shortage of Firecrafter shirts, because of the unexpected numbers. Ransburg only produced 16 candidates that summer while Belzer, 63; Cullom, 7; Rotary, 3; and Bradford 1. Bruce Bohall became the Ransburg Fire’s first new Firecrafter on July 9th. The first Chief of the Ransburg Fire was Gilbert L. Foreman Jr. and his Advisor was Richard L. Corwin.

In 1972, the Central Indiana Council, the Delaware County Council, the Kikthawenund Council, and the White Water Valley Council were consolidated to form the Crossroads of America Council, thus enlarging Firecrafter's operating area, while bringing it into contact with the Order of the Arrow.

At this time a new Flame structure was created to correspond with the sections of the Council. The reconstruction took place under the leadership of Jack Wyatt, Ron Edmiston, Joe Harshman, Frank Chase, Jim Roberts, David Joe Krentler, and Mark St. John. Charters were required for Flames and Embers, training of officers was mandated, communication with the Order of the Arrow was opened, and certain Ember and Fire identities were relinquished. These changes were implemented in a new constitution in 1972 and further revised in 1979 when the present constitution was adopted. In these altered circumstances, Firecrafter has continued to expand, penetrating into all parts of the enlarged Council and establishing amicable relationships with the Order of the Arrow.

As Ransburg became the main summer camp of the Crossroads of America Council, Camp Belzer (originally Chank-Tun-Un-Gi), became Crossroads’ main Cub Scout camp. In 1978, it was decided that the Cub Scouts of the Crossroads should have the opportunity to experience the Firecrafter program. Under the leadership of Paul Knotts, a Cub Scout Rank of Firecrafter was created. The dubbed it Webelos Camper. Knotts was the Council Chief in 1977, and during the implementation of the rank, John Talley was Chief in ’78. The national Scouting movement would later move to a two-year Webelos program. Through the leadership of Glen Steenberger, a second Cub Scout rank was created called Firelight. While earning Webelos Camper, Scouts learned the outdoor code, Scout Motto, Logan, Sign, Salute, and Handshake. They learned how to set up a tent and tie two basic knots as well as discuss the three ideals of Firecrafter: Friendship, Leadership, and Service. In Firelight, first aid is added as well as knowledge of the Scout Badge and Arrow of light. Scouts had to identify trees and plants, take a 1-mile hike, and participate in a Spark of Interest Trail. The Webelos ranks continue to be offered at Camp Belzer and Kikthawenund.

Adults were admitted to Firecrafter almost from the beginning as "honoraries", a misleading term, since it is well understood that membership in Firecrafter is not merely an honor for an adult, but also a commitment to undertake additional leadership responsibility in support of Scouting and the Firecrafter program. Starting in 1921, adults were admitted by vote of the Fire, limited initially to members of the senior camp staff and to a quota of one honorary to every ten youth Firecrafters at a given ritual. Under the 1927 constitution, only those adult staff members who gave most of their time to Firecrafter could hope to be admitted.

The staff limitation was eventually abandoned in favor of a Lord Baden Powell, who was admitted in 1960. The quota restriction was relaxed in 1950 to accommodate deserving Scouters who had been missed because of the rapid postwar expansion of Scouting in the Central Indiana Council. Another notable Scouter to be admitted into Firecrafter was William "Green Bar Bill" Hillcourt in 1990. By 1959, it was concluded that this problem had to be taken care of; so a quota system was reimposed and a screening committee was set up to review adult nominations.

The presence of adults in Firecrafter did not arise alone from the admission of adults as honorary members, but arose also from the fact that scouts who became Firecrafters also became adults within a very few years. For a time, such adults had no role to play in the organization. They could not go to camp. They could not work with the program there. The most they could do was to become life members of their Fire, which they had always been able to do, even as scouts, upon payment of a fee (originally ten dollars). In the late 50's, Bob Harger and Eric Wadleigh became concerned about this problem, and under their leadership the Firecrafter Alumni Association was formed at the 40th Anniversary Firecrafter Reunion in 1960. Into it were inducted all of the adults who were members of the Fire. Henceforth, all adult "honoraries," and all youth Firecrafters upon reaching the age of 21, automatically became members of the Firecrafter Alumni Association. Lew Johnson wrote and established the adult candidate program which would replace the honorary Firecrafter program operated by the Fires. To this day the Firecrafters nominate and elect an Alumni President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

In 2001, under the leadership of Firecrafter Chief Justin Sloan, The Firecrafter Spark program was established to get the units more involved in the Firecrafter Program. The program was approved under the leadership of Chief Justin Sloan, and emphasized and strengthened under the leadership of Chief Justin ‘Sox’ Scott. The program is still being evaluated and improved. A Firecrafter spark is either a Camper, Woodsman, or Firecrafter who attends the Ember meetings of his local ember and reports events, activities, and news back to the unit. The Spark is a voting member of the Ember. The Spark also helps to promote Firecrafter within his Troop and works with the SPL and Ember Vice Chief to set up a good time for Summer camp promotion. He also promotes events such as Spring Fellowship, Fall Frenzy, Midwinter Dinner, and the Service Days. The Spark helps get the Troop up to date and active with the Firecrafter Program and is a leadership position that counts towards advancement for the Boy Scout ranks Star and Life.

In 2002, Crossroads made another merger this time with the Wabash Valley Council and their fire from the 1930's was re-ignited producing its first Firecrafters at Camp Krietenstein in 2003. Chief Justin ‘Sox’ Scott recruited Firecrafters Doug Hale and Wayne Robbins from Troop 9 (Belzer’s original troop) to join the Krietenstein camp staff and run the Firecrafter program. Long time staffer Albert Siebenmorgen had earned his Firecrafter at Krietenstein in the 30's and was glad to see its return. He became the first adult Minisino crowned at the camp in 2005. Doug Hale was the first youth to candidate as a Minisino at the camp. Council Chief’s Adam Reynolds and later Mike Allen took a real interest in helping the Krietenstein fire. Allen joined the camp staff along with Jake Baker who served as a Council officer. The first Firecrafter ritual was held at Krietenstein in 2008. Today, Ransburg and Krietenstein both hold summer camp programs for Boy Scouts and Camp Belzer and Kikthawenund, while offering Cub Scout ranks, also holds Fire weeks for staff to advance in the ranks of Firecrafter

Firecrafter remains active in the off-season with its traditional events, Mid-Winter Dinner and Spring Fellowship. In 2005, under the youth leadership of John Pinkus and advisor Walter Sullivan , Firecrafter introduced a fall event, Firecrafter Fall Frenzy. The event was created to give Firecrafters a chance to test their skills. The first event had about 50 brothers in attendance and Michael Carney would leave as the Ultimate Mastercrafter. Within five years the event would grow to nearly 200 participants. To this day Scouts and Scouters travel from all over to participate in the Firecrafter experience.

In the early days and for many years, the spark of Firecrafter was kept alive and glowing by the strength and vitality of its three-member backbone, Belzer, Norton, and Aunt Stella. This trio generated such a vigorous scouting spirit that the success of Firecrafter was inevitable. With the thoroughness of Belzer, the perseverance of Norton, the warmth of Aunt Stella, and the dedication of all three, it didn't take long. The foundation of goals, standards, and ranks of achievement was constructed with care. It was decided that the purpose of Firecrafter should be to build leadership through friendship and service to Scouting. Much thought and much effort went into this endeavor, with results that we see today.

More than ninety years have passed since that first evening in 1920, and many changes have taken place. Belzer, Norton, and Aunt Stella have long since passed away, along with many dedicated successors, and we no longer have the special vigor of a new and struggling organization. The original leadership structure has had to be modified because of continuing changes in Scouting and growth of Firecrafter's boundaries. Our constitution and by-laws have had to be amended many times to keep in step. These changes, together with modifications in emblem display, in requirements, in ceremonies, and in fact all phases of Firecrafter, have led us to a present day organization that differs in many ways from the original.

Nevertheless, ninety years later, the members of Firecrafter continue to contribute all they can to Scouting and to its betterment. Most important is our continued emphasis, unchanged and unweakened by the passage of time, upon the basic principles laid down by our founders. With them we still dedicate ourselves to the development of leadership through friendship and service to Scouting. May we steadfastly strive toward this goal and constantly renew our pledge of the Unknown Test.

Just as Scouting was created to serve boys, so was Firecrafter created to serve Scouting. As members of the Firecrafter organization we dedicate ourselves to advancing the principles and ideals of the Scouting movement, and each of us subscribes to the Firecrafter Creed, which says:

• We believe that leadership ought to be fostered and its high trusts and responsibilities cultivated.
• We believe that a Scout becomes a better Scout when he exhibits unselfish friendship to others.
• We believe that Firecrafter's service to Scouting aids both the Firecrafter and every scout in building better character and citizenship.

Written by: Justin 'Sox' Scott, Everet Smith, and 'Uncle' Mike Stalcup