Optional: You can begin with discussing the "Know" part of requirement 21g ("Complete the character connection for resourcefulness). When they complete the Whittling project you can finish the rest of this requirement.

1. Discuss the safety rules as shown in requirement 19a.

2. Quiz: Have the boys pretend their pointer finger is a pocket knife. Whenever the statement is true, tell them to "open their knives" (point their fingers up), whenever is false, tell them to "close their pocket knives" (put their fingers down). Review any rules as needed.

You should close the blade with the palm of your hand True False A knife is just a toy. True False It's okay to keep your knife wet. True False A dull knife is more likely to slip and cut you. True False You should carry your open knife in your pocket. True False Carving your initials into a tree is okay. True False

3. Discuss the Pocket Knife pledge (requirement 19d). You can get the Whittling Chip cards free of charge form your local council.

4. Test the boys on the Pocket Knife pledge. Give M&M's or skittles for correct answers. Discuss any rules not understood. You might also want to tell the boys about any consequences the Pack will put on anyone who doen not abide by their pledge when using a pocket knife in a Cub Scout activity.

The Pocketknife Pledge (fill in the blanks) I understand the reason for ______________________ rules. I will treat my pocketknife with the ______________ _______________________ due a useful tool. I will always ________________________________ my pocketknife and put it away when not in use. I will not use my pocketknife when it might _______________________ someone near me. I __________________________ never to throw my pocketknife for any reason. I will use my pocketknife in a safe manner at _______________________times.

5. Sign Whittling Chip cards. If you can, invite someone with a knife collection to the den.