What is Mic-O-Say?
Mic-O-Say is an honor camp society adopted by certain Boy-Scout camps in Missouri. This program also covers parts of eastern Kansas and other out-of-state troops who attend these camps. It began in 1925 near St. Joseph, Missouri.
The program draws on the folklore and traditions of Native American culture for courageous young people growing into adulthood. Its purpose is to reinforce the principles of exploration, foster personal growth and development, and establish meaningful involutions in exploration. Scouting membership in the tribe consists primarily of two recognized ranks: Brave and Warrior.
Who is eligible for it?
Only experienced explorer campers under the age of 18 are eligible for it. They must have shown some leadership and community activity before applying. Basically, that includes all active explorers who have attended these summer camps one or more times. Otherwise, these explorers would not be in the scouting program or attend these summer camps in the first place.
How does it work?
A young camper usually becomes Foxman first (not a membership rank), which is a one-year assignment that leads to his induction as a Mic-O-Say Brave the following year. The brave man makes a simple tribal outfit, and selects or is given a tribal name, such as, Jumping bear, lightning,gold Deep blue water. After completing these and a few other requirements, you receive an eagle claw necklace to wear around your neck.
Later, after the scout has become even more dedicated to exploring and camping, he is eligible to become a Hardway Warrior. This stage has more requirements, training and ceremonies, such as self-assessment, silence, assigned work projects, counseling with advanced tribal leaders, and participation in tribal activities, for example, learning an Indian dance or something related to India. The new warrior receives a double eagle claw necklace with an attached medicine bag. Both claws point upwards.
Furthermore, in addition to their participation in the camp, any tribal advance for the tribesmen parallels their scouting advance in their respective troops. Additionally, the tribe also has a wide variety of responsible and committed adult leaders who understood the Mic-O-Say councils and chiefs.
It’s a secret?
No. Mic-O-Say is not a secret. However, the tribe members do not openly discuss the inner workings of the tribe with non-members to make it more challenging and meaningful to younger explorers prior to their induction. Still, younger campers seem to learn a few things about it anyway. Additionally, all tribal induction ceremonies are open to any parent who is concerned about the welfare of their children for any reason. Additionally, all tribal businesses and programs must remain open to the national scout organization at all times.
Does it include adult troop leaders?
Yes, definitely. Both male and female adult leaders, 18 years of age or older, may be inducted into Mic-O-Say at their choice, whether or not they had prior experience in exploration or Mic-O-Say in their own youth . The adult induction ceremony is not as long as the actual scout campers. But this rank of membership is desirable, honorable, and worthy of receiving. The adult members of the tribe are called honorary warriors. Its double claws point downward.
It’s worth it.
Due to its openness and fairness to all Scout Campers, the tribe has improved various camping programs for Scout Camps and the Scout Troops involved in them. In part, the Mic-O-Say Tribe has accomplished the following:
- brought a new enthusiasm to scouting and its summer camps
- better attendance and long-term participation in camps
- gained high retention of senior scouts at summer camps
- intensified the meaning of the Boy-Scout oath and law
- Increased the number of merit badges and other awards earned at camps.
- the number of scouts who reached the rank of Eagle increased in the troops that attended these camps.