What is Mic-O-Say?
Mic-O-Say is a camp honor society adopted by certain Boy-Scout camps in Missouri. This program also covers parts of eastern Kansas and other troops from other states 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 approaching adulthood. Its purpose is to reinforce the principles of Scouting, encourage personal growth and development, and establish meaningful participation in Scouting. Scouting membership in the tribe consists primarily of two recognized ranks: Brave and Warrior.
Who is eligible for it?
Only experienced scout-campers under the age of 18 are eligible. They must have shown some leadership and community activity before applying. Basically, that includes all active scouts who have attended these summer camps one or more times. Otherwise, these scouts would not be in the scouting program or attend these summer camps in the first place.
How does it work?
A young camper usually first becomes a Foxman (not a membership rank), which is a one-year assignment leading up to their induction as a Mic-O-Say Brave the following year. The brave one makes himself a simple tribal outfit and selects them or is given a tribal name, such as, Jumping Bear, Lightning Bolt,gold deep blue water. After completing these and a few other requirements, you receive a single Eagle Claw Necklace to wear around your neck.
Later, after the ranger has done more exploring and camping, they are 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. The two claws point upwards.
Also, in addition to participation in your camp, any tribal advancement for tribe members parallels their scouting advancement in their respective troops. In addition, the tribe also has a wide variety of responsible and committed adult leaders including Mic-O-Say councils and chiefs.
It’s a secret?
No. Mic-O-Say is not a secret. However, members of the tribe do not openly discuss the inner workings of the tribe with non-members in order 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 for the welfare of his or her child 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 enter Mic-O-Say at their choice, whether or not they had previous scouting or Mic-O-Say experience in their own youth. The adult induction ceremony is not as long as that of the actual scout campers. But this rank of membership is desirable, honorable, and worth receiving. The adult members of the tribe are called Honorary Warriors. Its double claws point downward.
It’s worth it.
Because of its openness and fairness to all scout-campers, the tribe has enhanced several camping programs for the scout camps and the scout troops who participate in them. In part, the Mic-O-Say Tribe has accomplished the following:
- brought a new enthusiasm for scouting and its summer camps
- improved attendance and participation in long-term camps
- had 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
- increased the number of scouts reaching the rank of Eagle in the troops attending these camps.