I get asked about some of the so called "hard core" groups/associations that I have been involved with over the years. I have always looked at their requirements as a challenge no matter what was required to be one of their top ranked members.
At times in the process I find myself asking "Why am I putting myself through this". Then stop and give it some thought, and then push on. If our forefather's did then I'll give it my best shot.
Shown below are requirements for a few of these groups, do you think you could do them or wouldn't give it a try?
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Hard Core Rules for Some Associations
What is expected from some serious mountain-men, frontiersmen or mountaineering groups doing living history per documented records.
Some refer to these groups as “hard-core” with like rules.
You’ll find that several have like requirements (The American Mountain Men [AMM], the North American Frontiersmen [NAF] and a few smaller groups that have copied what the larger successful groups are using( just the name of the association or organization is different). This will give you an idea if this is your cup of tea.
This was a copy of what I had to do in completing the different levels of membership with the American Mountain Men [AMM], and the North American Frontiersmen [NAF] Associations.
Bylaws
Approved Date or Updated Date
Preamble
Whereas certain individuals desire to relive the pleasures, challenges and freedom enjoyed by the explorers of our wilderness, to promote an inspiring standard of mutual expectations and practices, and to recognize and encourage those who have proven their dedication to these ideals, we the members of the XXX (group), do hereby approve and support the following Bylaws.
Article I
Association Name
This association shall be known as the XXX….. The initials XXX (group) may be used when the meaning is clear.
Article II
Association Mission
The purpose of the association is to promote personal honor, fellowship, and self-reliance by researching, demonstrating and celebrating the skills and activities of North American pioneers of the (dates may vary per group) 1750 to 1843 period. Our members are experimental historians who rediscover and practice time-honored techniques and knowledge, so that these skills are preserved for the benefit of future generations.
Article III
Types of Membership
There are three recognized categories of membership:
A. (Probationary Member – non voting): Has been invited to join, and is fulfilling the requirements for full member-ship.
B. (Regular Member): Has demonstrated the basic abilities needed to survive in the wilderness, and has earned all participating rights of member-ship. Has a membership number, may vote, and may hold any office except Captain or Elder.
C. (Advanced Member): Has demonstrated mastery of wilderness skills and leadership within the Association, and is qualified to hold all offices.
D. (Junior Member – non voting): A person below the age of 18, who has written parental permission to perform the activities of an Apprentice. Probation shall extend to the age of 18. Regular membership status may then be awarded if requirements have been completed; otherwise they may pursue a regular Apprenticeship.
E. Joining at an Advanced Degree: Candidates who can show that they have fulfilled the appropriate requirements in similar organizations, or through their own experience, may qualify to enter the association at an advanced level of membership. Such candidates must be sponsored by a member of similar or higher degree, and shall demonstrate their accomplishments to the satisfaction of their sponsor and the Council of Elders. Fees will be payable only for the degree being applied for.
F. Waiver of Liability: All members agree to manage their own risk during association activities, holding the association, its officers, and owners of property used for events, free of liability and damages.
Article IV
Requirements for Apprentice (Probationary) Membership
A. Membership in this association is by invitation only.
B. Prospects shall be sponsored by at least two regular members, or one Advanced member.
C. To be accepted as Apprentice, the prospect must be at least 18 years old, and demonstrate interest and motivation during at least two outings with at least one sponsor, whose letter of recommendation with properly filled out application, and fees as shown, shall be sent to the Captain who shall present it to the Council of Elders for approval.
D. The Apprentice must own and demonstrate safe use of a period firearm or bow suitable for the gathering of food as well as defense, and must have a basic period outfit (clothing, knife, fire kit, bedroll, personal effects).
E. The Apprentice must complete the requirements for Regular membership within two years or be dropped. Re-quests for extension must be for good cause; the sponsor shall provide a written explanation and obtain approval from the Council of Elders.
F. Good sponsorship is crucial to the well-being of any invitational association. Sponsors are fully and personally responsible for upholding, demonstrating, and teaching the traditions and standards of the Association, and should ensure that each prospect receives full attention. Their certification that a prospect is suitable and ready for advancement is a solemn responsibility.
Article V
Requirements for (Regular) Membership
A. To advance from Apprentice to Regular membership, the prospect should actively participate in as many events as possible, and the requirements shown below must have been demonstrated to the sponsor's satisfaction before the two-year probation period has ended:
1. Have a complete personal outfit: clothing, weaponry, camping gear, traveling gear appropriate to the time period, local climate, and conditions, suitable for living indefinitely from the land, using authentic tools, materials and techniques.
2. Must have accumulated 15 days of total time in the field, under primitive conditions, in increments of not less than 2 days and 2 nights, including camps in all four seasons of the year.
1. During these outings, must demonstrate basic survival skills such as procuring sustenance (hunting, gathering and fishing)
2. procuring safe water
3. making shelters
4. starting fires (by at least two methods)
5. making cordage
6. cooking for yourself and others (with and without utensils)
7. field maintenance of clothing
8. tools and weapons.
3. Complete a journey of 50 miles using methods typical of the frontier. Up to three lesser journeys may be combined, but if so, 75 miles must be covered.
B. To apply for Advanced membership,
1. Apprentices must complete a current Application Form, describing when, where, and how they have met each requirement, including any requirements met before the Apprentice's probation, and remit the stated fee.
2. The sponsors shall forward this report to the officer shown on the application, with their written recommendation for advancement, for presentation to the Council of Elders, who will either approve the application or return it for amendments.
3. Approved applications are forwarded to the Treasurer, who shall credit fees, assign the next available membership number, notify the member of advancement.
4. The person will then be called a Bossloper (AMM) or a Woodsman (NAF) (regardless of gender).
Article VI
Requirements for Advanced Membership
A. To advance from Regular to Advanced member-ship, the candidate must demonstrate exceptional qualities of perseverance, survival skill, and leadership, by completing the following requirements.
1. Travel a total of 200 miles using methods typical of the frontier, in minimum increments of 10 miles, each outing to last at least 2 days and 2 nights.
2. Survive four days and three nights alone, procuring enough sustenance from the land to demonstrate the ability to continue indefinitely.
B. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate special skills, experience, and service by completing 8 of the fol-lowing requirements, choosing at least four outdoor skills from the first 8.
1. Demonstrate saddling and riding a horse, including routine trail care and overnight picketing, using period equipment.
2. Demonstrate ability to pack at least 90 lbs. of goods on horse or mule, and traverse at least 5 miles with the animal and pack arriving in usable condition. Goods must be protected from typical adverse conditions.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in packing at least 90 lbs. in a canoe and traversing 5 miles including at least one portage of at least 300 yards.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in packing at least 200 lbs. in a period style two or more wheeled cart or wagon and transport load safely at least 5 miles.
5. Using period methods, process enough hide(s) to make one major item of clothing (shirt, pants, coat, dress) or enough for one layer of bedding.
6. Make, at some point, each necessary article of clothing from the skin out, using natural materials of the period, including footwear and at least one hat, as required to survive afield in all four seasons. Period materials may be purchased, but must be hand-sewn by the candidate.
7. Within 30 minutes, hit a 9" target six times at 50 yards using a period muzzle-loading rifle, at 30 yards using a period smoothbore, or at 15 yards using pistol or period bow and arrows.
8. Organize and conduct two primitive NAF events, lasting at least 2 days and 2 nights, hosting a cumulative total of at least six persons. Alternatively, organize and host one National NAF event.
9. Organize a meet involving at least 4 members, to demonstrate and practice the skills of a craft or trade useful on the frontier, such as blacksmithing, tanning, tailoring, saddle-making, boat-building, etc.
10. Complete one term of office or serve on a committee or staff position to the Captain's and the Council of Elders' satisfaction.
11. Write and submit a 1000-word research paper to the Senior Editor on the life and times of the frontier, which may include lessons learned by actual experience, suitable for publication. Footnotes and bibliography are required if appropriate to the text.
12. Submit four publishable reports or articles of any length to the Senior Editor that are approved by the Council of Elders during their candidate review.
13. Conduct at least three hours of educational presentations for the public.
14. Define and complete a significant accomplishment of one's own choosing, approved by the Council of Elders, that represents and advances the ideals of this association.
C. To gain Advanced membership, Regular applicants shall complete a current Advanced Membership application form, with statements describing when, where, and how they met each requirement, enclose the stated fees, and present it to the Council of Elders, who will either approve the application or return it for amendments. Upon approval, the Treasurer shall credit fees, update the roster, and notify the member of advancement.
June 2009
The American Mountain Men [AMM] [Highest Degree "Hiverano"]
The North American Frontiersmen [NAF] [Highest Degree "Mountaineer"]
My rankings are "Hiverano <a href='/tags/1641' rel='nofollow' title='See all tagged subjects with: #1641'>#1641</a>" with the AMM
and with the NAF it is a "Mountaineer <a href='/tags/03' rel='nofollow' title='See all tagged subjects with: #03'>#03</a>".
"That's the way my stick floats"
