Totin' Chip Requirements:
This certification grants a Scout the right to carry and use woods tools. The Scout must show their Scout leader, or someone designated by their leader, that the Scout understands their responsibility to do the following:
1. Read and understand woods tools use and safety rules from the Scouts BSA handbooks.
2. Demonstrate proper handling, care, and use of the pocketknife, ax, and saw.
3. Use knife, ax, and saw as tools, not playthings.
4. Respect all safety rules to protect others.
5. Respect property. Cut living and dead trees only with permission and good reason.
6. Subscribe to the Outdoor Code.
The Scout’s “Totin’ Rights” can be taken away if they fail in their responsibility.
Now, what does the Scout have to do to earn Totin' Chip?
Do they have to demonstrate proper handling, care, and use of the pocketknife, ax, and saw?
If you said "yes", read the exact words again. It doesn't say "the Scout must do the following". It says "The Scout must show [...] that the Scout understands their responsibility to do the following". A literal reading says that as long as you understand that you have a responsibility to demonstrate proper use, you're done. You don't have to know what proper use is, only that if you were to use the tools you must do so properly.
I understand that I have a responsibility to perform Brain Surgery in a safe manner. Now, can I have my Brain Surgery Chip?
Is this just a poorly worded requirement, or is the intent that a Scout can earn these awards without any actual skills demonstration?