The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

WHEN A BOY IS INITIATED INTO THE BOY SCOUTS, THE CEREMONY
IS USED TO TEST HIS BRAVERY. FIRST HE IS GIVEN AN OLIVE
AND WHILE HE IS BLINDFOLDED IS TOLD THAT THE OLIVE IS AN
OWL'S EYE. THE BOY MUST NOW EAT THE "EYE." THE BLINDFOLDED
BOY IS NOW GIVEN SPAGHETTI AND TOLD IT IS WORMS. HE MUST
EAT THESE ALSO. THEN THE BOY IS GIVEN TOMATO JUICE AND IS
TOLD THAT IT IS A MAN'S BLOOD HE MUST DRINK. FINALLY, THE
BOY IS RAISED UP, BLINDFOLDED, TO A NARROW TABLE WHERE
HE MUST SUCCESSFULLY "WALK THE PLANK." THIS IS ALL DONE
IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PACK. IF
THE NEW SCOUT SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES THESE TESTS, HE IS
ACCEPTED INTO THE PACK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 04-05-1972