12 Principles of Earthcraft

1. Recreation is the essence of Earthcraft

Earthcraft is fun! Earthcraft gives something to do; something to think about; something to remember; something to enjoy beyond our daily routine. Recreation should not be purchased; it is always better to make your own fun. Recreation must be enjoyed with courtesy and common sense. No one should ever be hurt in body, spirit or pocketbook.

The best recreation is that which appeals to the imagination. Physical recreation has its place, but its zest is likely to pass with one's own youth. Joy in the realm of imagination grows with one's years, and increases with each indulgence in it. At the end of a long life, it means more than at the beginning.

2. The outdoor life as ideal recreation

Outdoor activity is an inexpensive and delightful experience. It is a mental and physical restoration from the strains imposed by our modern existence. Camping, although not the only focus of Earthcraft, has an honored place in the program, and the skills of outdoor life.

Adventure in the wilderness is ideal. When circumstances make it difficult or impossible to reach a wilderness setting, many of the same benefits may be obtained in other settings and under less rigorous conditions. Nature is everywhere, and the outdoors is as close as your front door.

3. Self-government with adult guidance

Earthcraft is organized in small self-governing groups. Adult guidance is required for Little Lodge and Middle Lodge activities. Older members are encouraged to teach and assist younger ones. In each Lodge and Circle, every member has the right to express opinions. Each is encouraged to participate and seek consensus in all decisions affecting the group. Control from without is a poor substitute for control from within.

4. The magic of the campfire

This is represented in our traditions and our ceremonies. Only the re-creation of the sacred fire has power to thrill us and strike chords of primitive remembrance. When people gather around a fire they shed all modern artifice and return to the essence of self, revealing the naked soul. Since time immemorial, humanity has seen in this blessed fire the means and emblem of light, warmth, protection, friendliness and counsel. When people have met together in peace and shared the warmth of the welcoming fire, it forges a lasting bond of union overcoming wide divergence in attitudes and perspectives. This fire is the symbol at the center of Earthcraft. We shall not fail to use its magic powers.

5. Earthcraft activities

Realizing that maturity, not scholarship, is the first aim of education, Earthcraft activities are designed to build and strengthen character. Activities follow the Four-Fold Earthcraft path (the Body Way, the Mind Way, the Spirit Way and the Service Way) to equip each individual with new skills deeper understanding, and greater commitment to live the rest of their life in a more constructive manner. Members are encouraged to develop and educate themselves, and to teach others.

Earthcraft activities emphasize the importance of individual action to protect and conserve all living creatures and natural resources. We must understand our individual and collective responsibility to all of the elements of our environment.

6. Achievement by standards

The competitive principle is responsible for much that is evil in our society. Earthcraft gives recognition to all accom- plishments by non-competitive standards. Standards provide a measure of an individual's potential. While stressing personal choice and responsibility, Earthcraft also teaches cooperation by its non-competitive approach to activities. Standards are approved by national experts, taking into account the variety of human ability, and the capability of different age groups. The goal is to overcome barriers in ourselves, not to conquer others. When one person succeeds in learning a skill or mastering a challenge, everyone benefits.

7. Recognition of accomplishment

The Earthcraft Way helps each of us to personalize an increasingly impersonal world. The program provides incentives to those who wish to learn, and instills pride in accomplishment. Honors, Degrees and Ranks are available to all who are willing to work for them, and provide a context in which each member can take pride in achievement and be recognized by others for their skills and efforts.

Earthcraft gives each individual member a small community in which to find his or her own identity. It emphasizes methods by which members learn to share the work and learn to live in harmony with others.

8. An heroic ideal

Earthcraft offers an heroic ideal, an image of a mature human being, physically strong, mentally alert, spiritually attuned, dedicated to community service; eager to learn, willing to teach, inspired by vision; prepared to share with others, with courage, intelligence, power, and wisdom; cognizant of the past, unafraid of the future, profoundly aware that action is only possible in the present moment; able to use this moment to the best advantage; equipped to listen, communicate and actively respond as needed.

By presenting an heroic ideal Earthcraft gives each individual the inspiration to set and then strive toward personal goals. Earthcraft is dedicated to exploring knowledge, increasing tolerance through understanding, and improving global environmental conditions.

9. Encouragement of individual expression

Earthcraft helps each person build self-esteem and self-expression. It teaches: first find yourself, then be yourself without fear. One that fears to see and cannot do will never experience the wonder of the world. The standpoint of Earthcraft might be expressed as follows: "Be not afraid to be different, but do not demand that others be like you. Think for yourself and find new ways to express your joy in living."

Arts, crafts, ceremony, music and dance have important places in the Earthcraft system, and provide opportunities for each member to explore their capacities and interests.

10. The creative approach

Earthcraft activities teach basic skills to each individual participating in the program. By the use of games and other recreational activities it encourages people to develop all of their senses and increase their powers of observation.

With these skills and a heightened awareness of surroundings, Earthcrafters learn to search for creative solutions to personal, community, and environmental problems. The training received as the individual learns to see along the Spirit Way, explore the Beauty Way, gain strength along the Body Way, and work along the Service Way develops the ability to find solutions and put them into action.

11. The power of independence

In every aspect of life, the more one knows, the more one can do and the stronger and more independent one becomes. The one that does not read has no power to explore the vast world of accumulated knowledge. Those that do not learn to do something are dependent on others to do it for them.

Every skill acquired is a foundation stone on which to build a happier, more productive life. Personal power can be employed in every situation encountered. This is the real power and excitement of living with ability and confidence.

12. The Earthcraft atmosphere

Earthcraft creates its own world, shared by members of all ages. It brings color, ceremony, symbols, customs, recognition and personal decorations into each member's life. These fulfill needs deep within the human psyche. It teaches how each of us can find and create beauty in all the ordinary pastimes of everyday life.

The Earthcraft World is an atmosphere in which individuals can find, test and explore their strengths - one where, supported by close friends, they can grow in many directions.

Expression in prose, poetry, song and dance; satisfaction from developing new skills and expanding horizons; the refreshment of the out-of-doors and increased appreciation of all natural things; avocation, recreation, relaxation, companionship and peace - all are found along the Earthcraft Way.