Fire Council Ring

by Ernest Thompson Seton

No camp can be truly a Woodcraft Camp without a Council Ring. The Council Ring in the woods about the fire was the original grouping of mankind. When so arranged, we get at once the ancient spirit of the woods—the democratic equalization of responsibility and of honor.

I do not feel that any camp can get the best results without a Council Ring, no matter what organization it may belong to.

I have made 74 of these personally, and that means partly at least with my own hands, and have been responsible for the building of many more.

These are the essentials: — a dry, level, beautiful place in the woods, not more than a quarter of a mile from headquarters, and out of sound of the kitchen. It must be at least forty feet across.

Having selected the exact spot, take a 12-foot cord; drive in the stake at the probable center, then try the 12-foot radius from it until you have found the spot that will destroy the fewest trees, and call for least labor in leveling. Set out a dozen or more stakes to mark the rim of this 24-foot circle.

Now begin with axe, spade, etc., to make this absolutely level—as level as a tennis court, because it is used for dancing and performances. If you have no other, you can make a level out of a saucer full of water set on a 10-foot board. The earth cut off the high places is usually enough to level up the low places.

At one side should be the “Council Rock” against one or more big trees, if possible, or a high rock. The Council Rock is usually a plank seat 15 inches high and eight feet long—to accommodate the Chiefs who are running the Council, and the distinguished visitors. Right opposite, as nearly as convenient, should be an opening for entrance; all around the circle elsewhere should be seats 10 or 12 inches high, with a comfortable back to each.

The plan of the Council Ring is as in the diagram, but omits the back to each seat; the other details of the seats are sufficiently shown.