What is Coup ?

Coup is a French word, pronounced coo. In the Indian languages, "war count" was the definition. Coup could be counted by approaching an enemy close enough to strike him with something held in the hand. Coup could be counted without either killing or scalping. The greatest coup went to the warrior who, while counting coup, captured the enemy's horses, weapons, and religious vestments.

George Catlin, famed artist of the 1830's, painted the portrait of many famous warriors and observed and recorded their customs. In his seventh letter he explained coup as the most positive way a man could show that he was skillful, brave, and conscious of his responsibilities. Since a boy was groomed from childhood on to be the defender of his band and tribe, it was only right that an award system would emerge to honor those who fulfilled their call. The war count system served this purpose admirably.

The counting of coup was a system for grading war honors, special acts of bravery, and war aggressiveness. The warrior who counted the most coup was in first place and so on down the pecking order. Each coup was recounted before the tribal council and eye witnesses interviewed to corroborate the deed. This was serious business. Great care was taken so credit went to the right person, and each was recognized publicly.

Each coup was ranked and graded. A simple act of striking the enemy with the bare hand displayed exceptional bravery. On the other hand, a surviving warrior so struck in battle might be branded a coward and banished. Brave deeds were expected and rewarded. Cowardice in the face of the enemy was treated as a fate worse than death, since no glory or regard could be gained in this life or in the life hereafter. The proudest day in a brave's life was the day he counted his first coup. For more on coup see this article.

How does Troop 212 award coup beads ?

 The troop will award a belt fob and bead with the first participation in an activity deemed to warrant a coup bead. Each type of bead has a meaning.

	The fob is to be worn on the belt and is part of the Scout's uniform. Replacement cost for lost fobs is $3.00
	Green Disk  Fair weather overnight campout. Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Black Disk  Foul weather (significant rain) overnight campout. Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Red Disk  Summer camp. Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Yellow Disk  Camporee (district or council). Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Purple Disk  Scout 'Sunday', for wearing a complete uniform to your place of worship during Scout week in February. Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Orange Disk  Very hot weather (>95°F) overnight campout. Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Blue Disk  Cold weather (not above freezing) overnight campout. Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Clear Disk  Sub-zero camping, the low temperature is below 0° F. Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	White Disk  Snowy weather (no grass showing, >3") overnight campout. Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Red Star  Special overnight camping experience. Replacement cost for lost beads is 25 cents
	White Star  Snowy special overnight activity (Ski Trip). Replacement cost for lost beads is 25 cents
	Blue Star  Sea Base Replacement cost for lost beads is 25 cents
	Green Boot  Fair weather backpacking/hiking overnight campout where more than 5 miles is backpacked / 10 miles hiked. Replacement cost for lost beads is 25 cents
	Black Boot  Foul weather backpacking/hiking overnight campout where more than 5 miles is backpacked / 10 miles hiked. Replacement cost for lost beads is 25 cents
	Orange Boot  High adventure backpacking/hiking campout such as Camp Daniel Boone where more than 25 miles is backpacked over 5 days. Replacement cost for lost beads is 25 cents
	White Boot  Snowy weather backpacking/hiking overnight campout where more than 5 miles is backpacked / 10 miles hiked. Replacement cost for lost beads is 25 cents
	Gold Boot  Philmont Scout Ranch. Replacement cost for lost beads is 25 cents
	Green Canoe  Fair weather overnight canoe trip. Replacement cost for lost beads is 25 cents
	Black Canoe  Foul weather overnight canoe trip. Replacement cost for lost beads is 25 cents
	Gold Canoe  Northern Tier Replacement cost for lost beads is 25 cents
	Red, White & Blue Stack  National Jamboree Replacement cost for lost beads is 50 cents
	Red Heart  Giving first aid. Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Purple (blue) Heart  Receiving first aid. Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents

Training Coup

 Training coup will be awarded for significant course completion. They are to be worn on a separate thong from those used for activity coup.

	The second leather thong is to denote that one is 'Trained' and is to be worn spanning the two fob holes on either side of the center hole. Replacement cost for lost thongs is 10 cents
	Wooden Disk  Woodbadge training. Replacement cost for lost beads is 25 cents
	Steel Washer  Troop Junior Leader Training Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Brass Washer  Junior Leader Training Conference Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Stainless Steel Washer  Troop training staff (JLT or New Scout) Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Steel Washer  Fast Start, New Leader Essentials, BSA Leader Specific Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Cord Washer  Outdoor Skills course Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Brass Washer  special adult training Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Red Washer  CPR Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Blue Canoe  Flat Water Canoe certified Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	White Canoe  White Water Canoe certified Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents
	Rope Washer  Climbing Instructor certified Replacement cost for lost beads is 10 cents