Troop Policy for Scout Behavior and Discipline

Troop Policy for Scout Behavior and Discipline

Troop 165 Colgate, WI

Revision - March 2010

Troop Committee: Mike Ward, Dan Zinda, Dan Crosby, Terri Valenta, Laura Woods, and Scott Nelson

Introduction:

Troop 165 is committed to providing a fun and exciting scouting environment as well as a positive opportunity for personal growth of boys into young men. The Boy Scouts of America have two sets of ideals which govern how all scouts will conduct themselves. These ideals are the Scout Oath and Scout Law. These ideals will be observed at all times in Troop 165.

This policy is not an all encompassing set of rules. It intended to serve as a guideline for scouts, leaders, and parents.

Troop 165 is a “scout led and leadership guided” troop.

Scout Law:

A scout is; trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Scout Oath:

On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

General Code of Conduct:

Each scout will cooperate and respect authority of troop leadership. This includes the following of directions given by a scout leader.
Each Scout will treat all other scouts with respect. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated
Scouts will work out disagreements without fighting, pushing, shoving, throwing objects, etc.
Sexually explicit materials are not allowed at any activities.
Weapons, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs and tobaccoare not allowed at any activities.
Pocket knives (able to close) with a blade less than 3.5 inch are allowed.
Electronics such as hand held gaming devices, MP3 players, and cell phones will be allowed during car rides before and after activities but not during activities unless otherwise specified prior to the activity. All media must have a maximum rating of “T” or “PG13” respectively.
The use of foul language or obscene gestures is not allowed

Expectations of Scouts:

Scouts will put the sign up when called, sit down, and listen to instructions
Scouts will pay attention during merit badge training, instructional sessions, and campouts
Scouts will complete the work necessary to continue advancement in rank including holding leadership positions
Scouts will act as a team member (pull their weight) during campouts, patrol meetings, and other activities.
Scouts will wear their uniform to scout meetings etc. A scout uniform consists of a shirt, neckerchief, and neckerchief slide. A scout should present himself with his shirt with clean clothes, shirt tucked in, and a proud representative of the troop
Scouts should prepare themselves for scouting activities.
Scouts need to participate in fundraising activities to help the troop fund itself.

Expectations of Parents:

Parents should let scouts prepare themselves for meetings, campouts and activities. Do not pack for your scout. They need to learn this life skill and they can do it. Encourage them to use the checklists in there book etc. to prepare.
Parents should make sure scouts have the proper gear. Scouts will need to bring their own rain gear, sleeping bags, toiletries, and personal camping gear.
Troop leadership needs the support of parent on this policy.
Put an emphasis on scouting in the home. Encourage your scout to be part of all of the activities, advance in rank, and take on challenging roles in the troop.

Consequences:

Discipline will be in a three step process:
Instruction – Troop leadership realizes that boys are full of energy and need frequent reminders of the expectations. This may take place in a group or individually. It is our goal that 99% of all discipline issues are resolved at this level. A parent may be notified at this step but it is unlikely
Warning – Troop leadership will sit down with scouts that are repeat offenders or a serious issue has taken place. This step will involve a parent, scout, and at least one scout leader and may be done over the phone from a scout activity.
Removal– Troop leadership may have to remove a scout from an activity under very extreme circumstances such as fighting, theft, use of alcohol or drugs, etc. If this step is taken, a scout and a parent will need to meet with the troop committee to determine whether to continue with the troop or be dismissed.