Code of Conduct Pack 43 Safety Harbor
Boy Scouts of America: Conduct and Discipline Policy
The Boy Scouts of America is a values-based youth development organization that helps young people learn positive attributes of character, citizenship, and personal fitness. The BSA has the expectation that all participants in the Scouting program will relate to each other in accord with the principles embodied in the Scout Oath and Law.
One of the developmental tasks of childhood is to learn appropriate behavior. Children are not born with an innate sense of propriety and they need guidance and direction. The example set by positive adult role models is a powerful tool for shaping behavior and a tool that is stressed in Scouting.
Misbehavior by a single youth member in a Scouting unit may constitute a threat to the safety of the individual who misbehaves as well as to the safety of the unit. Such misbehavior constitutes an unreasonable burden on a Scout unit and cannot be ignored.
The Conduct and Discipline Policy must be agreed to by both the Scout and his parent prior to participation in Pack activities. Failure to comply with this policy may jeopardize a Scout’s rank advancement and if behavior issues persist, could result in participation restrictions up to and including non-acceptance, non-renewal or revocations of membership. Parents must agree to bear the expense of transportation costs related to disciplinary dismissal of their Scout from any Scouting activity.
Code of Conduct
The following rules have been adopted for purposes of health, safety and behavioral conduct. These rule are in alignment with and supplemental to the Boy Scouts of America Youth Protection Training and Guide to Safe Scouting. http://www.scouting.org/YouthProtection.aspx
1. Scouts will follow reasonable directives from youth leaders and/or adults supervising the activity. The Cubmaster or other adult leader in charge is responsible for each child's safety and thus it is imperative that instructions be respected and followed.
2. When the “Scout sign” goes up, everyone must be quiet. This is true not only at Pack meetings, but also at every Scout event. Failure to stop talking when the sign is raised cuts into time allocated for the activity.
3. Unruly, loud, disrespectful or disobedient behavior will not be tolerated.
4. Swearing or use of offensive or use of unfit language is unacceptable.
5. Horseplay or inappropriate physical roughness will not be tolerated. Never restrain another Scout. Shoving, punching, kicking or stick fighting is prohibited. Physical violence, have no place in Scouting.
6. Throwing or kicking of rocks or other dangerous or injury threatening objects is prohibited.
7. Lying and dishonesty. This type of behavior is inconsistent with the goals and ideals of Scouting and will not be tolerated.
8. Respect other people’s feelings. Threatening or intimidating another person by words or actions is prohibited. No hazing, “put-downs”, verbal insults, ridiculing, hurtful comments, name-calling or jokes at other people’s expense is allowed. Use nicknames only if the Scout does not object.
9. The intentional destruction of or damage to natural or man-made areas, as well as to personal or Pack/BSA property is forbidden.
10. Respect other people’s property. No one may borrow any person’s or Pack equipment/property without prior consent. Practical jokes, such as hiding someone else’s gear, sabotaging tents, etc. have no place in this Pack.
11. Caffeinated and/or energy drinks are prohibited for Youth Scouts on Pack campouts. No exceptions!
12. Use of any alcohol or other controlled substances by Scouts or their parents is strictly prohibited. The only exception is prescription medication in the name of the user that is accompanied with a Parental Consent form signed by a parent and discussed with the adult leader prior to the activity.
13. No Scout may leave an activity and/or designated area without the Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster(s) or Den Leader(s) express permission to do so.
14. Never venture off alone. The "buddy system" must be used at all times to provide support and safety. Scouts are required to have another person or buddy with them when swimming, meeting with a Counselor and during other Scout specified activities. The two-deep leadership rule must always be followed by every adult participating in scouting activities.
15. Firearms, rockets, fire crackers, fireworks, ammunition, black powder, sling shots, bows and arrows, paint ball guns or any other weapons are prohibited. Exceptions may be made only for use at such activities as BSA/Pack-approved rocket, archery and rifle ranges events.
16. Use of any tobacco products by Scouts is prohibited. Adults may use tobacco products with discretion in designated areas per BSA Policy.
17. Food, candy, snacks or drinks (other than water) should not be brought to events unless approved and authorized by the Pack. Allergies of individuals should be taken into consideration at all times.
18. Food, candy, snacks or drinks (other than water) are not allowed in tents when camping.
19. The Cubmaster (with advice and counsel from Pack Leadership) reserves the right to determine other forms of unacceptable behavior as they occur.
Earned Privileges and Policy:
· Cyber Chip and Electronic Use Policy:
1. Smart phones, Tablets, and the Internet use is a privilege. Technology is a tool to help us. It is not there to take the place of family, friends, or Scouting. Smart phones and tablets cannot be used within the pack until the Scout and parent have earned the BSA Cyber Chip. Technology (e.g., phone calls, texting, internet use, etc.) should not be used during Scout activities, except in the event of an emergency or when allowed as a tool for Scouting purposes and authorized by a supervising adult. Apps (Applications) and websites used in the program must be approved ahead of their use in the program.
2. Items, such as personal CD players, iPods and radios, with headphones, may be allowed during travel to and/or from a Scouting event after earning the Cyber Chip. CD players, iPods, radios, portable games, smart phone games…etc… are prohibited from use during Scout activities.
3. Improper use of Technology by a Scout that is deemed inappropriate will be confiscated and will be returned to the Scout’s parent at the conclusion of the activity, and may lead to revocation of the users Cyber Chip.
4. An individual who loses his Cyber Chip privilege will be provided one opportunity to “renew” his privileges once every 12 months, by completing the age appropriate training.
5. Cyber Chips must be “recharged” each Scout year in accordance to the Cyber Chip requirements.
· Whittlin’ Chip:
No Scout may carry or use a knife, until he has had the proper training and is in possession of a valid "Whittlin’ Chip" card. Sheath knives and knives with blades of more than four (4) inches may not be carried. Any knife deemed unacceptable will be confiscated and will be returned to the Scout’s parent at the conclusion of the activity. No knives should be brought by Scouts to events or meetings held at facilities that may prohibit them (schools, etc.).
Adults should familiarize themselves with the rules of Whittlin’ Chip before using a knife at any Pack meeting or event.
· Use of Fire by Cub Scouts
1. Cubs Scouts do not need any form of fire starting items. They will be confiscated immediately.
2. Fire safety rules will be enforced at all times.
3. Scouts must not play in the fire or wave burning/smoldering sticks in the air.
4. No fires or open flames of any kind are permitted inside tents. This means no lit candles, matches, stoves, heaters, lanterns or open flames of any type are allowed in tents. Only appropriately used chemical light sticks or battery operated lanterns or flashlights are permitted inside tents.
And always remember: When in doubt, let the Scout Oath and Scout Law be your guide.
Adult Support and Behavior:
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout. All rules and policies are established to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our kids to grow and learn.
1. All adults of Pack 43 are expected to complete the BSA Youth Protection training within 60 days of their child joining the Pack. Failure to complete this training within an appropriate time frame may lead to the suspension of the youth’s attendance of Pack events. Youth Protection training is good for 2 years.
2 One-on-one contacts between adults and youth members are strictly prohibited.
3. All leaders and adult are expected to support the pack leadership and all the rules at all time.
4. Appropriate attire for all activities: Adults should dress appropriately for all activities, and should support the uniform method of the Cub Scouts.
5. Privacy of youth and adult members should always be respected. (See Digital Privacy and Social Media Guidelines below)
6. All adults are expected to conduct themselves according to the Code of Conduct and Scout Oath and Law, in a courteous and professional manner. Physical violence, theft, verbal insults, drugs, and alcohol have no place in the Scouting program. These infractions can put the child and the Pack at risk and will not be tolerated. This includes the use of substances prior to arriving, during a Scouting activity and being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the presence of youth. Infractions of this nature will lead to the adult and/or youth being requested to leave the activity immediately, required reporting of the events, and may result in the revocation of a Scout’s membership.
7. Adults are expected to lead by example and not be disruptive or distracting during Pack meetings or activities. You do not have a choice to be an example, only the type of example you will be.
8. Discipline must be constructive. Corporal punishment is prohibited. No adult may ever intentionally strike or inappropriately touch a Scout, even if it is their child.
9. Adults should recognize, intervene, and report any safety violations by children or other adults immediately. Any adult of Pack 43 can stop, and intervene in a situation without concern of reprisal. As stated in Youth Protection training, leaders are required by the BSA to be mandatory reporters
10. Adult behavior problems will be addressed by the Cubmaster, and Pack Committee Chair in consultation with the Pack Committee in a professional and timely manner. Adult behavior problems will be addressed under the same disciplinary policies and procedures outlined below. Violations of BSA and/or Pack policies by an adult can have an adverse effect on a youth’s membership in the Pack
Technology: Digital Privacy and Social Media Guidelines:
A key ingredient for a safe and healthy Scouting experience is the respect for privacy. Advances in technology are enabling new forms of social interaction that extend beyond the appropriate use of cameras or recording devices.
1. Never share any information of a youth member. Only share youth pictures if given appropriate permission to do so.
2. The policy of two-deep leadership extends into cyberspace. Another adult leader should be copied on any electronic communication between adult and youth member. Two deep leadership must be observed at all times, including electronic communications to youth.
3. Parents should attend, participate, and understand the BSA NetSmartz Cyber Chip training. The parents must sign with their youth members that they understand the requirements of the Cyber Chip before using Electronic devices at Pack meetings or events.
4. All applications (Apps) and technology items used as tools in Scouting must be approved by the Cubmaster and Committee before they are used. A list of approved apps is available upon request.
Discipline Policy
There are times when it is necessary to discipline a Scout for not abiding by the Scout Oath, Law or the Pack’s Code of Conduct. Discipline and conduct must be treated as an individual matter, realizing the best discipline is preventive in nature rather than regulatory and restrictive. Fortunately, serious problems rarely arise due to the outstanding character of our Scouts and adults. When there are problems, cooperation among Scouts, the Cubmaster and parents often turn problems into opportunities for growth and character development.
How Scouts are disciplined, by whom, when, and where are important issues that must be clearly established and communicated to all Scouts, parents and leaders. Scouts have the right to know what the consequences are if they break the rules. Scouts also have the right to expect the Pack to discipline Scouts who disrupt Pack programs and activities or threaten the safety or well-being of others.
The Cubmaster will ultimately be responsible for the safety of Scouts and, therefore, will be expected to enforce a fair and consistent disciplinary plan in cooperation with the parent. In a Pack, the Cubmaster is to ensure proper conduct and be the first line of any disciplinary actions. It is the responsibility of the adult participants to supervise the Scouts and advise the Cubmaster and/or Scout Leadership of any violations of the Code of Conduct or other unacceptable behavior by adults or youth.
Adults always have the right and responsibility to immediately intervene in any situation they consider unsafe. These situations include, but are not limited to: fighting, hazing, foul language, bullying, sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior. The adult leader must notify the cubmaster or assistant cub master and then decide what course of action is necessary to improve a situation. Discipline sessions are to be conducted off to the side, but in full view of Scouts or adults, and never in private behind closed doors, unless other adults are in attendance. BSA Youth Protection Guidelines must be followed at all times.
Any and all records of discipline pertaining to individual Scouts must be maintained by the Cubmaster and passed along to succeeding Cubmaster as long as the offending Scout is affiliated with the Pack. Access to these records must be limited to only those with a “need to know” as determined by the Cubmaster and the Committee Chair. At the point when the offending Scout either leaves the Pack, all disciplinary records pertaining to that Scout will be destroyed.
The following consequences and activities are prohibited in the Pack as discipline:
• Hazing - This includes, but is not limited to: shouting, cursing, ridiculing, name-calling, hazing activities or any other demeaning activity.
• Physical Activity - Physical activity such as push-ups, sit-ups, or running may not be used as a consequence for conduct violations.
• Physical/Emotional Discipline – Physical/emotional discipline is prohibited.
Disciplinary Action Plan
The first line of discipline is to clearly communicate Pack expectations with regard to Scout and/or adults behavior. When discipline problems occur that require more than a friendly reminder from a Scout's peers, youth leaders or supervising adults, the following steps must be taken.
1st Offense – Verbal Warning – The Offending Scout Asked to Please Stop
The Adult Leader or parents will politely but firmly request the offending Scout and/or adult to cease the behavior. Resolving the conflict by coaching, issuing a verbal warning and taking immediate action is the preferred first response. The Cubmaster will be notified immediately of all verbal warnings.
2nd Offense – Removal from the Scout Activity and Coaching by Pack Leader
If the problem(s) continue, and the offending Scout and/or adult has been asked to comply once more by an adult leader, he will be removed from the Scout activity and the Den Leader or Assistant Den Leader will discuss the behavior issue and agree on a resolution with the offending Scout. This should take no more than five minutes. Coaching and a second verbal warning must be firmly issued. The Cubmaster must be notified immediately.
3rd Offense – Removal from the Scout Activity and Coaching by Adult Leader (Cubmaster or ACM)
If the problem(s) continue, the offending Scout and/or adult will again be removed from the Scout activity. The Cubmaster or Assistant Cubmaster must be notified of the behavior issue. The Scout is to be removed from the activity for a time period no less than 15 minutes to allow time to reflect on his conduct and will be coached by the Cubmaster or an ACM delegate regarding behavior expectations.
Immediate Removal from Activity - If the violation is serious in nature, or if the offending Scout’s actions are continually distracting or disruptive to the operation of the Pack or beyond the control of the youth leaders or Cubmaster, the Scout and/or adult may be asked to leave the Scout activity permanently at the 3rd Offense. If a parent cannot be contacted, the Scout will sit out the Scout activities under supervision until such time as the parents can be contacted and the Scout sent home.
Probation – Multiple Offenses Occur Within a 2-Month Period
The Cubmaster or Assistant Cubmaster will schedule a meeting with the offending Scout and/or adult, his parents, the Cubmaster and Committee Chair to discuss the behavior and agree upon the length of the probation period.
Prescribed Consequence: Probation will be assigned for up to thirty (30) days. During this time period, the offending Scout and/or adult will be allowed to participate in Pack meetings and camping activities only when accompanied by a parent. The Scout will be closely monitored by the Scout Leader and a Parent so that he has an opportunity to demonstrate “Scout Spirit”.
Suspension – Observed Behavior Issues Unimproved
NOTE: The following violations constitute immediate suspension:
• Physical Violence or fighting where another is injured
• Any abuse allegations of a Scout by another Scout (Bullying, Hazing, Mental, or Sexual)
• Stealing
• Controlled substance use or possession
• Deliberate destruction of Scout, Pack, personal or private property
• Any other significant incident(s), as determined by the Cubmaster
If the offending Scout and/or adult continues to misbehave, has a violations noted above constituting immediate suspension, and/or there is another incident within one month of the Probation, a Cubmaster Conference and Disciplinary Board of Review is required. Parental cooperation is required. If the parent(s) refuse to participate in the corrective action plan, or refuses to participate in the Conference, the scout and/or adult will be immediately expelled. The Cubmaster, Committee Chair, the offending Scout and his parents must agree upon and devise a written Action Plan for correcting the Scout’s behavior. The Action Plan must be signed by all parties. An adult infraction will not include the Scout in the process as long as they were not a party to the infraction.
Prescribed Consequence: A suspension will be assigned for up to three (3) months. During this time period, the offending Scout and/or adult will be prohibited from attending camping activities and may be allowed to participate in Pack meetings and non-camping activities only after the being allowed as part of Disciplinary Board of Review process and (youth) only when accompanied by a parent. The offending Scout must have a meeting with the Cubmaster, Committee Chair and parent before reinstatement to Pack activities can occur. The Scout must present a compelling case for improvement in his Scout Spirit and evidence that he has been abiding by the Code of Conduct and the agreed upon Action Plan has been accomplished.
Note: There may be instances when a certain action, behavior, or circumstance is so significant or egregious that it necessitates that the prescribed Action Plan procedure be avoided and a recommendation made by the Cubmaster to the Committee Chair for Expulsion of the offending Scout.
Expulsion – Dismissal from the Pack
If the offending Scout or adults behavior issues are not resolved at end of a Suspension period, the parent(s) is not cooperative or supportive, or if the Scout or his parents fail to abide by the agreed upon Action Plan, the Cubmaster must recommend Expulsion of the offending Scout and/or parent to the Pack Committee. The Committee Chair will provide written notice to the offending Scout’s parents of the expulsion decision.
Appeals: Should the offending Scout or parent object to the Expulsion for any reason, the offending Scout has the option to appeal the decision by delivering a written request to the Committee Chair for a Disciplinary Board of Review within one week of the decision being issued. The Committee Chair will assemble a 3-member board (one Assistant Cubmaster and two Pack Committee Members, none of whom are related to the offending Scout) and schedule a meeting for the Scout or parent to present their appeal. Within a week of the Board of Review, the Committee Chair will provide written notice to the offending Scout and his parent(s) regarding course of action/final decision.
The offending Scout will not be allowed to re-charter with the Pack.
Revised and Adopted: April 2015