Troop 662 follows BSA rules and policies in the Guide to Safe Scouting. This Troop 662 Conduct and Discipline Policy is designed to further clarify conduct and discipline at the Troop level. This document must be signed annually by the Scout and the Scout’s parents. A signed Code of Conduct must be submitted for a Scout to participate in Troop 662 meetings and activities.

Scout Conduct:

Good behavior: Good behavior is essential to any program and will be strongly supported and acknowledged by Troop 662’s youth leaders (Scouts) and adult leaders. Good behavior is a primary element of showing Scout Spirit and is a requirement for advancement. If the behavior isn’t allowed at school, it’s not acceptable behavior.

Respect for Authority: Scouts are expected to recognize and respect the hierarchy of authority in the Troop, and to be willing to participate and assist others to maintain order as requested. The purpose of the authority structure is not to remove authority from the Scouts, but to augment and uphold their responsibility. The Troop’s authority structure is as follows:

- Key 3 (Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Chair, Chartered Organization Representative)

- Troop Committee

- Scoutmaster

- Assistant Scoutmaster

- Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)

- Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)

- Patrol Leader (PL)

- Assistant Patrol Leader (APL)

Safety First: Scouts will not participate in any activity that could be considered dangerous to their fellow Scout. These include, but are not limited to, hazing, harassment, abuse of fire or flammable materials, or abuse of sharp instruments.

Decorum: During all meetings and activities, when the Scout sign is held up, all Scouts and adults shall immediately cease talk and movement and display the same sign.

Foul language, swearing, cursing and abusive/suggestive/offensive language and gestures are not in keeping with the ideals of Scouting and will not be allowed. A Scout is Reverent, Courteous, and Clean. Disrespectful language to any Scout or to any adult is not allowed.

Cell phone use: Scouts may not use cell phones during Scout meetings. At activities and campouts, Scouts may communicate with parents via cell phone on arrival and departure, but cell phones should otherwise be put away for Scouting events. Scouts may use cell phones en route to Scouting events at the discretion of the driver.

Uniform: The Scout Field Uniform (Class A) is to be worn at all Troop 662 meetings and when otherwise instructed. For some events (e.g., service projects), Scouts may be allowed to wear their Class B shirt or another BSA-related shirt. Scouts must wear their uniforms in a manner that will reflect credit upon themselves, the Troop, the Charter Organization, and BSA. This means: clean, neat, tucked-in, buttoned, and with appropriate insignia.

Use of Patrol Method: During the patrol activity session of the Troop meetings and other activities, Scouts will be with their assigned patrol unless given permission by their Patrol Leader to meet with the Scoutmaster, go to the restroom, etc. It is necessary for the Patrol Leader to know the whereabouts of his Scouts. On campouts or other events, Scouts may not leave a campsite or event location without the permission of the Patrol Leader or his designate. Patrol Leaders will get permission from the Senior Patrol Leader in order to leave the area.

Buddy System: Scouts will follow BSA’s Buddy System whenever appropriate. Examples include water activities, whenever a Scout is to go beyond visual range of a campsite, instances where Scouts are interacting with large groups of people not known by the Troop, and whenever the Scoutmaster declares the Buddy System is in effect.

Medications: Scouts who need to take prescription medication over the period of an overnight Troop event are required to present the medications to the Activity leader prior to departure, along with a medication form indicating medication type, dose, frequency and emergency contact information. Serious medical requirements may require a parent to attend an event and administer medication. EpiPens and inhalers may be carried by the Scout to ensure they are always immediately accessible.

Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco: No Scout or adult shall use, possess, and/or distribute tobacco, electronic cigarettes or any controlled substance (drugs and alcohol). Scouts or adults found to have used, possessed, or distributed a controlled substance at a Scouting function will be subject to immediate disciplinary action.

Fighting: Troop 662 has a zero-tolerance policy for fighting. Fighting is not permitted and is grounds for immediate disciplinary action. Parents will be called and asked to take their Scout home.

Adult Leader Conduct: Adult leaders shall exhibit the ideals of Scouting when working with Scouts. They will strive to set a good example in their handling of all situations. Standards of conduct in personal habits, language, hygiene, and interaction with Scouts will be in accordance with the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. The Committee Chair is responsible for the conduct of adult leaders. Conduct befitting a Scout is expected of adult participants as well.

Discipline:

The approach to discipline in Scouting is simple and the doors of Scouting are always open to those who strive to follow the ideals of Scouting. Adherence to the Troop 662 Conduct and Discipline Policy is required to maintain safety, prevent property damage and to avoid disrupting other organizations’ activities.

Scouts in Troop 662 are expected to obey the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Obedience to the Scout Law includes respect for Scout (youth) leaders and adult leaders and all members and guests of the Troop. Scouts must respectfully follow instructions given by their Scout and adult leadership. Disrespect and insubordination will not be tolerated. Disciplinary problems on campouts and activities will not be tolerated. Scouts who cannot behave themselves will be sent home immediately.

Under NO circumstances will adult or Scout Leaders administer physical punishment for any reason. Hazing, of any type, will not be tolerated. Scouts or adults observing such activity will take immediate measures to stop such activity.

Enforcing Discipline:

1. Scout leaders, (SPL,ASPL,PL) are responsible for maintaining Troop discipline.

2. Discipline in patrols will be handled by the Patrol Leaders. Patrol Leaders have the authority to ask any patrol member to shape up and/or leave a patrol meeting and report to the SPL (Senior Patrol Leader). An adult leader must be notified of actions taken.

3. When the Patrol Leader cannot handle the problem, he must obtain help from the Senior Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol Leader has the authority to ask a Scout to leave the meeting area and report to the Scoutmaster. The SPL also has the authority to send a

disruptive Scout home from a meeting upon confirmation from the Scoutmaster or designated adults.

4. When the Senior Patrol Leader cannot handle the problem, he must obtain the help of the Scoutmaster.

5. When the Scoutmaster determines that a Scout requires discipline, the following actions are taken:

a. First Instance – Conference with the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster. All such conferences should be attended by an appropriate Scout Leader and by another adult leader.

b. Second Instance – Conference with the Scoutmaster and a phone call to parents explaining the problem and stating that one more complaint may result in suspension for a period of time established by the severity of the offence. A written explanation of the offence will also be prepared: this will be sent to the parents and to the Troop Committee Chair. Parents may be requested to attend meetings and other Troop activities to help supervise their Scout. The Scout may be assigned to appear before a Board of Committee members or the PLC as a lesser disciplinary action prior to suspension from Troop activities.

c. Third Instance – Conference with the Key 3 (Chartering Organization Representative, Scoutmaster, Committee Chair) and parents. Based on the Scoutmaster’s recommendation, the Scout may be suspended from all Troop activities for a period of time as established by the Scoutmaster.

The Key 3 may proceed immediately with any level of discipline without conducting previous lower levels of discipline if the Committee deems the severity of the circumstances warrant such action.

6. In extreme cases, a Scout may dismissed from the Troop. Dismissal will only be carried out by the Key 3. In the case of a dismissal, a letter to the Scout’s parents will be sent outlining the reasons for the dismissal and the requirements for returning to the Troop, if possible. A Scout will not be permitted to return to the Troop without agreement from the Key 3.

7. If a Scout is disruptive during any event (meeting, camping trip, day trip, etc.) and it is determined by the adult leader of the event that the Scout’s continued presence will be disruptive, the parents of the Scout will be called (anytime, day or night) to come and get the Scout.

8. If a Scout feels he has been subjected to inappropriate discipline by another Scout, he may seek help from the Senior Patrol Leader. A Scout who feels that he has been subjected to inappropriate discipline by the Senior Patrol Leader may seek help from the Scoutmaster, and a Scout who feels that he has been subjected to inappropriate discipline by the Scoutmaster may seek help from the Troop Committee Chair.

Troop 662 Code of Conduct

In order to provide a positive, safe, and enriching environment for all Scouts while offering opportunities for wonderful adventures, Scouts must abide by the following rules:

1. I will follow the Scout Law, Scout Oath, Motto, and Outdoor Code. I will remember that these are the basis for all the following rules and should be the basis for all of my actions.

2. I am expected to follow the posted or verbal schedule of activities and assignments specified by the Troop leadership.

3. I will do my best to be on time and wearing the appropriate uniform in a tidy manner for all Troop events.

4. I may not use or possess any alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or illegal drugs. If found or detected, my parents (and/or the police, if necessary) will be notified immediately.

5. When on outings I agree, unless otherwise posted, that I will be in bed by the time dictated by the SPL, quiet and with lights out. Lack of compliance will be dealt with by the Troop leaders.

6. I agree that Scouts may not have visitors in their tents.

7. I will take responsibility for any property owned by a camp, the Troop, or another individual that I damage.

8. I will not use profanity, offensive, or abusive language and gestures.

9. I will not use electronic devices (e.g., cell phones or gaming devices) during any Troop event, or Troop meeting. Electronics may be used in the car on the way to an event at the discretion of the driver, but not once we arrive at a Scouting event. An exception to this

rule can be made only by the Scoutmaster, no other Troop youth or adult leader. I understand that electronics may be confiscated by the Scoutmaster or adult leader.

10. I will use matches and lighters only when appropriate and safe and only if I have earned my Firem’n Chit and have the physical card on my person. I understand failure to comply may result in the removal of my Firem’n Chit.

11. I will follow Totin’ Chip rules and regulations when using knives, saws, and axes. I will not attempt to use any of those until I have earned my Totin’ Chip. I acknowledge that I must have my physical Totin’ Chit on my person in order to use knives, saws, and axes. I understand that failure to follow rules may result in the removal of my Totin’ Chip.

12. I will use the buddy system on all Troop activities.

13. I will remain with my patrol during all patrol activities during Troop meetings, on camping trips, and when otherwise instructed.

Troop 662 is primarily responsible for the behavior, safety, and welfare of our members on all camping events. At District or Council events, as well as at BSA camps, all District/Council/camp leaders have the right and responsibility to help and correct any problem they encounter. I will follow the directions of those leaders as if they were my Troop’s leaders.

Both parents/guardians (unless the Scout is living with a single, separated, or widowed parent/guardian) and the Scout must sign the page below and return it to the Troop Committee Chair. Full agreement, signature, and submission are a condition of registration and participation in Troop 662.

This form is signed once a year. It must be signed by the Scout and parent/guardian and turned in prior to participating in any Troop activities, including Troop meetings.