TROOP CODE OF CONDUCT The behavior of Adult Leaders and Scouts should be in keeping with the Scout Law, Scout Oath and the Outdoor Code. The actions of an Adult Leader or Scout should in no way compromise the safety of the Scout or others. There are two specific areas of responsibility: general conduct and individual conduct. Each scout his parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and adult leaders, should strive to do everything possible to adhere to all rules and regulations for the purposes of safety, health and behavioral conduct. The Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) enforces the Scout's responsibilities, which is responsible for Scout Discipline Honor. The Troop Committee enforces the Adult's areas of responsibility. It is required, that the Scout and his parent(s) or legal guardian(s) read the Code of Conduct together and sign the agreement in the place indicated. This signature page must be returned to the Scoutmaster. This Code of Conduct will be followed at all Troop functions. In the event of the need for disciplinary action it is the desire of both the Leaders and Scouts that the situation be handled at the Troop level with a minimum of input from home. Disciplinary action should be swift so that the Scout can return to planned activities as soon as possible. If the behavior of the Scout requires correction, discipline will proceed as follows: 1. The Patrol Leader will bring the offending action to the attention of the Scout and explain that he is violating the Troop Code of Conduct. If this does not result in a satisfactory resolution, the Patrol Leader will bring the matter to the attention of the Senior Patrol Leader. If he is unable to correct the violations, he will bring it to the attention of the Scoutmaster or the Adult Scout leader in charge of the event or activity. Both the Youth Leader and Adult Leader will counsel the Scout as to his breach of the Code of Conduct. 2. If the above actions do not result in a satisfactory conclusion, the Youth Leader will ask the Scout to "sit out" an activity to allow the Scout to regain composure, or to prevent interference with the activities of others. He may be given a copy of the Code of Conduct to read during this time. Any discipline involving any physical contact is strictly forbidden. If the Troop is at a weekend camping trip, a summer camp or a high adventure camp, it will be up to the Scoutmaster or trained Adult Leader to determine a further course of action. Continued "sitting out" of activities may be warranted. Other methods to correct violations may include additional campsite duties or troop duties. 3. If these actions do not correct the situation, the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the Scout will be called by the Scoutmaster or trained Adult Leader and will be requested to pick up the Scout. If they can not arrange to pick up their child, they will be responsible to reimburse the troop the costs to send the Scout safely home. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be required to meet with the Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee to discuss the Scout's re-admission to Troop activities. In all activities and events, the Scout(s) will be responsible to follow the chain of command. Unless the leader in involved, the Scout will bring the problem to his patrol leader. If the Patrol Leader can not correct or handle the problem, the patrol leader will contact the senior patrol leader. If the senior patrol leader can not correct or handle the problem, he will contact the scoutmaster or the adult scout leader in charge. The scout should not jump the chain of command except in the course of an emergency. A scout should not contact his parent for assistance, unless that parent is the scoutmaster or adult leader in charge. Good behavior and participation should be recognized. Boys exhibiting above average Scout-like behavior could receive a Troop honorarium. The honorarium will be determined by the appropriate committee, the Patrol Leaders Council, or the Troop Committee. They may be issued at the time of the event, a troop meeting, or at a Court of Honor. GENERAL CONDUCT Prior to a Scout attending any scouting event, any camping or external Scouting activity, the scout must have the following forms completed and returned to the Troop Committee: a current and completed Class Two or Class Three Medical form; a fully signed Code of Conduct Acknowledgement form; and the Troop Activity Permission Form. The entire code of conduct can be summarized in the following statement. If a scout or adult scouter complies with this law, the remaining laws are rhetorical: All Scouts and Adult Leaders are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Scout Oath, Scout Motto and the Twelve Points of the Scout Law. 1. The Scoutmaster and Assistants Scoutmasters are responsible for the supervision of the troop in respect to maintaining discipline, security, and the safety of the Scouts. They are to be obeyed to the fullest extent. 2. TROOP 451 BELIEVES IN PROVIDING ALL SCOUTS WITH A SAFE HAVEN. THEREFORE, HAZING OR ACTS OF "INDOCTRINATION" HAVE NO PLACE IN SCOUTING. NOR DOES ANY SIMILAR FORMS OF PUNISHMENT. LEADERS AND OLDER SCOUTS MUST PREVENT ALL SCOUTS FROM BEING "INITIATED" BY THE TROOP OR INDIVIDUALS WITH A HAZING ACTIVITY. ALL INCIDENTS OF HAZING WILL BE REPORTED TO THE LOCAL COUNCIL SERVICE CENTER. ALL INCIDENTS INVOLVING HAZING OR PHYSICAL FORMS OF PUNISHMENT, REGARDLESS OF THE REASON FOR THE INCIDENT, WILL IMMEDIATELY RESULT IN THE ADULT SCOUTER OR BOY SCOUT BEING INSTRUCTED TO LEAVE THE EVENT. THE OFFENDER WILL BE PREVENTED FROM CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN ANY TROOP ACTIVITY UNTIL THE TROOP COMMITTEE AT A SPECIALLY CALLED HEARING EVALUATES THE INCIDENT. It is to be understood that the safety of the scouts and adult scouters is paramount. Any action(s), which could jeopardize the safety of an event, will not be tolerated. Therefore, any physical threat or act, or verbal threat or act, against the health and safety of any scout or scouter, or against the personal property of the Troop, scout or scouter, will result in the immediate dismissal of the scout from the activity. The physical act can include any contact of one individual with another without their consent. The scout will be dismissed from all future activities until the event is formally reviewed in a specially called Troop Committee Meeting. The Troop Committee will have authority to investigate the event, and to render a judgment. Should the situation warrant, the Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Chairperson or Charter Organization Representative shall notify law enforcement authorities in a timely manner. 3. It is clearly understood that the purchase, possession, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages at a scouting event or illegal drugs by any Scout or Adult Leader is prohibited. Smoking or the use of tobacco products is prohibited in the presence of scouts. 4. Serious and/or repetitive behavior by any youth, including the use of tobacco products, cheating, stealing, dishonesty, swearing, fighting, gambling, cursing, or lewd or inappropriate sexual references or comments, will result in disciplinary actions and loss of privileges at the discretion of the PLC. 5. In consideration of other troop participants, all Scouts agree to follow bedtime and sleep schedules of the troop, unless otherwise directed by the troop leadership. 6. Each Scout and Scouter is responsible for keeping their tent and personal gear clean and neat. 7. Every Scout is expected to help plan, organize and participate in Patrol activities such as campsite setup and cleanup, as well as cooking and cleaning. 8. The wearing of military or paramilitary clothing, or participation in war games or "paint ball games" at Scouting activities, is a violation of National BSA policy, and will not be permitted. 9. Stoves or lanterns requiring liquid or bottled fuel will be filled, lit and extinguished by an Adult Leader or a Scout who has earned the Firem'n Chit card may light and extinguish stoves and lanterns. Troop 451 does not recommend the use of liquid fuel stoves or lanterns except for backpacking. 10. Liquid fuels will be stored by an adult leader in a safe, cool location and will not be allowed in the immediate campsite area. 11. Fires are for cooking, illumination and warmth. Any fire that does not serve those purposes or is of a potentially playful or hazardous nature is strictly forbidden. 12. No pressurized food, potentially flammable insect repellant, or spray containers will be allowed at any Scout function without prior approval of the Adult Leader in charge. 13. No carbonated beverages brought to campouts or meetings or Scouting activity. Refreshments may be permitted before or after the activity has been completed at the discretion of the Adult Leaders in charge. Soft drinks are not allowed during troop meetings or during camping meals. 14. Prior to a Scouts' participation in any Troop event, outing or campout, it is the responsibility of the Scout, or his parent(s) or legal guardian(s), to register all prescription and non-prescription mediations with the Health and Safety Assistant Scoutmaster, or his designate. This individual will make certain that the medication will be taken when required, in the proper dosage and all unused medication will be returned to the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) on return from the event. All administrations of the mediation will be recorded in the Troop First Aid Logbook. The total number of pills, type of medication, times the mediation must be taken, and reason for taking the mediation, will be noted prominently on the container. If a Scout arrives at an event without his medication, he will not be allowed to attend the event until the mediation has been received. If the Scout reports he does not have his medicine during an event, a medical crisis may be declared and the Scout may be required to leave the event. 15. Scouts that do not wear their uniform participate in troop activities, money earning events, campouts, meetings, etc (without the approval of the Scoutmaster) will not be considered in good standing, and will not be allowed to advance in rank or position of responsibility until the situation is corrected. ADULT LEADERS' AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 1. It is to be understood that Boy Scouts of America, and Troop 451, is a private organization. A unit leader may not serve in Troop 451 until his registration is approved by the Chartered Organization (Garden Ridge Church of Christ), their Chartered Organization Representative, and by the local boy scout council (Longhorn Council). Participation in the activities of Troop 451 may be curtailed or terminated at any time by the decision of a quorum of the Troop Committee. The Chartered Organization Representative has the absolute right to curtail or terminate any adult scouter activity with Troop 451 without the approval of the Troop Committee. The Chartered Organization Representative will submit a report in writing to the Charter Organization, Troop Committee and the local Boy Scout council describing the circumstances surrounding the action. 2. The Scoutmaster or trained Adult Leader in charge is responsible for each Scout's safety and is to be obeyed to the fullest extent. 3. Two registered adult leaders, or one adult and a parent of a participating Scout, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips or outings. There are a few instances such as patrol activities, when no adult leadership is required. Coed overnight activities require male and female adult leaders, both of whom must be 21 years of age or older. When staying in tents, no youth will stay in the tent of an adult other than his or her parent or guardian. Male and female leaders require separate sleeping facilities. Married couples may share the same quarters if appropriate facilities are available. No fewer than four individuals (always with the minimum of two adults) go on any backcountry expedition or campout. If an accident occurs, one person stays with the injured, and two go for help. Additional adult leadership requirements must reflect an awareness of such factors as size and skill level of the group, anticipated environmental conditions and overall degree of challenge. If two trained adult leaders are unable to attend the outing or activity, the outing or activity will be canceled. Normally for campouts four (4) trained adults are required to maintain two- (2) deep leadership. 4. All Scouts riding in vehicles must wear a seat belt while the vehicle is underway. 5. All vehicles transporting Scouts will carry present and adequate liability insurance coverage as set out in current Boy Scouts guidelines. All vehicles involved in the activity will be reported to Longhorn Council with the Troop Tour Permit. 6. No Scout may ride in a vehicle with a driver under 21 years of age without written consent from the parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) verified by the Adult Leader in charge. 7. All Adult Leaders will be required to attend an approved Youth Protection Training Course, and maintain a valid certification of training. Adult Leaders working with the Scouts in a position of Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster must complete the Basic Leader Training and the appropriate Scoutmaster Training offered by the Tonkawa District, Longhorn Council, or other approved Boy Scout Council program. 8. The Troop Committee at a special meeting or at its regularly scheduled meeting will resolve any problems with an Adult Leader. The Scoutmaster, in conjunction with the Troop Committee Chairperson and Chartered Organization Representative, may temporarily relieve any Adult Leader of involvement with the Scouting program at the Troop level until the Committee reviews the problem. In the case of imminent danger or harm to a Scout or another Adult Leader, the Scoutmaster or his designate may demand the Adult Leader leave the activity prior to contact with the Troop Committee Chairperson or Charter Representative. In situations requiring reporting only to the Scout Executive, the Scoutmaster or his designate will do so immediately. In these situations, the Scoutmaster or his designate will immediately notify the Chartered Organization Representative. No one will notify the Troop Committee until authorized by the Chartered Organization Representative or the Scout Executive. 9. Smoking or use of tobacco products is never allowed in the vicinity of Boy Scouts. The Boy Scouts of America prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the Boy Scouts of America, or at any activity involving participation of youth members. BOY SCOUT'S AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 1. The official Class A Scout uniform consists of short or long-sleeve shirt with the proper patches attached, Scout shorts or long pants, web belt or other Scout belt, Troop neckerchief and slide of your choice, and Scout socks. The Class A uniform will be worn to all troop meetings, while traveling in public to and from Scout outings and at all campout assemblies. The PLC and the Scoutmaster to fit the activity or occasion will prescribe attire worn at other times. The Boy Scout Uniform shows membership in the world brotherhood of Scouting, the largest youth organization in the free world. It enhances a boy's sense of belonging and gives him a place to display recognition of his very own achievements. When a Scout wears his uniform, no one knows if he is rich or poor, only that he is a brother scout and what he has achieved so far in Scouting. The boys of our troop have set a dress code. This code defines the proper uniform for troop meetings, camp-outs, summer camp, formal occasions (such as a court of honor where the Scouts are presented their awards) and work details. All scouts MUST be properly uniformed at all Troop activities, meetings, campouts, etc. A scout will be considered out of uniform if he does not wear all items that are set up in the dress code. He will be considered as not being in Scout Spirit if he does not wear his uniform. The Class A uniform is required for all Scouting activities unless otherwise directed. Information about placing items on the uniform can be found on the inside covers of the Scout Handbook. A Class A uniform consists of the following items: Clean Scout socks Clean Scout Pants and/or Shorts Clean Scout shirt Scout web belt and buckle Troop shoulder numerals (4-5-1) Clean Troop cap Longhorn Council Patch Clean Troop Neckerchief Red shoulder Epaulette Neckerchief slide The red Class B shirt is to be worn under the Class A shirt. The Troop cap and Troop Class B T-shirt may be purchased from the Troop Quartermaster. The Class B uniform is to be worn during activities where the Class A uniform is inappropriate, such as service work days, and camp outs. The Class B uniform will consist of the red T-shirt (or other BSA scout related T-shirt), clean jeans, shorts or slacks, and clean shoes or boots. Open toed sandals will only be allowed during water activities. 2. It is presumed that any Scout who has been a Scout for three months has had adequate time to obtain a complete Scout uniform. If there is a financial difficulty, please inform the Scoutmaster or Committee Chairperson. The Troop may be able to assist a Scout in securing a complete uniform. 3. Each Scout is responsible to maintain his dues. The Troop collects $26.00 a year, or $.50 a week. Any Scout behind in his dues shall be considered "not in good standing" and shall not be entitled to vote, camp with the Troop or Patrol or attend field trips. 4. Any Scout not attending a Troop activity in a six-week period shall be considered "not in good standing" unless his Patrol Leader approves the reasons for the absence and the Patrol Leaders Council has been informed. 5. Liquid fuels or liquid fuel fire starters will not be used by Scouts to start wood fires. 6. Trees, living or dead will not be struck or downed without the Scoutmaster's permission. 7. No Scout will carry or use a knife, ax or saw until he has had the proper training, has been issued, and is in possession of a "Totin' Chip" card. No Scout will start, extinguish or use any type of fire or fire starting equipment until he has had the proper training, has been issued, and is in possession of, a "Firem'n Chit" card. 8. Scout discipline and the Patrol Leaders Council determines rules. Any Scout with a Scouting related problem that cannot be resolved on the Patrol level has the right to speak before the PLC and request assistance and advice. 9. Patrols shall submit menus and a roster of attendees, and cooking and cleanup details, to the Senior Patrol Leader for approval two Troop meetings before a campout or activity. One week before the campout and/or event, at which time the money will be collected. All money must be paid in cash one week prior to the event or the Scout will not be allowed to attend the event. After the menu has been completed and the Scout indicates he will be attending the event, the Scout will be responsible to pay his portion of the expenses, even if he is unable to attend. 10. Campouts will be run according to the Patrol method. Programs will be planned by the Patrol Leaders Council using the annual planning calendar and with the agreement of the Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee. The program will be submitted at the Troop meeting one week prior to the campout, or the outing is canceled. 11. A Scout must wear the Class A uniform when being presented to a Board of Review for Rank Advancement. In addition, his Scout handbook must be presented, with the appropriate signatures and confirmation, at the Scoutmaster conference for the rank being reviewed. A Scout improperly dressed for a Board of Review, does not wear his Class A uniform to troop functions (without the permission of the Scoutmaster), does not attend troop meetings or events, or is behind in his dues, may not be approved for Rank Advancement. This type of activity does not reflect proper Scout Spirit. 12. Radios, tape players, electronic games and other electronic equipment are not allowed at Troop functions unless their use is required for an activity or event. They can be used during travel to and from outings and campouts, as long as the equipment does not distract the driver or other passengers, and the equipment is left in the vehicle during the outing and campouts. Troop 451 will not be responsible for the loss or damage to any personal property unless the loss or damage is caused by, or at the direction of, an adult leader. 13. Because of the possibility of animals forcing their way into tents, no food or drink will be allowed in a Scout's tent during a campout or outdoor activity. 14. Each Scout is responsible for informing their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of Troop activities and financial obligations. If a Scout is in doubt about his responsibility or participation in any event, or his obligations to the Troop or his Patrol, he should contact his Patrol Leader. If a satisfactory answer can not be obtained he should contact the Senior Patrol Leader. If this fails, he should contact the Scoutmaster. 15. Scouts that cause or inflict damage to Troop property or personal property of others will be held financially responsible for its replacement within a reasonable period of time. 16. No Scout is ever to leave a meeting or an event early without informing the Scoutmaster or the adult leader in charge. BOY SCOUT'S PARENT'S AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 1. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must complete a medical statement listing allergies, habits, conditions, medications required, or other vital information that might impact an Adult Leader's ability to protect and maintain the Scout's mental, physical or emotional well-being prior to each activity. All medications should be reported to the Troop designated individual. 2. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be responsible for dropping off and picking up their son from Troop activities on time. The Troop leadership will provide anticipated dates and times to parent(s) or legal guardian(s) for the Scouts to return, but there may be times when the return would be delayed. In such circumstances the Scout Leaders will attempt to timely notify all concerned parent(s) or legal guardian(s). All parents must provide the Troop with a phone number where we can contact a parent or legal guardian during an emergency situation at a troop event. It must be understood by the parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) that the activities of Troop 451 is not a child care facility. 3. Scouts and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are responsible for meeting their financial obligations. Scouts will participate in money earning programs to the best of their ability. If a family can not meet their financial obligations they should contact the Scoutmaster or Committee Chairperson as soon as possible for a confidential discussion. 4. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will provide the Troop with the phone numbers of next of kin or responsible parties who could be contacted if the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is unavailable while the Scout is involved in any activity outside of the regular weekly meeting. 5. Adults, other than the Scoutmaster, Adult Leader in charge, Committee Chairperson or Chartered Organization Representative, will not contact Scouts about problems or concerns. Any problems or concerns by any adult are to be directed first to the Scoutmaster. If the Scoutmaster is unavailable to assist or help, or involved in the conflict, the Committee Chairperson or Charter Organization Representative should be contacted. These leaders will research the problem and report back to the requesting adult. All problems or concerns will be kept as confidential as possible. 6. A parent or legal guardian will not pick up their Scout from an event other than a regular Troop meeting without contacting the Scoutmaster or the adult leader in charge of the event. Telling any other individual that they are leaving the activity is not acceptable. CODE OF CONDUCT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I, Scout _____________________________________________, and my Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s), mutually agree to abide by the preceding rules of conduct and behavior. Signed and Dated: Scout ______________________________________________ We, the parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) of our son ____________________________ have reviewed the Code of Conduct of Troop 451 with our son, and agree to abide with the rules and regulations of Troop 451 and the Boy Scouts of America. Signed and Dated: Parent ______________________________________________ Signed and Dated: Parent ______________________________________________ This Acknowledgment form must be returned to the Scoutmaster as soon as possible. Proposed New Rules of Conduct