Boy Scout Troop 119 Policies Information

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Scout Oath:

Scout Law

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.

A Scout is ...

Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful ,Friendly,
Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful,
Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

The Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. In the future Scouting will continue to:

Offer young people responsible fun and adventure;
Instill in young people lifetime values and develop in them ethical character as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law;
Train young people in citizenship, service, and leadership;
Serve America's communities and families with its quality, values-based program.

Outdoor Code:

As an American, I will do my best to --

       Be clean in my outdoor manners,
       Be careful with fire,
       Be considerate in the outdoors, and
       Be conservation-minded.

Scout Motto:

Be Prepared.

Scout Slogan:

Do a good turn daily.

Troop 119 is a part of the Boston Minuteman Council. The following is the nondiscrimination policy announced by the Boston Minuteman Council July 19, 2001:

Boston Minuteman Council Policy of Non-Discrimination

The mission of the Boston Minuteman Council, Boy Scouts of America is to provide character development, citizenship training, growth in physical and mental fitness, and leadership opportunities for the young people of the Boston metropolitan area. We pride ourselves on the diversity of our members, and we are committed to providing young people with an educational and stimulating environment in which to learn and grow. Through the Scout Oath and Law, we pledge to respect all people and to defend the rights of others. Bias, intolerance and unlawful discrimination are unacceptable within the ranks of the Boston Minuteman Council.

The Boston Minuteman Council serves over 18,000 youth through 3,300 volunteers in over 330 Packs, Troops and other units without regard to color, race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or economic status.

Adopted July 19, 2001

Troop 119 Scout Law Policy (revised 6/2006)

Introduction

It is the policy of Troop 119 to provide a safe environment in which all members of the Troop can develop and advance within the Scouting program. Any behavior by a Scout or an Adult, that threatens the safety or well being of another Scout, is disrespectful to youth or adult leaders, or that brings dishonor to the Troop, Charter Organization, or the Scouting Program constitutes a serious behavior issue, which will be dealt with immediately.

This Scout Law Policy and the Troop Code of Conduct, included here-in by reference, describe appropriate and inappropriate behavior, processes for implementing the policy and the possible consequences of inappropriate behavior. All Scouts are required to provide the troop with a Policy signed by the Scout and his parent(s) or guardian(s).

Behavior

1. All Scouts and Adults are expected to live, to the best of their ability, by The Scout Oath and Law, which says that a Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.

2. The Troop Code of Conduct is the commitment we each make to each other to be respectful and to do our best to support the principles and values of Scouting.

3. Properly wearing the Scout uniform is a core value and compliance with the troop uniform policy is required of all Scouts. Class A is the appropriate attire for all troop meetings, Courts of Honor, Scoutmaster Conferences, Boards of Review, and other formal events. The PLC will determine appropriate attire for other events and activities but will generally require a Class B uniform.

4. Conduct that will not be tolerated includes: fighting; hazing; threatening; verbal abuse of other Scouts or Scout leaders; harassment of other Scouts or Scout leaders; habitual use of foul language; use of tobacco in any form; use of drugs; consumption of alcohol; inappropriate use of knives, axes, saws or other sharp objects; careless use of flammable products and fire; abuse of troop property; abuse of the personal equipment and property of others; and any other conduct in which the Scout engages which the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters believe threatens the well-being of the Scout or others, troop property or the property of others, or interferes with the purposes of Scouting.

5. Disruptive behavior in meetings and at events or activities is disrespectful to others and is not supportive of the Troop and Patrol activities and the Scouting program and will not be tolerated.

6. The attempt of any Scout to frighten, coerce, or force another Scout into taking or being subjected to any action(s) that would otherwise be against his will is strictly prohibited.

7. Adults should be a positive role model for scouts, provide instruction in a constructive and supportive manner, and create an environment that encourages learning, tolerates failure and strives to promote the principle of a boy-led troop. Adults should seek to learn, through formal training and hands-on experience, the skills necessary to provide instruction and guidance to Scouts.

8. Adults must be trained and practice the principles of the Boy Scouts of America Youth Protection Program.

9. Corporal punishment of any kind is not tolerated in Scouting.

Responsibilities and Consequences

1. The Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) is the elected body of a boy-led troop and may deal with a Scout’s or troop conduct problems assigned to it by an adult leader or take on issues on their own with permission and guidance from the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster. The PLC may meet anywhere, any time. The PLC must consider all sides of a problem, discuss the issue, and recommend to the Scoutmaster (or adult leader in charge of the event if immediate action is required) what action should be taken. The Scoutmaster will review the decision of the PLC, and, at his or her discretion, will enforce either that decision or suggest a modified version of the decision.

2. The PLC and the Scoutmaster may consider one of several action steps or consequences:

A verbal warning
A one-on-one or group meeting with the Scout to review appropriate behavior
Loss of privileges to attend or participate in a Troop activity or event for more serious or repeat offenses.
Removal of a Scout from his leadership position
Assignment of a work or service project that provides a tangible benefit for the Troop and is consistent with the infraction. The project must be completed immediately and before a scout can advance to the next rank.
Referral to the Troop Committee for further action.

3. The Scoutmaster or an Adult, in consultation with another adult leader, will deal with minor problems in the manner that they determine to be in the best interest of the Scout and the Troop, which shall be appropriate for the situation and consistent with Scout policy. More serious situations shall be dealt with in the following manner:

When the behavior of a Scout could threaten the safety of another individual, or is felt to be sufficiently serious, any adult leadership should take immediate action using their best judgment.
In the case of a serious problem, such as a safety issue or insubordination to a leader, the youth or adult leader must first stabilize the situation and inform the Scout that he is "on report". The leader should then "step back" and immediately involve another adult, preferably the Scoutmaster as to the handling of the situation.
As a consequence of a serious infraction on any activity or event the Scoutmaster or Adults may decide to send a Scout home in which case the parents should come as quickly as possible and any expenses resulting from the Scout being sent home will be borne solely by the parents of the Scout.
The Troop Committee will be advised of any instance of serious misconduct, as will the parents of the affected Scout.

4. The Troop Committee has the primary responsibility for the safe, effective and efficient operations of Troop 119 and, therefore, has the final authority to deal with all violations of the Troop 119 Code of Conduct and Scout Law Policy. Generally the Committee, the Scoutmaster and other adult leaders will operate on a "three strikes" approach. The first strike is a warning. The second strike is a serious warning where the Committee may choose to contact the Scout’s parents. The third strike means "you’re out" and is only exercised as a last resort after all attempts to reach a satisfactory resolution have been exhausted.

5. The Troop Committee should be immediately notified of any reports of inappropriate behavior by adults associated with the Troop and will have primary responsibility for investigating the circumstances and taking appropriate action.

6. In order to assure the safety of all Scouts and the well being of the troop the Troop Committee reserves the right to do any or all of the following:

Provide guidance to the PLC and Scoutmaster with regard to handling the specific situation which may include any of the remedies mentioned earlier
Revoking a Scout’s privilege to participate in meetings and activities
Delaying advancement for not living up to the spirit of the Scout Oath and Law
Invite the parents of the Scout and the Scout to meet with representatives of the Committee and the Scoutmaster to discuss the situation and to attempt to reach a satisfactory conclusion
Suspend a Scout from the Troop for a defined period of time
Terminate membership in the Troop but only after the parents of the Scout and the Scout have been invited to attend a Committee meeting to discuss the issue of termination. If parents choose not to attend the termination meeting, the Scout’s participation in the troop will be immediately terminated. It is the goal of the Troop that termination from the Troop is a "last resort" which is reserved for severe problems, and undertaken only to assure the safety of the Scout membership and the well-being of the Troop.

Boy Scout Troop 119

Hancock United Church of Christ - Lexington, Massachusetts

Troop Code of Conduct

As a member of Troop 119, I understand that my right to join in the fun of Scouting requires responsibility on my part to always behave according to the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Outdoor Code, the Troop 119 Scout Law Policy and the Code of Conduct described below.

The Code of Conduct for Troop 119 is as follows:

I will not be disruptive, will pay attention and show respect to both the elected youth leaders and adult Troop Leaders.
I will do my best to be on time and in the proper uniform for all meetings and scheduled Scouting events.
I will participate in and support the activities of my patrol and Troop to the best of my abilities.
I will not haze, threaten, injure or verbally abuse another person.
I will not abuse things that belong to another person, including Troop equipment.
I will not borrow another person’s equipment or belongings without permission.
I will not leave a meeting, event or activity without an adult’s permission and then only with a buddy.
I will not use profanity, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco while at any Scouting function.
I will use matches and stick lighters only when appropriate and safe and only if I have my “Firem'n Chit” (Cigarette lighters are not appropriate.)
I will follow “Totin' Chip” rules and regulations when using knives, axes, and saws.
I will not take dangerous or unauthorized items (fireworks, firearms, bows/arrows, sling shots, laser pens, etc.) to Scouting functions.
I will not take electronic devices to Scouting functions unless authorized by the Scoutmasters.
I will remember that a Scout is reverent and do my best to demonstrate reverence by, for example, by saying grace before all meals and by attending troop faith services.
I will perform the duties of my office or assigned responsibility to the best of my ability.
I will not ask another Scout to perform a task I am not willing to do myself.
I will attempt, by word and deed, to bring honor upon my patrol, my Troop, and myself.

Consequences of Improper Behavior

The Scouts of Troop 119 elect the Senior Patrol Leaders and the Patrol Leaders to run the Troop through the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC). The PLC will initially address many violations of the Code of Conduct. Consequences could include a verbal warning, suspension from certain activities, removal of leadership position, referral to the Scoutmaster, or referral to the Troop Committee for severe violations, in accordance with Troop 119’s Scout Law Policy.

I will do my best to live up to the Scout Oath and Law and agree to follow this Code of Conduct.

Scout Signature__________________________________ Date: ____________________

Youth Protection Policy

The following policies have been adopted by the Boy Scouts of America to provide security for the youth in our program. In addition, they serve to protect adult leadership from situations in which they are vulnerable to allegations of abuse.

Two-Deep Leadership

Two responsible registered leaders, one of which must be at least 21 years of age and the other at least 18 years of age, are required on all trips and outings.

No One on One Contact:

One-on-one contact between youth and adult members is not permitted. In situations that require a personal conference, the meeting should be conducted in the view of others.

Respect of Privacy:

Leaders must respect the privacy of the youth members in situations such as changing clothes or taking showers at camp.

Separate Accommodations:

When in camp, no youth is to share or sleep in the same tent as an adult or staff member other than his own parent or guardian.

No Secret Organizations:

There are no secret organizations recognized by the Boy Scouts of America. All Scouting programs are open to parents and leaders.

Proper Clothing:

Proper clothing for activities is required. Skinny dipping is not appropriate in Scouting.

Constructive Discipline:

Discipline in Scouting should be constructive (supportive) and reflect Scouting Values. Corporal punishment is unacceptable.

Discounting Prohibited:

Physical and mental hazing is highly prohibited and is not included in Scouting activities.

Supervision:

Leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by junior leaders and see that Boy Scouts of America policies are followed.

Youth Production Training for Adults:

Adult leaders and volunteers are encouraged to complete Youth Protection Training. This training is required of all adults who serve as leaders at scouting events. Training sessions are run by the district or council and are listed in the Troop 119 Training web page. Training is also available online at http://olc.scouting.org/info/ypt.html . For your reference, Boston Minuteman Council is council number 227 . Please report to the Training Coordinator, Mike Yip, when you complete training, so it can be properly recorded in the Troop’s records.

Youth Protection Training for Scouts:

Once a year during a troop meeting, the Troop will conduct a Youth Protection Training (YPT) program for the Scouts. The Boy Scouts of America have prepared an award-winning video program to educate boys 11 years and older about child sexual abuse and the steps that they should take to protect themselves. Parents are invited to join us for the presentation so they will have a common point of reference for subsequent discussions with their son.

Unfortunately, child sexual abuse is an increasing social problem. The Boy Scouts of America is committed to providing a comprehensive Youth Protection Program and has prepared a range of materials for the education of scouts, adults and leaders. Scout troops are encouraged to offer a program for boys once per year, showing a video called “A Time To Tell”, that that emphasizes the three R’s of youth protection, Recognize abuse, Resist advances and Report to parents or another trusted adult.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to review the insert at the beginning of the Boy Scout Handbook. One requirement of the first badge in Scouting, the Scout Badge, is for the Scout to review this section with a parent or guardian.

We appreciate your support of our effort to provide your sons with a safe learning environment. If you have any questions, please contact the Scoutmaster or Troop Committee Chair.