893 Unit Code of Conduct
Overview and Scout Behavior Expectations
Scouting works toward three aims: 1) Character Development, 2) Citizenship Training, and 3) Personal Fitness. The Ideals of Scouting—captured in the Scout Oath and Law—represent the framework in which these aims are pursued. In 893, we have high expectations for our Scouts and Adult Leaders as they demonstrate integrity, honesty, and character in all walks of life. At the same time, however, we recognize that both Scouts and Adult Leaders may at times demonstrate behaviors that call for corrective action. Our goal is not to punish or expel a Scout or Adult Leader, but rather to address inappropriate behavior and reinforce the aims of scouting. In keeping with Scouting being “Youth Led,” violations and corrective actions will be addressed and resolved at the lowest possible level of the Unit’s organization and elevated as necessary.
Behaviors Requiring Corrective Action
- Using profane language and/or gestures.
- Fighting, hitting (horseplay), hazing and/or taunting others, endangering others and/or oneself.
- Refusal to follow instruction issued via Unit leaders (adult and/or junior) as well as parents, and leaders in church, school, and the community.
- Disruptive behavior during Scout meetings and/or other situations requiring attentiveness.
- Dishonesty.
- Intentional, reckless, and/or negligent destruction of property (church, school, public facilities, etc.) and/or the environment.
Corrective Actions
For inappropriate behaviors, 893’s response will include one or more of the following Corrective Actions—depending on the severity and frequency of the violation(s).
- Discussion of the violation and its consequences. Follow-up discussions with Adult Leaders and/or parents will be scheduled as necessary.
- Separation from the activity. Additionally, parents may be called to pick up the Scout, regardless of the Troop’s location.
- Exclusion from the next Scouting activity.
- Loss of Position of Responsibility (e.g. as a Patrol Leader, etc.).
- Delayed advancement to the next rank/award (note “Scout Spirit” requirement).
- Expulsion from the Unit.
Agreement
We affirm our commitment to the 893 Unit Code of Conduct and our willingness to accept and support Corrective Actions taken in the event of inappropriate behavior.
Family Signature Card
All families are required to submit a Family Signature Card, to be kept on file, acknowledging their agreement to this and all Unit Policies. Unit Committee reserves the right to periodically update policies. All Unit members will be notified of these changes through a variety of methods including email, verbal, and by posting updates to Unit website.
Policy Last Revised: 19-Mar-2019
893 Unit Electronic Device Policy
As part of 893’s continuing effort to bring a rich and meaningful Scouting program to its members, the following Electronics Policy has been adopted.
893’S ELECTRONICS POLICY:
During Scouting Activities, Electronic Devices may be used as part of the Scouting program, but may not be used as entertainment or for purposes that detract from the Scouting program or are contrary to BSA policy. If a Scout’s use of an Electronic Device violates this Electronics Policy, the appropriate sanctions will be applied.
“Electronic Devices” and “Electronics” defined: Any portable electronic device capable of being used for telecommunications, electronic game playing, digital photography, internet access, social media access, or other devices that may be developed for similar type functions, as determined by the Unit Committee and Adult Leaders.
“Scouting Activities” defined: Activities offered and sponsored by 893 or any council or district of the BSA. For example, but not as a limitation to the general statement above, the following activities constitute Scouting Activities: a) unit meetings, b) patrol/crew/den meetings, c) weekend campouts, d) day outings, e) summer camp, f) high adventure outings, g) jamborees or camporees.
“Adult Leaders” include: Unit 893’s Registered Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Committee Members.
SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATION OF TROOP 893’S ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
When in the opinion of an Adult Leader a scout is in violation of Troop 893’s Electronics Policy, the following actions may be taken:
- A scout may be warned and instructed to put their device away; or
- The device may be immediately confiscated,
This sanctions policy is not progressive – The Adult Leader may immediately resort to the confiscation remedy. If an Electronic Device is confiscated, it will only be returned to the parent or Scout at the end of the activity or outing. If repeated violations occur by the same scout, they may be prohibited from using Electronic Devices during any future Scouting Activities.
Violations such as items 5a to 5c below (the “Non-Permissible Uses”) are subject to BSA Youth Protection protocols and must be reported to the scout executive and the person in charge of the activity, and in certain instances the police may be notified.
The Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, Crew President, or other scouts in a leadership position, or junior adult leaders (those under age 21) or adults not members of the Committee or in a leadership position should notify an Adult Leader if violations of this policy are occurring, and allow them to take appropriate action. The Adult Leaders will attempt to enforce this policy on a fair and equitable basis. If their scout or his parent(s)/ guardian(s) have a problem with the way this policy is applied, please notify the Scoutmaster or Committee Chairperson or present your objection at a Committee Meeting.
Commentary: It is the goal of Scouting that its members learn to incorporate the Scout Oath and the Scout Law into their daily lives. Scouting teaches scouts to abide by the oath and law through group and outdoor activities, especially unit and patrol/crew/den meetings, camping, and similar activities. Modern Electronics can be useful in assisting our scouts in maximizing their scouting experiences, and Troop 893 does not wish to restrict scouts in their use of Electronic Devices if such use is directed toward the advancement or success of the Scouting Activity in which the scout is engaged. However, if the use of an Electronic Device distracts a scout from participating in or achieving the goal of the Scouting Activity, any such use is to be discouraged by the invocation of this policy.
This policy is not a game in which the adults set down rules and invite scouts to see how close to the line they can get (or to move the line) before being sanctioned. That would be a distortion and violation of the spirit of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, and would itself be viewed as a violation of this policy. Thus, if a scout tries to appeal an adult’s determination that a scout is violating this Electronics Policy by arguing semantics or saying the policy doesn’t specifically limit their particular use, the Scout loses. Any such argument by the scout may be taken by the Adult Leader as an admission that the scout has crossed the line.
The following guidance is provided as to what would generally be permitted, and what would generally constitute a violation of, the 893 Electronic Device Policy. These examples are not exhaustive, and under particular circumstances may not be applicable. Indeed, because new apps or new devices are developed at astounding rates and we could never hope to anticipate all possible uses to which scouts might use their Electronic Devices, the Adult Leaders will use their best judgment to apply the Electronics Policy when determining whether a scout’s use of Electronic Device is acceptable, or not.
Examples Of Permissible Uses Of Electronic Devices
- Safety and Security-Alerting adults or others to a dangerous situation or injured persons.
- To aid in the success of a scouting activity or program:
- Use as a navigational device while participating in a GPS activity or hiking.
- Identifying trees or animals in the wild.
- Use of a device as a flashlight.
- Recalling first aid practices if in doubt of proper technique or protocol.
- Taking pictures of scouting activities.
- To demonstrate completion of an advancement or merit badge requirement-Taking a picture of a fish a scout caught to show the counselor that they completed that requirement of the fishing merit badge.
- Looking up advancement or merit badge requirements.
- Informing parents that a meeting is over and the scout is ready for a ride, but not using the device to text or otherwise communicate with others during a meeting or during Scouting Activity time.
- As a watch or stop watch.
- On the ride to or from an outing, assuming the privilege has not been suspended due to a violation of this policy during the outing or activity.
Examples Of Non-Permissible Uses Of Electronic Devices
- Texting or other telecommunications between scouts or third parties during a Scouting Activity, other than reasonable communication such as contacting a parent to arrange a ride home.
- Use of Electronics in any manner that distracts a scout from participating in an organized Scout Activity of the Unit or the Scout’s patrol/crew/den.
- Use of Electronics in any manner that distracts other scouts while a program is being presented or engaged in by other scouts, leaders, or instructors during Scouting Activities.
- Use of an Electronic Device as a form of entertainment during a Scouting Activity, especially if a scout holes up in a tent to the exclusion of participating in the Unit, Patrol/Crew/Den, or scouting experience.
- Use of Electronics in violation of BSA policy-
- No picture taking in shower or bathroom facilities.
- No violations of any other person’s privacy.
- No bullying or cyberbullying.
893 and its Adult Leaders are not responsible for loss or damage to any Electronic Device brought by a Scout to a Scouting Activity, regardless if the Electronic Device is in the Scout’s or Adult Leader’s possession. We encourage adults to conform to this policy during Scouting Activities. Adult Leaders are expected to lead by example and conform to this Electronics Policy.
Family Signature Card
All families are required to submit a Family Signature Card, to be kept on file, acknowledging their agreement to this and all Unit Policies. Unit Committee reserves the right to periodically update policies. All Unit members will be notified of these changes through a variety of methods including email, verbal, and by posting updates to Unit website.
Policy Last Revised: 19-Mar-2019
893 Unit Parent Guardian Promise
As a parent or guardian of a Scout:
I understand that the Unit is scout-led with volunteer support and that each year I will be required to volunteer in capacity as a Unit Leader, as a member of the Unit Committee, or in coordination of a scouting event. My scout’s registration packet includes the Unit Family Talent Survey.
I acknowledge Scout events and activities are funded by my family’s registration fees AND a combination of event fees and fundraising activities. I will encourage and support my Scout in the fundraising activities that allow the Unit to operate during the year.
I understand that I have an important role to help guide my scout through the Scout program and will support them throughout the program.
Family Signature Card
All families are required to submit a Family Signature Card, to be kept on file, acknowledging their agreement to this and all Unit Policies. Unit Committee reserves the right to periodically update policies. All Unit members will be notified of these changes through a variety of methods including email, verbal, and by posting updates to Unit website.
Policy Last Revised: 19-Mar-2019
893 Unit Website Policy
The purpose of this policy is to establish a set of guidelines that:
- Provide guidance to Unit Leaders to effectively manage the Unit website according to Unit ideals.
- Enable Unit Scouts to safely participate in the directed management of Unit online web content.
- Establish a safe and fun environment in which Unit scouts are able to participate in Unit online web enabled communications, advancement tracking, and access to Unit resources such as: photos, calendar, news, and roster information. These rules primarily concern the “Public” facing portion of the Unit Website (www.troop893.org). However, they also establish general policy for use of the “Private” Unit Portal. Note these guidelines are adapted from policy established by the BSA Electronics Publishing Division for council Web sites.
- Unit leadership has control over the content of the Unit’s official web site (i.e. the Unit Committee, uniformed leadership and chartered partner representative). If youth members are involved, they must be under the direct supervision of adults who have control of all content.
- Access to the secure domain or password protected area for the purposes of modifying the information contained therein shall be restricted to the webmaster and designated leaders of 893. No youth shall have direct access to modify anything in the secure level of the site.
- Content of the website must be appropriate to the Scouting movement and consistent with the Scout Law.
- The website should not contain any direct links to any site that contains material that is not appropriate to the Scouting movement.
- The website’s public area should not contain full names, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses or other identifying information about youth members. Personal details, available via the Unit Portal, such as roster information, must be protected by appropriate security processes such as individual user accounts with strong passwords and system enforced access privileges.
- The website should not contain publicly accessible bulletin boards or chat rooms that make it possible for youth members to communicate with non-Unit members through the site.
- All communications must maintain the BSA Youth Protection policies for two-deep leadership. Wherever possible, guardians and multiple Unit leaders should receive copies of all electronic messages.
- The website should consider the safety and privacy of members by obtaining permissions to release information about or identifying images of any specific person in accordance with Unit privacy and safety practices.
- The website should not contain any advertisements or commercial endorsements.
- The website must abide by all laws regarding copyrights, trademarks and other intellectual property.
- The website must include the name of the unit’s chartered partner, contact information for the Unit Committee and an e-mail contact address to reach the site webmaster, so visitors can report any problems or concerns.
- All members are granted read access to their personal account and advancement records as well as selected roster information for the Unit. Only approved Unit leadership will be granted read access to all Unit Members advancement details. The Unit Advancement Chair has the explicit authority to edit Unit advancement records. The Unit Key 3 will grant access rights to specific Unit leaders for position related purposes only.
Policy Last Revised: 19-Mar-2019
893 Unit Signature Card
Please see attached document…
Troop Signature Card
All families are required to submit a Troop Signature Card, to be kept on file, acknowledging their agreement to this and all Troop Policies. Troop Committee reserves the right to periodically update policies. All Troop members will be notified of these changes through a variety of methods including email, verbal, and by posting updates to Troop website.
Policy Last Revised: 1-Aug-2019