Shelburne Troop 602 - Boy Scouts of America
Judy Christensen, Troop Committee Chair
Stacy Walbridge, Scoutmaster

Scout Behavior and Self-Discipline

Introduction:
Boy Scouts of America offers a unique and well-designed program which is based on the creation of an environment within which young boys can develop into responsible young men based on “living” the Boy Scout Oath and Boy Scout Law. The Adults Leaders (Scoutmasters and the Troop Committee) of Shelburne Troop 602 recognize that to create a healthy environment for all there is a need to maintain and improve communications related to behavioral expectations and counseling.

Purpose and Goals:
The Boy Scouts of America have two "sets of ideals" which govern the conduct of any Scout. These are the SCOUT OATH and the SCOUT LAW. When a boy becomes a Scout, he promises to try to live these ideals. A list of rules and regulations would do nothing more than repeat what is already contained in the Scout Oath and Law. Every Scout in Troop 602 is expected to behave according to the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. 

Boy Scout Oath or Promise
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. 

Boy Scout Law
A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, 
Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. 

The Goals of Shelburne Scouting are to create a healthy environment in which:
1.	Each Scout learns and grows as an individual,
2.   Each Scout exhibits a commitment to the entire Troop by following the Scout Oath and Law,
3.   Openness of expression is taught within the boundaries of concern and courtesy,
4.   Failures are turned into successes.

To do this, Adult and Youth Leaders work with all Scouts in meetings and activities to promote the purpose of scouting while having fun, advancing in scout rank and developing leadership ability.

Boy Scouts, worldwide, are thought of as courteous and self-disciplined.  When a Scout does not live up to this standard he discredits the name of all good Scouts as well as his own. Therefore, an understanding of what is courteous and self-disciplined behavior and the consequences associated with not meeting these expectations must be understood and acknowledged by the members of this Troop. Without courtesy and self-discipline Scouting can not be a rewarding experience. Furthermore, parents play a vitally important role by acting as a team with adult leaders to help each Scout reach their full potential as it relates to demonstrating the self-discipline to take advantage of the opportunities Boy Scouting offers young men today.

Expectations:
In order to accomplish our purpose and goals, there are basic expectations that should be followed by each Scout at all times. A Scout should be true to the traditions of Scouting. The three duties of the Scout Oath and the twelve points of the Scout Law shall guide a Scout's behavior and the foundation of his self-discipline.  The following are examples to show these ideals in practice:   	A Scout shows courtesy and respect to others in word and deed, 
         			A Scout plays games fairly, by the rules,
         			A Scout helps others,
         			A Scout respects the property of others,
         			A Scout follows the instructions of youth and adult leaders,
         			A Scout stands tall and proud for the Pledge of Allegiance,
         			A Scout wears his uniform properly (Class “A” with shirt tucked in).

CODE OF CONDUCT 
(In addition to above expectations, the following rules were added by the membership of Troop 602 on October 27, 2003)
	*Put sign up with boy and adult leaders. The sign means:
Stop talking immediately for as long as the sign is up.
*Obey instructions.
	*Participate in meetings. 
*Participate in Opening Ceremony with dignity and respect.
*Treat the speaker with respect. Do not interrupt. Give attention at all times. 
*No side conversations during group meetings or instruction periods. 
*One person speaks at a time.
*Stay on topic during discussion. Be constructive when asked for ideas.
*Complete assigned tasks efficiently and give full attention – no fooling around.
*Treat others and speak respectfully. No name-calling. Do not say, “Shut-up!”
*No profanity. No hand gestures.
*Use materials and equipment properly, especially knives
*Use knives according to “Totin’ Chip Rules”
*No sticks or other weapons at meetings or events.	 
*No kicking or hitting. Hands Off!

Consequences:
Initial actions can be brought by Scoutmasters, Troop Committee members, Youth
Leaders and parents, to initiate counseling or disciplining a Scout.  These actions may include:
*Instruction - A request to stop or change one's behavior or actions because they are not acceptable for the current activity, or unsafe.
*Warning - Disregard of instructions will put the Scout on notice that a recurrence of the discourtesy or lack of self-discipline will result in a Scoutmaster Conference or a Behavioral Board of Review. Parents will be notified when a Scout has been warned.
*Removal - Misbehavior during Camping or other Troop events may at the decision of the scoutmaster or senior assistant scoutmaster a parent may be requested to pick up the scout from any troop function.  A Scoutmaster Conference will be held and the Scoutmaster will notify the Troop Committee.
Counseling:
Scoutmaster Conference: The Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster will counsel a Scout who continues to disregard instructions and warnings that his behavior is unacceptable to the principles of Scouting and the leaders of his Troop.  The Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster will try to reach an understanding with the Scout as to why the Scout's behavior is unacceptable and receive a commitment from him to change his behavior. A written understanding of the agreement between the Scout and the Scoutmaster will be signed by both parties and sent home with the Scout for parental review and signature.  If a Scout's behavior continues to contradict the Scout Oath and Scout Law, then the Troop Committee Chair and the Scoutmaster together will make a second attempt to reach an understanding in a conference with the Scout. A written understanding will be signed by all at the conference and sent home with the Scout for parental review and signature.

Behavior Board of Review: Scouts who are continually in need of counseling by Scoutmasters, appear unwilling to terminate discourtesy or inappropriate behavior, or engage in an incident of unsafe behavior toward others will sit before a Behavior Board of Review.  Depending on the behavioral history and attitude of the Scout, the Board will make a decision on the Scout's continued participation in Troop activities. Options available to the Board include, but are not limited to, the following:	
1. Define a course of action and a time period in which the Scout must demonstrate the desired behavior.
2. Require a parent to accompany the Scout at Troop activities, meetings, campouts, etc.
3. Suspend the Scout from future Troop activities, such as campouts or meetings.       
			4. Dismissal of the Scout from the Troop.

Parent Roles and Responsibilities: Parents are asked to help the Troop by doing the following:
1.	READ all information sent home to you from the Adult and Youth Leaders 
2.	POST the activities Calendar in a prominent place in your home and make the activities a priority for your family activity planning. 
3.	Realize that to miss an activity will begin to diminish their interest in the Scouting program. 
4.	FULLY SUPPORT the Scoutmasters in the enforcement of the above procedures. 
5.	Feel free to participate in our meetings, outings, and to join the ranks of adult leadership in our troop. This may be the best opportunity you will ever have to spend quality time with your boy(s). 

We have read this document completely, have together discussed it and understand it, and agree to comply with it.

Scout Name (print)			Scout Signature			Date

Parent Name (print)			Parent Signature			Date