Policies

A Scout's conduct reflects on the whole Troop, the Boy Scouts of America, and American Legion Post 59, our sponsor.  The overall discipline, safety and welfare of the entire Troop is our primary consideration. Troop Program elements that may involve travel or exposure to challenging outdoor environments, in particular, call for disciplined behavior. Every attempt will be made by the Scout Leaders to help the Scouts live up to the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, and the Principles of Scouting. Problem Behaviors will be addressed as described in this Policy, and include, but are not limited to:

·         Disruptive behavior that could potentially cause harm to others or to non-human resources.

·         Swearing or using foul or abusive language.

·         Hazing or Harassing other Scouts: physically, verbally, or by any non-verbal means.

·         Fighting, swinging sticks, weapons, or other dangerous objects, or otherwise endangering others.

·         Yelling or talking when inappropriate; making disruptive noises or gestures.        

·         Behaving disruptively—especially not allowing the Boy Leaders to lead, and the Adult Leaders to provide the Scouting Program.

·         Insubordination to appointed Adult or Scout (boy) leaders.

·         Using or distributing controlled substances at any Scout activities or events.

Misconduct by a Scout will be handled as follows:

Routine Problems will be addressed within the Patrol, and if not resolved at this level, then within the Patrol Leader’s Council. If still not resolved, then the Scoutmaster will attempt to resolve the behavior problem and at his discretion may involve the Parents. If the issue is not resolved in a reasonable time, the Scoutmaster will refer the Scout to the Troop Committee. The Scoutmaster may be involved in the Committee’s deliberations. The Scout and Parents will be required to appear before the Committee. Following an investigation by the Committee, the Committee will record a determination that:

1.      The charge against the Scout is without merit, and the Scout will continue in good standing, or

2.      The charge against the Scout is with merit, and disciplinary action is appropriate.

The Committee may suspend the Scout for a defined time period of Intensive Management, or take further action up to and including termination from membership in the Troop. Termination from the Troop will require a 2/3 agreement of the Committee. A maximum six month period of Intensive Management, continent on consistent improvement will be allowed for a Scout to bring his behavior in conformance with Troop Policy, and the onset of any new Problem Behaviors within this time period will be addressed concurrently within the original six month period. Time spent in Intensive Management will not count toward promotion requirements. The Committee may require the Scout to comply with one or more of the following requirements, or other requirements dictated by the offense:  

·         Sitting out the next scheduled campout or activity or additional campouts or activities

·         Making a formal apology to all parties concerned

·         Writing an essay acceptable to the Committee and/or Scoutmaster concerning the behavior and what will be done to correct it

·         Participating in conflict resolution or other counseling as directed by the Committee

·         Subsequently appearing before the Committee for follow-up purposes

A Scout successfully completing a period of Intensive Management will be returned to Good Standing in the Troop.

Serious Problems may call for immediate action by the Scoutmaster or the Committee, and may bypass the Routine Problem solving process described above. This will bring the Committee to the stage of rendering a formal determination using the full range of disciplinary measures available to the Committee up to and including termination from the Troop. If a serious problem occurs, a Parent or Guardian may be called to immediately pick their boy up from the meeting, camp, or activity.

Youth Protection  

See the webpage below for more details. 

UPDATE: From Allegheny Highlands Council.

New Policy - Elimination of the 72-Hour Rule:

Current BSA policy allows non-registered adults to accompany Scouts on overnight events as long as there are at least two registered Scouters present and the non-registered adults are there for less than 72 hours total. This policy is being revoked by National effective September 1 of this year. Allegheny Highlands has set the earlier date of July 1 to eliminate the 72-Hour Rule in our Council. As of that date, all adults attending overnight Scouting events in our Council must be registered members of BSA with Youth Protection Training and National background check completed. [Note: Merit Badge Counselors, Lion and Tiger Partners, and Executive Heads do not meet this requirement since they are not subject to the background check, unless they also hold another position that does include the check.] Please realize that registration is not complete until National has performed the background check – you should allow up to six weeks from submitting the application (with YPT certificate included) for this to be finished.

There is a small exemption in the Cub Scout program: parents or guardians who are not registered may accompany their own child on these events, but must be accompanied by a registered adult any time they are with a group of youth members, and are required to have read the section of the Cub Scout Handbook that deals with abuse prevention.

Thank you for your compliance with this new policy.

Douglas Cashing

Allegheny Highlands Council Commissioner

• Scouts need to inform leaders of early departures or arrivals. 

• Scouts arriving early for campouts, events, or meetings - 

  • Wait for another scout to arrive.

  • Two Leaders must be present.

• Campouts or Events 

  • Must be pre-approved by the Scoutmaster or Designee 

  • Minimize time away from campout weekend - communicate in advance

  • Parent must pick up or drop off Scout with the prearranged leader (don't drop them off or pick them up)

• Scout Drivers  

  • Only if you need to leave early

  • Must be pre-approved by the Scoutmaster or Designee 

  • Must be communicated and confirmed prior-approval

Virtual Meeting Policies:

• Use appropriate background, Scouting zoom backgrounds can be found here

• Must turn camera on unless otherwise approved by the Scoutmaster

• Follow all Youth Protection Policies

  • Must have 2 Youth Protection Trained leaders in every room, including breakout rooms

• Follow BSA Digital Guidelines.