Code of Conduct

Youth Member Behavior Guidelines
The Boy Scouts of America is a values-based youth development organization that helps young people learn positive attributes of character, citizenship, and personal fitness. The BSA has the expectation that all participants in the Scouting program will relate to each other in accord with the principles embodied in the Scout Oath and Law.

One of the developmental tasks of childhood is to learn appropriate behavior. Children are not born with an innate sense of propriety and they need guidance and direction. The example set by positive adult role models is a powerful tool for shaping behavior and a tool that is stressed in Scouting.

Misbehavior by a single youth member in a Scouting unit may constitute a threat to the safety of the individual who misbehaves as well as to the safety of other unit members. Such misbehavior constitutes an unreasonable burden on a Scout unit and cannot be ignored.

Member Responsibilities
All members of the Boy Scouts of America are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles set forth in the Scout Oath and Law. Physical violence, hazing, harassment, teasing, bullying, theft, verbal insults, and drugs and alcohol have no place in the Scouting program and may result in the revocation of a Scout's membership in the unit.

If confronted by threats of violence or other forms of bullying from other youth members, Scouts should seek help from their unit leaders or parents.

Unit Responsibilities
Adult leaders of Scouting units are responsible for monitoring the behavior of youth members and interceding when necessary. Parents of youth members who misbehave should be informed and asked for assistance in dealing with it.

The BSA does not permit the use of corporal punishment by unit leaders when disciplining youth members.

The unit committee should review repetitive or serious incidents of misbehavior in consultation with the parents of the child to determine a course of corrective action including possible revocation of the youth's membership in the unit.

If problem behavior persists, units may revoke a Scout's membership in that unit. When a unit revokes a Scout's membership, it should promptly notify the council of the action.

The unit should inform the Scout executive about all incidents that result in a physical injury or involve allegations of sexual misconduct by a youth member with another youth member.

Each Cub Scout den and Webelos Scout den and each chartered Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, Varsity Scout team, and Venturing crew shall have one leader, 21 years of age or older, who shall be registered and serve as the unit or den leader. A unit leader may not serve simultaneously in any other position within the same unit. The head of the chartered organization or chartered organization representative and the local council must approve the registration of the unit or den leader on the appropriate form.
                                                  Primary reference: Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America
Agreement:
All Scouts and Adult Leaders are representatives of their community, family and local Scouting Council. Therefore, all Scouts and their parents are asked to sign this Code of Conduct and Statement of Understanding as a condition for membership and participation, with the further understanding, that serious misconduct or infraction of behavior rules may result in expulsion from any activity or meeting. We want each Scout to be responsible for their own behavior, and only when necessary will the procedure be invoked to send a Scout home.
ALL SCOUTS ARE EXPECTED TO LIVE BY THE BOY SCOUT OATH AND LAW AT ALL TIMES AND TO USE THESE IDEALS AS GUIDES FOR THEIR BEHAVIOR.
I promise on my honor as a Scout that I will set a good example by keeping myself neatly dressed and presentable.
The scout uniform will be worn at all times when designated by the Unit Leaders or camp Program Director.
I will be responsible for keeping my tent and personal gear labeled, clean, and neat.
I will respect the property of others and will not use them without permission.
I will demonstrate respect for Troop equipment, public property, and will be personally responsible for cleanliness and any loss, breakage, or vandalism of property.
Serious or repetitive behavior violations by scouts including, but not limited to, the possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, cheating, gambling, dishonesty, swearing, fighting, and cursing may result in revocation of the youth's membership in the unit. Unacceptable behavior also includes possession of fireworks, traditional & martial arts weapons, possession of pornography or possession of any non-prescription drug. (Any OTC or Rx drug must be declared & handled per BSA rules.)
Scouts must learn to respect the rights and property of others. Remember to keep your hands to yourself. The tongue is a vicious weapon, think before you speak. Remember the golden rule: "DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU".

I PROMISE ON MY HONOR AS A SCOUT THAT I WILL DO MY BEST TO LIVE UP TO THE SCOUT OATH AND LAW AND AGREE TO FOLLOW THIS CODE OF CONDUCT.

SIGNATURE OF SCOUT__________________________________________Date:_______________

SIGNATURE OF PARENT_________________________________________Date:_______________