Rules of Conduct and Safety
Rules of Conduct
Inappropriate Behavior
The goal of the adult leaders is to have a safe, fun Pack program for the
Scouts. The adult leaders have the right to intervene in any situation that
they deem unsafe. If a Scout is unwilling to abide by the requirements of
the adult leaders in charge, they may require a parent to come get the
Scout.
Entertainment
Electronics
Pack 89 does not allow the use of "entertainment" electronics (Walkman,
TV’s, tape players, CD’s, electronic games, headphones, etc.) at scout
meetings, scout sponsored functions, or scout outings, including camping
trips. This goes for the leaders as well.
Electronic devices such as two-way radios, radios used to check weather
reports or other devices that are used to insure the safety of the scouts,
parents, or leaders are allowed.
Camping Guidelines
Pack 89 strives to ensure several outings each year to include family
camping. The scout and his entire family are encouraged to attend. The Boy
Scouts of America has established the guidelines for its member's
participation in camping activities.
A Cub Scout may participate in overnight camping when supervised by his
mother or father. If a parent cannot attend, the boy's family must make
arrangements for another adult relative to be a substitute for a parent at
the campout. It is essential that each Scout be under the supervision of an
adult. Cub Scouts are limited to boy-parent excursions or program managed
family camping designed for the entire family.
When staying in tents, no youth will stay in the tent of an adult other than
his or her parent or guardian. There are exceptions for Webelos Scouts at
approved outings.
Safety Guidelines
Use of Knives by Cub Scouts
To earn the right to carry a pocketknife at Cub Scout functions, the scouts
must be in third grade and have earned the Whittling Chip by completing the
Shavings and Chips Achievement 19 in the Bear Cub Scout Book. Please don’t
give the boys knives until they meet these requirements. We encourage this
award as we feel it teaches and conveys respect for safety and personal
property.
In return for the privilege of carrying a pocketknife at Cub Scout functions
only, the Cub must understand the rules for safe use of a pocketknife and
handle his pocketknife with care. Failure to follow the guidelines will
result in suspension of the carrying privilege. If a Cub has a knife in his
possession, he must be able to produce his Whittling Chip upon request of an
adult leader. If the boy is unable to produce his card, but has earned the
card, the knife will be forfeited until the end of the activity/meeting.
BSA guidelines provide that the knife must be a folding knife with a blade
shorter than the palm of the boy’s hand.
The following key items, marked with the symbol are extracted from A Unit
Leader’s Guide for Current Policies and Procedures to Safe Activities (ISBN
0-8395-4416-2, © 1998 Boy Scouts of America Revised 1998).
Leaders should have access to a copy of this document for additional safety
topics (swimming, boating, climbing, etc.).
These are national policies enforced by the adult leaders of Pack 89 and
violation of these policies by the boy or his parent will result in the
removal of the scout from the pack. Repeated violation by members of a Pack
can cause the revocation of the Pack charter by the Boy Scouts of America.
For additional information, refer to the online BSA document Guide to Safe
Scouting at
http://www.bsa.scouting.org/pubs/gss/toc.html.
Drug,
Alcohol and Tobacco Use and Abuse
The Boy Scouts of America strictly prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages
and controlled substances at encampments or activities on property owned
and/or operated by the Boy Scouts of America, or at any activity involving
participation of youth members. Pack 89 is an alcohol free organization at
ALL events.
Adult leaders should support the attitude that young adults are better off
without tobacco and may not allow the use of tobacco products at any BSA
activity involving youth participants. All Scouting functions, meetings, and
activities should be conducted on a smoke-free basis, with smoking areas
located away from all youth participants.
Guns and Firearms
The Boy Scouts of America adheres to its long-standing policy of teaching
its youth and adult members the safe, responsible, intelligent handling,
care, and use of firearms, air guns, and BB guns in planned, carefully
managed, and supervised programs.
Gun-shooting sports are not an approved part of the Cub Scout program except
at council-approved Cub Scout camps. At camp, Cub Scouts may have an
opportunity to take part in a BB gun (rifle) safety and marksmanship program
under the direction of a trained and certified BB gun range officer.
Cub Scouts are not permitted to use any other type of handgun or firearm.
Except for law enforcement officers required to carry firearms within their
jurisdiction, firearms shall not be brought on camping, hiking, backpacking,
or other Scouting activities.
Transportation
Seat belts are required for all occupants in a vehicle. All drivers must have a valid
driver’s license that has not been suspended or revoked for any reason.
Passenger cars or station wagons may be used for transporting passengers,
but passengers should not ride on the rear deck of station wagons. Trucks
may not be used for transporting passengers except in the cab. All vehicles
must be covered by automobile liability insurance with limits that meet or
exceed requirements of the state in which the vehicle is licensed. Do not
exceed the speed limit.
If the vehicle to be used is designed to carry more than 15 persons,
including the driver, the driver must have a commercial driver’s license
(CDL). An adult leader must be in charge and accompany the group. The driver
must be currently licensed and at least 18 years of age.
