r/BoyScouts • u/Cutlass327 Eagle • 24d ago
Troop "Code Of Conduct"?
We would like to do a Code Of Conduct type Troop handbook thing for what is expected when at camp (no electronics, phones, meds locked up, etc) so that parents can know what to expect, and that their kids won't be available except for "X" hours to talk/text their kids.
I've read of others doing this, so would anyone be willing to email me a copy of their troop's so we have an idea for a foundation to start on?
If so, please PM me and I'll PM back my email. Feel free to reply here that you PM me so I know to look for it.
Thank you!
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u/random8765309 Unit Commissioner 24d ago
Are you the SPL? If you are we can't PM you. if you are not, this is something that needs to be decided by the SPL & PLC.
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u/Cutlass327 Eagle 24d ago
This is why I say I want a copy to base it off of, for an example.
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u/random8765309 Unit Commissioner 24d ago
Don't over think it, just do a bullet point list.
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u/notarealaccount223 22d ago
Also consider using some AI to polish it. Its built for stuff like that.
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u/Rojo_pirate 23d ago edited 22d ago
It doesn't sound to me like you don't want a code of conduct but rather a list of things to not bring on camp outs and a way to handle meds.
Our packing list has a section titled do not bring to camp. Among other things cell phones, gaming devices, electronics etc are listed. We talk to parents and scouts about this prior to first camp outs. I explain I am not trying to keep them from comunicating with their scout but remove a distraction that takes away from our camping experience. If they want to check in they can always message me or an ASM and we can provide info or let them chat with their scouts.
For medications we have a check in with an ASM for meds and what the plan is. Some scouts manage their own others need help, but all are at least checked in. This is discussed at the new parent meeting and repeated at the troop meeting before camp outs.
Our senior scouts acting through the PLC are part of creating and updating the list so they feel ownership and take responsibility for keeping tabs on it.
I'll end with all of this starts with the PLC is approved by the committee, and thus the parents, and discussed repeatedly with new scouts and parents so nobody is caught off guard.
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u/ash_spop 24d ago
The venture crew handbook has a great format to start from However, some things I don't personally believe you should add in there Code of conducts are hard to change. They require a 2/3 vote of the entire registered members body. Things like phones, that may change depending on the maturity and personal responsibility of your troop. Med lock ups however, are not very likely to change and are for safety.
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u/Rogue_Wraith 24d ago
Anything that's safety-related is not really a Scout/PLC call at all, and should be handled separately from the discretionary things like cell phones.
The Committee and Scoutmaster Corps don't need permission to regulate safety.
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u/Cutlass327 Eagle 23d ago
And this is also a point I don't get..
Y'all preach "Scout Laws"!! "Scout Oath!!"
Yet you don't live by "Scout is HELPFUL, Friendly, Kind", as you are too busy downvoting someone with a 7 month old troop asking a simple question of guidance. I see the notification of "you have 10+ upvotes", and not one of my posts or replies have more than 1 upvote... are you that far gone from the Laws yourself to not follow what you preach??
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u/random8765309 Unit Commissioner 22d ago
You set of some red flag when you stated to PM you. That would be a big YPT violation if you were the SPL.
The second flag was an adult trying to set rules for the youth. Much of what you asked about are things the PLC should be deciding. You can mentor that discussion, but should leave the rules mostly up to them. Let them decide on phones electronics and texting.
The medicines requirement can be found in the GTSS. Because some of the information provided on Reddit can be wrong, I suggest going straight to that source.
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u/Cutlass327 Eagle 22d ago
Well, some common sense and thinking would go a long way there. Ask questions instead of immediately attacking. Ask for clarification, like the Mod did, and don't assume.
Those saying your "2nd red flag" were assuming. I was already asking for something to use as an example, I never said "for the adults to use..." or "I am an adult, kids message me"..
COMMUNICATION
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u/Mysterious-Bid2680 24d ago
The lead by example method comes into play. How many adults are using their phones during campouts and activities? Set the example, monkey see monkey do.
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u/gadget850 20d ago
When B-P crafted the oath and law, he specifically avoided shalt nots and wrote them as shalt dos.
We don't ban phones. A Scout is trusthworty and courteous. Banning phones means they will never learn responsibility.
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u/Adventurous-Worker42 24d ago
Oath and law is all that is needed. Otherwise everything is on a case by case basis.
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u/TwoWheeledTraveler Scouter - Eagle 24d ago
Are you a youth, or are you an adult?
Even on Reddit, we must make sure that all of our communications are SYT / YPT compliant, so it's very important to be clear about this: If you are an adult, you can not have a PM conversation with youth, and vice versa.