Download the our Troops’ Behavior Policies_( PDF)

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1.       Why We Need a Behavior Policy

If everyone were well-behaved, we would not have to put behavior policies into writing. Since this is not the case, this sheet documents policies agreed upon by the Troop uniformed leaders.

Our goal is to enable productive troop meetings and events while helping our Scouts grow into mature, productive, well-disciplined young men.

2.       Personal Entertainment Electronics

Personal entertainment electronics include, but are not limited to, Game Boys, iPods, MP3 players, iPhones, DVD players, computers, and cellular phones. These devices distract Scouts from the world around them, whether they are at a meeting or on a campout. Personal entertainment electronics are not to be used at Boy Scout events, which include, but are not limited to, troop meetings, PLC meetings, merit badge meetings, hikes, and campouts. Cell phones may be needed to call parents at the end of an event, but must stay in pockets or backpacks until the end of the event.

• If we see a personal entertainment electronics device once, we will ask the Scout once to put it away.
• If we see it again, we will confiscate it until the end of the meeting or event.
• If the Scout resists confiscation, his parents will be called and he will be sent home.

3.       Disruptive Behavior

The third, fifth, and seventh points of the Scout Law are: A Scout is helpful, courteous, and obedient. Some of our Scouts have been behaving in ways contrary to the Scout Law, disrupting meetings, disappearing before meetings are over, and helping to create chaos. We want our events to be fun, but at the same time there must be some level of control and self-discipline.

For boys exhibiting disruptive behavior or disappearing during meetings, the following will happen:

• A single warning will be given to the Scout at that meeting.
• The Scout will be sent home at the next occurrence.
• If poor behavior continues for two or three meetings, a leader will talk to the Scout’s parents about what further actions should be taken.

by J.E. Fouquet, Revised 10/13/14 DK

Download Organized_Scout_2009_09_09-3

Outline

Motivation – Why bother to be organized?

• You can accomplish much more within a given period of time.
• It’s hard to reach Eagle rank without efficient effort.
• Good habit for future success, when your parents and school won’t be helping you.

Objectives

1. Without clear objectives, everybody will march in different directions.
   • Take the time to explain the objectives, even if someone complains “We’ve already heard that.”
   • If any participants haven’t heard the objectives, misunderstandings are likely.
2. Projects need a clear definition, examples:
   • “The bridge over xxx Creek at yyy County Park has become unsafe due to dry rot. My Eagle project is to build and install a replacement bridge.”
   • For a hike, the appointed leader might say “The troop will backpack four miles along trail zzz and camp overnight, take a two-hour hike to the ridge top the next morning without packs, then pick up packs and return to the trailhead.”
3. Some objectives come directly from the Boy Scouts of America, such as the definition of the work needed for rank advancement. These objectives may come with limitations, such as the hang gliding prohibition.
4. Objectives associated with far-reaching issues should be set by the appropriate committee, e.g. troop committee (adults), uniformed leaders, patrol leaders, entire troop, etc. Your scoutmaster will explain these if he hasn’t already.
   • Scouts propose activities, Scoutmaster and Troop Committee provide oversight.
   • Patrol leaders generally plan calendars and agendas.
5. Scouts should not attempt unilaterally to set objectives or policies that affect everyone in the troop and should have been decided by a group.
6. When possible, try to fulfill merit badge / advancement requirements while carrying out activities.

Preparation and planning

1. Gather enough materials for the upcoming event. Think of all the details, e.g. nails or screws to build a wood structure
2. Remember that not everybody is like you; try to accommodate all Scouts.
3. Prepare written directions if needed. Keep in mind that you can’t efficiently give a ten-minute explanation individually to several people arriving at irregular times.
4. Plan ahead with others who might be impacted by your activities. If you are planning to build something like a footbridge in your garage and your sister’s garage band is going to meet there at the same time, you will have a problem. You need to make sure your parents are willing to park outside, too.
5. Remember that almost everything takes longer than you think it will. Usually the more detailed your planning, the more accurate the plans.

Communication

1. Write your email messages yourself, but if they’re especially important (e.g. trip plans) have your parent look them over before you send them out.
2. Remember to include
   1. Who – All scouts? Families and friends too? Be sure to send the notice to EVERYONE relevant
      • Think how it feels to be left out
      • Be careful – Not all circulating email lists include everyone in the troop
   2. What –
      • Required vs. optional
      • What to bring
      • Safety first – safety glasses, whistle, flashlight
      • Check camping/backpacking lists, “10 essentials” list
      • What to wear
   3. When – Four parts
      • Date
      • Day of week
      • Start time
      • End time
   4.  Where
      • Do not post Scouts’ addresses on the Internet. “My house” is OK because members can look up your address in the roster
      • Outside of Portola Valley, remember to be specific. (Where in Yosemite will you meet? It’s a big place.).
      • Provide directions to places that are new to any Scouts.
   5. Why – objective of the event
   6. How – How will the goal be accomplished
      • e.g. work on building bridge every Saturday, the move bridge with truck to park and on rollers within park
   7. Attractant (if appropriate)
      • e.g. “Refreshments will be served” – be sure to stock up on enough healthy snacks and drinks
   8. Reminder – send out a reminder about two days before the event

Execution – during the event:

1. Greet people, introduce all people who don’t know each other
2. Provide objectives / directions as needed
3. Be a good example – work hard and pleasantly yourself
4. Provide assistance and encouragement. Be considerate and respectful of others.
5. Don’t forget cleanup – you can get help with this too if you’re organized!
6. Thank people for their contributions / help

Wrap up

1. Thank people again for their help
2. Inform people of relevant news, e.g. “The ranger said that we did a great job both building and moving the bridge.”

Additional topics

1. Contact information – If you change your contact information (e.g. email address or phone number), get it updated on the troop roster and send out an email telling the troop of the change. Otherwise, you won’t receive messages.
2. Library books – Make sure that the librarian knows of any library books in your possession. Be sure to check them out before borrowing them.
3. Advancement – If you want to be an Eagle Scout, then
   • Strive to earn Eagle-required badges, using Merit Badge Midway and Scout camp to earn those that are more difficult to earn locally (e.g. no counselor in troop)
   • Use worksheets available on the web to help cover all topics for each merit badge
   • Save documentation, e.g. blue cards if you get them
   • Keep a spreadsheet(s) containing dates and counselor information, with tabs for rank advancement and merit badges, and logs for individual badges/ranks (e.g. camping nights, hours of service)
   • Plan to finish well before your 18^th birthday so that if something goes wrong, you can still succeed.
4. Eagle project documentation
   • Get your agency’s representative and your troop’s Scoutmaster/Eagle Coordinator and Troop Committee Chair to sign your project plan before getting the Council/District Advancement Committee signature. Do not start holding events for your project until signoffs are complete.
   • During your project, keep careful track of who has spent how much time on what dates as you go along. Otherwise, it will be very hard to figure out at the end.
   • After completing your project, you will again need signatures from your agency’s representative and your Scoutmaster.
   • You will also need to fill out an Eagle Scout application form. Be sure to use an up-to-date form. The current (9/09) form contains a requirement 5 asking for the project name and grand total of hours.   It can be helpful to ask the Advancement Chair for a listing of your merit badge completion dates from TroopMaster before filling in requirement 3. The form needs to be signed by the Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Chair, Pacific Skyline Council, and later by the Chair and Council/District Representative on your Board of Review.
   • It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it!