Adult Leader Code of Conduct

                                Approved by Troop Committee

                               Click here for a printable version

Statement of Understanding – The Troop Committee has established this Code of Conduct to provide parents and adult leaders (“Scouters”) of Troop 91 with a framework of expectations for adults. This Code of Conduct will help ensure a common language and understanding of behavioral expectations, and consequences, allowing us to create an atmosphere conducive to fun, safety, and the values of Scouting.

All Scouters of Troop 91 represent the Troop, Village Presbyterian Church (our Chartered Organization), and the Boy Scouts of America (“BSA”) when they elect to participate in Troop activities (weekly meetings, campouts, summer camp, etc.). Each Scouter is expected to uphold the principles of Scouting and must sign and abide by this Code of Conduct as a condition of his or her participation in Troop activities (other than meetings and courts of honor).

Ultimately, the Committee wants each Scouter to be responsible for his or her own behavior, and only when necessary will the Committee take action under this Code of Conduct.

Code of Conduct – I agree to abide by this Code of Conduct, as follows:

1. I will conduct myself in accordance with the principles of the Scout Oath and Law.
2. I will become thoroughly familiar with the objectives and guidelines of the Boy Scout program, strive to achieve these objectives, and communicate them appropriately.
3. I understand the meaning and importance of the BSA Youth Protection guidelines and agree to conduct myself in accordance with the guidelines. If I have not done so, I will complete Youth Protection Training before the next Scout outing.
4. I will familiarize myself with the Guide to Safe Scouting, and I agree to follow its rules and policies (http://www.scouting.org/pubs/gss/) and the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America.
5. I will not use alcoholic beverages or controlled substances at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the Boys Scouts of America, or at any activity involving participation of Scouts. I will not attend any Scouting activity in an intoxicated state.
6. I will support the BSA and Troop policy that Scouts are better off without tobacco and will not allow the use of tobacco products at any Scouting activity involving Scouts. All Scouting functions, meetings, and activities should be conducted in a smoke-free basis, with smoking areas located away from all Scouts.
7. I will not bring (or use) firearms, ammunition, weapons, or fireworks to any Scouting activity, unless the activity is conducted in accordance with the Guide to Safe Scouting; I will not gamble in any form at any Scouting activity.
8. While participating in Scouting activities, I will obey the safety rules and instructions of all supervisors and use positive reinforcement and communication.
9. I will not engage in behavior that constitutes discrimination or harassment in any way, including race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, economic status, or citizenship of an individual.
10. I understand and acknowledge that, if my behavior or choices are not in keeping with the BSA youth protection and safety policies or this Code of Conduct,

    a.     I will be asked by the Scoutmaster (or other Scouter in charge of the activity) to leave the Scouting activity and I will do so without incident and without refund of any fees paid.
    b.     My behavior may result in other disciplinary action (up to and including suspension from participation or expulsion from the Troop). If a Scouter’s membership in the Troop is revoked, the Troop Committee will promptly notify the Heart of America Council of the action.
    c.     The Troop Committee (or its designee) will review my behavior and take what it determines, in its sole discretion and authority, to be appropriate disciplinary action, which determination will be final and binding.
    d.     The Troop has a zero tolerance policy with respect to the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances, and that, at a minimum, I will be suspended from participation in all Scouting activities (except weekly meetings and courts of honor) for at least 6 months (from the date of suspension) in the event I choose to violate this Code of Conduct in that regard.
    e.     The Troop Committee will consider the circumstances of each incident on a case-by-case basis, and may take mitigating or exacerbating circumstances into account.
    f.     This Code of Conduct is the policy of the Troop Committee, and I may be subject to additional disciplinary action by our Chartered Organization, the Heart of America Council, or the National Council.

By indicating yes below, I promise on my honor as a Scouter that I will do my best to live up to the Scout Oath and Law and follow this Code of Conduct. If I desire to report a violation of this Code of Conduct, I will report it to the Scoutmaster, Committee Chairman, or other Scouter in charge of the activity.