It is the desire of Troop 715's Leadership, and the Charter Organization, that all Scouts have a feeling of security and safety while a member of, or visiting, Troop 715. Therefore, the following items cover the basics and assist in taking stock of the expectations of each individual attending a scout function, outing or activity. The following is UNCONDITIONALLY REQUESTED of each individual, Scout, leader, visitor and family member that attends a Troop 715 activity. Some of the rules may seem harsh, but the possibility of what may happen, or occur, if these are not followed, pose an even greater possibility of unwanted situations. The desire of Troop 715's Leadership is to offer a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all Scouts to gather and have a good time. Our utmost concern is the safety of the Scout and at the same time maximize the amount of fun that is available. This is the number one priority of the following guidelines from the Troop leadership:
SAFE ENVIRONMENT WITH THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF FUN POSSIBLE
1 - All Scouting events will start on time.
2 - Scout uniforms are to be worn to all Scouting events unless otherwise noted.
3 - All individuals will respect others at all Scouting events. (in other words - keep your hands to yourself. Use constructive comments - stay away from name-calling, put-downs and the like.)
4 - No facial jewelry will be worn at Scouting events or activities. (The environments which Scouts live and play in, pose a hazard to facial jewelry. There is no need to leave a nose ring, eye ring, earrings and etc,... in a tree limb. It hurts being removed in such a forcible way. Bloody too!
5 - BSA policy states that no tobacco products, alcohol or drugs will be part of or at Scouting events or activities. These are expected of all; Scouts and Scout leaders. (A Scout leader is anyone over the age of 18 attending a Scout function, be it a campout, Troop meeting, car washes and so on,...) Scouts will not be allowed to possess the above mentioned items.
6 - Profanity is not an acceptable form of expression. It will not be used in Scouts.
7 - The Scout and/or their family will replace equipment broken or damaged through negligent handling or deliberate acts of destruction. (This does not include accidental breakage through normal handling.)
8 - It is understood that working with fire and building fires is part of the Scouting environment, BUT, the Troop leaders will control the use of fire. Butane lighters, incendiary devices or the like are prohibited. Matches are to be used conservatively to start fires and not for an individual's fun or entertainment. No matches, lighters, fire starters are to be brought from home. The Troop will supply all that is needed in the Scouting environment.
9 - Knives, hatchets, axes and the like cannot be brought to Scouting events by individual Scouts unless approved ahead of time by the Troop leadership. Personal pocketknives are allowed only after the Scout has earned the totin' chip card. The totin' chip card must be carried at all times when there is a pocketknife being carried by the Scout. The pocketknife, which is a tool, has to be an approved pocketknife. Anything outside of the normal sized pocketknife will need approval by the Troop leadership. Fixed blade sheath knives are not recognized as a standard BSA pocketknife.
10 - There is no need for any electronic device at the troop events/activities. All radios, CD's, games and the like are to be kept at home. They have no place at a Troop activity. The Troop will not be responsible for the safety or condition of any device smuggled to a Troop activity.
11 - Cell telephones are not part of the Scouting uniform. Therefore, Scouts are not to bring them to Troop meetings or outings. At most locations that the Troop visits, cell telephone coverage does not exist and the ability of getting a call out is not possible. At our Troop meeting location, there is a telephone that can be used for emergency calls.
12 - The Troop will supply the food for meals at all troop outings. There is not to be any food, snacks and the like, brought from home for individual consumption. The menus are designed to offer a balanced meal to all. The only exceptions are medically required situations, Troop hikes and brown bag meals, which will be requested of the Troop as a whole, at the start of some campouts. In most Scouting situations, sodas are not an acceptable snack or meal food.
