Scouting has rules that must be followed to be a member of this team. Those rules are set out in the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Motto and Slogan. Troop 35 members are expected to follow these rules to the best of their ability.

Self-Control and self-discipline are attributes which we expect every Scout to develop as he matures. There may be times that the Scoutmaster must use disciplinary action to ensure the health and welfare of the individual Scout and all of the members of the Troop. Discipline may be necessary to effectively operate the Program.

Discipline and control must be treated as an individual matter, realizing the best discipline is preventative in nature, rather than regulatory and restrictive. Scouts will receive positive reenforcement -- praise, when they do well. The Scoutmasters are responsible for administering a fair and consistent. Parent involvement ensures good feedback and fairness.

Disciplinary Plan.

Leadership will use the following Plan:

Step 1: Personal Conference: This conference will be between the Scoutmaster (or Assistant Scoutmaster) and the Scout(s) involved. This is the primary form of discipline indicating the acceptable behavior desired.

Step 2: Conference with or Letter to Parents: A conference with parents may be held or a letter written to the parents of the Scout(s) involved, informing them of:

• The nature of the inappropriate behavior(s);
• The immediate disciplinary action which was taken;
• Asking the parents cooperation in the matter;
• Offering counsel to both the parent(s) and the Scout;
• Inform the parent(s) that if the improper behavior continues, the Scout will be placed on Steps #3 and #4 of the Plan;

Step 3: Disciplinary Conference: Scoutmaster(s) will meet with the Scout and a parent, with a representative of the Troop Committee present, and determine proper disciplinary action.

Step 4: Termination Request: The Troop Committees approval will be sought to ask the Scout to reconsider his goals, as his conduct is not consistent with the goals of the Scouting Program and Troop 35. The Scout will be asked to no longer participate in Troop 35 activities.

Severe Conduct Provision: Any behavior that directly affects the health or welfare of self or others, or which involves such problems as alcohol, drugs, firearms, other weapons, destruction of property, theft, or the threat or use of physical violence to self or others will proceed directly to the Disciplinary Conference Stage.

Searches of Persons and Equipment: Scouts shall not possess, use or consume mood altering chemicals, tobacco products of any kind, or alcoholic beverages at any Scout related function. Any Scout suspected of having any such substances in his possession will be searched, along with his belongings, by an Adult Troop Leader. If found, the Scout will be dismissed from the activity and referred to the Troop Committee. The Scout is subject to immediate and permanent dismissal from the Troop.

Troop Activity Provision: At any time a Scout is participating in a Troop 35 sponsored meeting, event, trip, camp out or High Adventure, he is automatically governed by this Policy. Abusive or rude behavior will not be tolerated at any Scout related activity, whether a Campout, meeting or project of any kind. Any Scout who engages in such behavior will be warned by a Troop Leader and could be dismissed from that activity. If a dismissal occurs, the Troop Leader will contact the Scout's parents, explain the situation, and his parents must immediately make arrangements to pick up the Scout. Any Scout who is dismissed from an activity because of such behavior may be suspended from active participation in Troop activities by the joint decision of the Scout Master and Troop Committee Chair, pending further action.

Reinstatement may occur after an appropriate Scoutmaster's conference with the offending Scout, to determine whether or not the Scout will be, or wants to be reinstated. Any Scout who is dismissed from any activity, whether meeting or Campout, could be dismissed from the Troop, permanently. If dismissal is recommended, there will be a meeting with the Scoutmaster and the Scout and his parent(s), and one Assistant Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster will each make an independent recommendation to the Troop Committee, which shall have the final decision. Upon its own initiative, the Troop Committee may, but shall not be obligated to, conduct its own fact finding inquiry and hold a hearing de novo.

Damage to Property: If a Scout purposely damages, destroys or loses any equipment belonging to the Troop or damages or destroys any property of any other Scout or adult at a Scout activity, then the scout(s) and his parents will take full responsibility for replacing the damaged, destroyed or lost property with new property of the same manufacturer and quality. Accidental damage to troop equipment will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Injuries: Any physical injuries incurred at Scout activities are referred to Boy Scouts of America Insurance Policy, which is on hand with the Troop Committee Chair.