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The Boy Scouts
of America utilizes an excellent program, strong in outdoor activities
that will challenge each member in a uniquely different way. By
utilizing this program, Scouts will learn how to respect other peoples
enjoyment of the outdoors as well as to respect the outdoors itself.
Out of respect for and the safety of others, the following items
will not be permitted at either Troop meetings or special events:
- KNIVES
- A suitable pocketknife ( Official Scout or Swiss Army type)
is acceptable and extremely useful if kept clean and sharp. Sheath
knives, machetes, boot knives, survival knives and other knives
of a similar nature are dangerous, bulky, heavy, and have no use
in general at Scout functions. The longest blade on a knife for
a Scout should be about 3 to 3 1/2 inches long. A Scout MAY NOT
carry a knife of any kind until he has earned and carries his
Totin' Chip. A Scout may bring a knife and turn it in to an adult
leader for safekeeping until he earns his Totin' Chip. The Totin'
Chip can be revoked at any time, for any reason, and must be re-earned
prior to resumption of privileges. The Scoutmaster will have final
determination on acceptability of all knives and have the right
to confiscate any knife found to be unacceptable. All items removed
from the Scouts immediate possession will be returned to the parent.
- ELECTRONIC
DEVICES - Walkmans, radios, battery operated TV sets, gameboys,
and other electronic devices similar to these are to be left at
home. The purpose of an outdoor program is to enjoy the outdoors;
these types of devices detract from that experience.
- FIREARMS
- With the exception of an adult who is a Law Enforcement Officer,
no firearms of any type, including BB guns/ Air rifles are permitted
at any Scout function. The ONLY EXCEPTION to this rule will be
when the Troop is engaged in firearm safety, and firearm instruction
on an approved outing by the Council. During these events, ANY
AND ALL FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE SCOUTMASTER,
WHO WILL THEN VERIFY THAT SAID WEAPON IS UNLOADED AND SECURED
IN A LOCKED CASE, OR LOCKED IN A SECURE PLACE WHEN NOT BEING UTILIZED
ON AN APPROVED FIRING RANGE. Weapons will be returned at the end
of the Scout function ONLY to a responsible adult. ANY WEAPON
FOUND ON A SCOUT WILL BE CONFISCATED IMMEDIATELY AND WILL RESULT
IN THE DISMISSAL OF THE INVOLVED PARTIES FROM THE TROOP. Learning
to properly use a firearm, and learning firearm safety is, and
can be a rewarding experience for a Scout. The misuse and abuse
of firearms can be deadly!
- INCENDIARY
DEVICES - Scouts have no use for cigarette lighters (of any
kind) and fireworks. If found at a Scouting event, these items
will be confiscated from the Scout and returned to his parents
at the conclusion of that event.
- DRUGS,
ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO - The Scout Oath states that each Scout
will "keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally
straight." Scouts are prohibited from having in their possession
at any time during a Scout event any of these three items. A Scout
possessing either alcohol or tobacco will have that substance
confiscated and turned over to his parents. A Scout possessing
illegal or illicit drugs and/or drug paraphernalia WILL BE DISMISSED
FROM THE TROOP, AND TURNED OVER TO THE PROPER LAW ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITIES FOR FURTHER ACTION. It is against National Council
policy for an Adult Scouter to partake of alcoholic beverages
at any time during a Scout event. The National Council also asks
that leaders temper or moderate their tobacco use at Scout events
so as not to encourage youth members to indulge in the use of
tobacco. The Troop meeting area is a non-smoking
area. Prescription drugs are not included in this category.
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