When Youth Behavior is "Derailing the Program"....

[RWSmith]

This topic is not to far off from others already mentioned hear. The dilemma is “discipline”. Regarding extreme examples the crime often makes clear what needs to be done, but what about the more common constant program derailing behavior? I belong to a troop where at times we seem to be waging the dog and all is suffering. We tend to steer away from the more exciting yet risky adventures because of concerns for safety simply due to some youth that seem more interested in being ignorant and stupid. The program suffers and the boys that don’t participate in this misbehavior are loosing the opportunity for greater things. I have often thought if we begin to associate misbehavior with a labor they don’t like that maybe they might look for other settings in which to misbehave. What do the rules say about this? This is not an argument for hazing. The troop is more adult run than boy run because of this reason. What effective ways can we bring the troop under control? What is allowed? Does BSA define acceptable punishment? Please respond?

[wagionvigil]

Interesting Post. What we did was. Your behavior and participation at meetings,campouts Summer camp will determine if you may attend the Planned High Adventure activities, Sking,Whitewater Rafting Climbing, the Bike Trip.

[smtroop168]

The BSA will tell you what discipline is not acceptable. Guide to Safe Scouting references:

Constructive discipline.
Discipline used in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting's values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.
Hazing prohibited.
Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity.


Also in the Sweet 16:

DISCIPLINE
No supervisor is effective if he or she cannot control the activity and the individual participants. Youth must respect their leader and follow his or her direction.


So....if you have scouts that are not following the rules....have a SMC and if behavior doesn't change, then your Committee can hold a meeting which can result in either corrective action or removal from the troop.

[Nuts4Scouts]

Here is a link to the BSA National Web site, and the online Guide to Safe Scouting -

http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/conten ... y/GSS.aspx

Some other comments on discipline from the Guide -

The Boy Scouts of America is a values-based youth development organization that helps young people learn positive attributes of character, citizenship, and personal fitness. The BSA has the expectation that all participants in the Scouting program will relate to each other in accord with the principles embodied in the Scout Oath and Law.

One of the developmental tasks of childhood is to learn appropriate behavior. Children are not born with an innate sense of propriety and they need guidance and direction. The example set by positive adult role models is a powerful tool for shaping behavior and a tool that is stressed in Scouting.

and

Adult leaders of Scouting units are responsible for monitoring the behavior of youth members and interceding when necessary. Parents of youth members who misbehave should be informed and asked for assistance in dealing with it.

The BSA does not permit the use of corporal punishment by unit leaders when disciplining youth members.

The unit committee should review repetitive or serious incidents of misbehavior in consultation with the parents of the child to determine a course of corrective action including possible revocation of the youth's membership in the unit.

If problem behavior persists, units may revoke a Scout's membership in that unit. When a unit revokes a Scout's membership, it should promptly notify the council of the action.

If you are having discipline problems, bring the parents into it as soon as possible. If the parents are on your side, and work with the unit, there is a much better chance that the boy will learn to control his behavior.

[Nuts4Scouts]

Hikebarefoot, "ignorant and stupid" pretty much sums up the behavior of all kids, everywhere. What has your unit done to teach Scouts appropriate behavior? Are the adults being positive role models (such as not calling the boys "ignorant and stupid" to their face)?

What kinds of "common constant program derailing behavior" are you talking about?

[RWSmith]

IMO, see: http://meritbadge.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=41572#p41572