BSA Policy Traveling Rules...

[EagleBoy62204]

First Rule:

21 years of age and older to drive with other scouts in your car.

Do you agree with this?

Second Rule:

500 miles per day for travel (summer camp use)


I want to debate this rule with my troop because i find these two rules real useless... but i do not know how to bring it up in the most.. proper way...

[wagionvigil]

1. Over the road truck and bus drivers are limited in their milage to 600 miles or 12 hours (I think) Plus they must keep a log.These are professionals. If anone has a CDL Please correct me if I am wrong
2. Insurance records prove with out a doubt that drivers under 21 have the most accidents. Remember you do not get a reduction on your insurance until 25.

[commish3]

I believe you may have started with an erroneous premise. The BSA does not require all drivers to be 21 or over.

As explained in the Guide to Safe Scouting:

4. The driver must be currently licensed and at least 18 years of age. Youth member exception: When traveling to and from an area, regional, or national Boy Scout activity or any Venturing event under the leadership of an adult (at least 21 years of age) tour leader, a youth member at least 16 years of age may be a driver, subject to the following conditions:
a) Six months' driving experience as a licensed driver (time on a learner's permit or equivalent is not to be counted)
b)No record of accidents or moving violations
c)Parental permission granted to the leader, driver, and riders

I should add that this doesn't preclude the chartering organization from setting such a rule if they so desire.

As far as how to bring it up...like anything else you would like to discuss, ...with courtesy and a good attitude. You could start by sharing the Guide to Safe Scouting regulations regarding drivers with the scoutmaster and or committee chair, and explain why you feel the scouts in the unit are capable of handling such a responsibility.

Let us know how it goes.

[wagionvigil]

Driving time is limited to a maximum of 10 hours and must be interrupted by frequent rest, food, and recreation stops. If there is only one driver, the driving time should be reduced and stops should be made more frequently.

[Billvann]

What if...

Our OA chapter meetings are in the next town over about 7 miles away. Strict interpretation of these rules seem to preclude youth form car pooling to these meetings on their own. Is that a correct interpretation?

[wagionvigil]

NO !read the Guide to safe Scouting
Plus if you are driving yourself to anything you are on your own.
We have OA executive board meetings between service weekends. Most members drive themselves to these if their parent is not involved.

[Guneukitschik]

Most troops I know of will allow a 16-18 year old scout to drive themselves to scouting events. This means that no other scouts....except for family members ride along.

Many of the troops also don't let leaders/venterers between the ages of 18-21 haul scouts along either.

Most in our area seem to follow the 21 and over rule as a general guideline.

[PaulSWolf]

What if...

Our OA chapter meetings are in the next town over about 7 miles away. Strict interpretation of these rules seem to preclude youth form car pooling to these meetings on their own. Is that a correct interpretation?

Yes the rules, as written, do prohibit youth under 18 from carpooling to OA meetings. They can drive themselves, but not others.

[wagionvigil]

Area- Like NE Area 4 that could be a conclave or a Venture Quest

Regional That would be NLS or a regional Venturing ACtivity

National Would Be NOAC, National Scout Jamboree

These activities fall under the 16 year old.
It does not say, district or council. A scout camp out of your coucnil does not fall under this. That would not be an Area or Regional or National Event/activity

[ICanCanoeCanU]

In our troop, we don't allow any driver under 21 to transport anyone else except family, to any scout event. We do however fill there vehicle with the gear should they be dead set on driving. Actually we've had older boys drive to our departure location and leave their vehicle there while they ride with an adult too. This has worked out well so the kids could drive themselves home upon returning from the campout.

[riverwalk]

There will always be, unfortunately, some folks that do whatever they think they "can" do. We can get away with some of that, if doing our own business.....but not under the BSA's name. We had better follow (not overlook) the National Policies on everything we do. These folks that have their patches in the wrong places, only violate good Uniforming rules. It won't hurt each other.

But if we let humans ride in truck beds, or "caravan" to their destinations, or consume spirits during these things, we can get hurt. That's most important obviously.....but after that, if we survive, then one might find themselves dealing with consequences alone. BSA doesn't have to protect you if you failed to observe their parameters.

[West]

Don't forget that they can do the carpooling if there is parental permision for all the riders (and the driver) then they drive to and from events (meaning the meeting places).

[BM_Crawford]

I agree with the rules stated above 100%

Wagion, my dad has a CDL liscense and I think you are right or right aroudn the number.

[West]

I agree with the rules stated above 100%

Same here, only we go with 21 for our events. (it's what the Chartering orginization wants, and it just makes good sense). On the way to meetings, as long as it's ok with all the parents involved they can car pool.

[BM_Crawford]

Sound's logical to me