Problem with eletronic items on campout

[scoutaholic]

In our troop, the rule is no 'electronic entertainment'. This means that a scout shouldn't bring his games, music, videos, etc. Electronic tools are not forbidden.

This rule is in place to limit the distractions at camp. I have seen cases where a scout brings his entertainment with him, and spends the week in the tent rather than participating in the scouting programs. Some devices can also be very distracting and annoying for those around. (Very few camp neighbors want to hear your music all night.)

I did have a boy (and his parents) come to me once for special permission to bring his headset music to camp. This boy has a mild nervous disorder, and is unable to go to sleep without music to calm his mind and nerves. This exception to the rule I would allow, but only if he can be responsible and use it ONLY as needed.

On recent camps, there have been several of the younger boys sneaking their devices to camp, and then staying up all night using them in their tents. I think some of them actually think the leaders are unaware. An occasional sleepless night is not a big problem, but when it keeps them from being able to do the activities the next day, or keeps other boys up, it becomes a problem. I think it is time that a few of the boys get 'caught' breaking the rule.

In the case of HAM, I have not had to make the judgement call, but I think it depends on it's use. The original post did not say why he was in the tent 'operating'. It sounds like in this case it MAY have been electronic entertainment. I won't argue that it can be a tool, but it can also be a toy.

[Trailblazer]

My troop does allow some electronucs.

Allowed is:
MP3 player (with headphones)
I-Pod (with head phones, at scouts risk)
cd-player (with head phones, not boombox kind)

Not Allowed:
Portable TV
Portable DVD player
Bombox's
Cell phone
Gameboys/PSP's

If a scout wanted to bring a GPS or Ham radio, they are welcome to. It has not happened in my time, but that would be allowed.

I have brought my laptop to a couple camp outs, both we were camping in a cabin/shelter.

Both times we had a movie for the boys to watch. (the last time we played "Folow Me Boys!")

Adults can have their cell phones. That is fine. I have mine all the time, and either have it on all day or check for messages every so often through out the day. Mostly so parents can call me for whatever reason, and to check weaither, and news.

If the scouts that bring the elctronics, and the electronics get in teh way of troop activities, the scout doing his assigned duties, then we will take them away. So far that hasn't happend.