Youth Protection

Protecting the safety of the youth involved in Scouting is of paramount importance and we take the safety and security of our Scouts very seriously.

Scouts BSA has developed materials for use in the Scouting program that provide essential information to Scouts and their families. A detachable booklet in the front of each Cub Scout Handbook" provides information to help families increase self-protection skills. Scouts also complete “cyberChip” training each year designed to help them understand how to safely use the Internet.

Our Pack is committed to following all guidelines of the BSA’s Youth Protection program. "Two deep" leaders and the "buddy" system are always enforced for all Pack and Den activities. Parent attendance and participation is strongly encouraged at all meetings and outings ensures that these guidelines are met.

To take the online Youth Protection Training course go to my.Scouting.org, create an account, and select E-learning. The Youth Protection Training course list is at the bottom of the page. Once completed please save the certificate electronically or print off and submit to the Cubmaster.

Every adult who attends a Cub Scout summer camp is required to take Youth Protection Training, and we encourage all other adults to complete the training as well.

Looking for resources and details on what BSA does to keep kids safe? Check out this site for information: https://www.scouting.org/about/youth-safety/

Scout Code of Conduct

Each Cub Scout's parent(s)/legal guardian(s) will review the Code of Conduct agreement with their son(s) or daughter(s). If the family and Cub Scout agree to abide by the Code, the Cub Scout and parent(s)/legal guardian(s) will sign the form in the appropriate places and return the signed Code of Conduct form to the Cubmaster or Den Leader (or check the box when paying the Pack registration fee online). Returning Scouts shall return their signed Code of Conduct forms no later than October 1st each year; new Scouts no later than 30 days after they've joined the Pack. Any Cub Scout or parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not turned in a signed Code of Conduct form to the Cubmaster or Den Leader will not be permitted to participate in Pack or Den meetings, events or activities until the form is signed and turned in. The reason for this is to reinforce the lesson of making a personal commitment to follow the rules.

Inappropriate Conduct & Consequences: "Three Strikes - You're Out"

The first time a Cub Scout breaks a rule at either a Pack or Den event, they get a warning.
The second time, the Cub Scout spends 5 minutes in time-out. After 5 minutes the Cub Scout is asked if they are ready to return to the group.
If a Cub Scout doesn't control themselves in time-out or when a Cub Scout commits their third infraction of the Code of Conduct, the Cubmaster or Assistant Cubmaster will be notified and will conference with the scout. At this time, the scout may be excused from the meeting, event or activity and the parent/legal guardian must take them home. Details concerning the incident must be documented and submitted to the Committee Chair.

A conference with the Cub Scout, Den Leader (if applicable) and at least one parent or legal guardian will be held before they can return to the next Pack or Den meeting. Details concerning the conference must be documented and submitted to the Committee Chair.

Cub Scouting is a program based on parent/legal guardian and child participation. It is the policy of Pack 1540 that at least one parent is required to attend each Den and Pack meeting with their Scout. Unless approved by the Den leader (and only at the Webelos II level), drop-offs are not permitted. In addition, the following expectations have been set with the safety and best interest of all the Cub Scouts in mind.

Guidelines for Pack & Den Meetings

Discipline at Den and Pack meetings and any Scouting event or activity will be at the discretion of the Den Leader/Cubmaster/BSA Leader in Charge in accordance with the following guidelines:

Failure to obey a rule will result in a warning, followed by time-out or removal from an activity. In cases of harmful or repetitive misbehavior, parents/legal guardians will be asked to take the Scout home.
At the Den Leader's discretion, parents/legal guardians may be required to remain at Den functions with their Scout.
Den Leaders have the right to exclude a Scout from their Den for reasons of misconduct. The situation will be reviewed by the Pack Committee in extreme cases and a Cub Scout may be dismissed from the Pack for misconduct.
It is the duty of any registered adult leader of Cub Scout Pack 1540 to assist in maintaining order with the Cub Scouts during any Den and/or Pack function. Parents are fully responsible for the conduct of their non-scout children during Den and Pack activities. Parents may be asked to remove disruptive children from these events when necessary.

Guidelines for Pack & Den Activities

Pack and Den activities are for the enjoyment of the entire family. The following guidelines ensure that all activities will be conducted in a safe manner:

An adult family member, over the age of 21, must accompany the Cub Scout on each and every outing unless approved by the Den leader (and only at the Webelos II level). In the case of Pack Camping Trips, the adult family member must be the scout’s parent or legal guardian (per the BSA’s insurance guidelines).
BSA guidelines pursuant to appropriate conduct will be followed at all time. No activities considered inappropriate for Cub Scouts will be allowed at any event.
Scouts will wear class A or B uniforms correctly at activities as appropriate.
Stay with the group at all times.
Our Pack is committed to following all guidelines of the BSA’s Youth Protection program. "Two deep" leaders and the "buddy" system are always enforced for all Pack and Den activities.
Respect wildlife and our ecology by observing, not disturbing nature.
Follow the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace guidelines.
Follow the directions/instructions of leaders at all times.

Adult Code of Conduct

The Pack Committee has established this Code of Conduct (Code) to provide parents and adult leaders (“Scouters”) of Pack 1540 with a framework of expectations for adults. While the Committee wants each Scouter to be responsible for his or her own behavior, the Code will help ensure a common language and understanding of behavioral expectations and consequences, with the goal of creating an atmosphere conducive to safety, fun and the values of Scouting. Only when necessary will the Committee take fair and balanced action under this Code.

All Scouters of Pack 1540 represent the Boy Scouts of America (“BSA”) when they elect to participate in Pack activities (Den & Pack meetings, Pack events, Pack campouts, summer camp, etc.) and are expected to uphold the principles of Scouting. An indication of this promise and recognition of that responsibility is the Scouter's signature on the code of conduct agreement form as a condition of his or her participation in Pack activities.

Adult Code of Conduct

I agree to abide by this Code of Conduct, as follows:

I will conduct myself in accordance with the principles of the Scout Oath and Law.
I understand the meaning and importance of the BSA Youth Protection guidelines and agree to conduct myself in accordance with the guidelines. To be a Registered Leader, if I have not done so already, I will complete Youth Protection Training and, as required, every two years.
While participating in Pack activities, I will obey the safety rules and instructions of all Scout Leaders and use positive reinforcement and communication with my children and my fellow Scouters and their children.
I will not engage in behavior that constitutes discrimination, harassment, hazing, or bullying in any way, including with regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity religion, age, disability, economic status or citizenship of an individual.
I understand that the Pack has a zero-tolerance policy with respect to the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances at or near Pack activities. I will not possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use alcoholic beverages or controlled substances at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the Boys Scouts of America, or at any activity involving participation of Scouts. I will not attend any Pack activity in an intoxicated state.
I will support the BSA and Pack policy that Scouts are better off without tobacco and will not allow the use of tobacco products at any Pack activity involving Scouts. All Scouting functions, meetings, and activities should be conducted in a smoke-free basis, with smoking areas located away from all Scouts.
If I am taking prescription medications with the potential of impairing my functioning or judgment, I will not engage in activities that would put Scouts at risk, including driving or operating equipment.
I will not bring (or use) firearms, ammunition, weapons, explosives, or fireworks to any Pack activity.
I will not gamble in any form at any Pack activity.
I will not discuss or engage in any form of sexual conduct while engaged in Scouting activities. I will refer Scouts with questions regarding these topics to talk to their parents or spiritual advisor. I will not possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use pornography or materials containing words or images inconsistent with Scouting values.
I will get my son(s) and/or daughter(s) to Pack and Den activities on time. When transporting Scouts, I will obey all laws, comply with Youth Protection guidelines, and follow safe driving practices.
I will support my son’s and/or daughter’s participation in Scouting by being active in his progress toward rank and helping him understand and achieve the various awards that interest him. I will work with my Scout to complete any requirements covered during a missed meeting.
I will assist my Den Leader and Pack Leaders by keeping accurate records of my Scout’s advancements and will report their progress to my Den Leader in a timely manner.
I will ensure my child’s uniform is compliant with Cub Scout guidelines and that all patches are appropriately placed on the uniform.
I will try to help Pack/Den Leaders whenever possible with the various activities of the Pack/Den.
I will ensure all payments for Cub Scout activities/fundraisers are paid in a timely manner.
I understand that on Pack/Den activities which require a parent, legal guardian or approved family member accompany my son(s) and/or daughter(s) (i.e. camp outs, all-day events, etc.), that it is my responsibility to make appropriate arrangements in order for my child to participate.
In order to have enough volunteers to assist with these duties, a member of our family will fill one volunteer role in the Pack each year, either as a Pack Committee Member, Den Leader/Assistant Leader, or Subcommittee Member.
Assist my Scout with annual Popcorn Fundraiser to sell popcorn as at a minimum set by the Pack Committee each year to offset the costs to the Pack for their participation in Scouts. If my Scout chooses to not participate in the popcorn sales, we will pay the opt-out fee to cover this cost.
I will always have a positive attitude toward Scouting and will always encourage my Scout to live the Cub Scout Motto of "Do Your Best!"
I will take steps to prevent or report any violation of this code of conduct by others in connection with Scouting activities.

Consequences for Violation of the Adult Code of Conduct

If an adult’s behavior or choices are not in keeping with the BSA youth protection and safety policies or this Code of Conduct, one or more of the following measures may be taken:

The adult will be asked by a member of the Pack Committee (or other Scout Leader in charge of the activity) to leave the Pack activity and agree to do so without incident and without refund of any fees paid.
The Pack Committee (or its designee) will review the behavior and take what it determines, in its sole discretion and authority, to be appropriate disciplinary action, which determination will be final and binding.
The Pack Committee will consider the circumstances of each incident on a case-by-case basis and may take mitigating or exacerbating circumstances into account.
Adults will understand that they may be suspended from participation in all Pack activities for at least 6 months in the event that they choose to violate the Code of Conduct.
An adult’s behavior may result in other disciplinary action (up to and including expulsion from the Pack). If a Scouter’s membership in the Pack is revoked, the Pack Committee will promptly notify the District Council of the action taken and the reason for it.
Adults understand that the Code of Conduct is the policy of the Pack Committee, and that they may be subject to additional disciplinary action by the National Capital Area Council or the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America.