Troop 33 Electronic Devices Policy

(Modified 3/21/18)

For purposes of this policy, “electronic device” means any device that a scout is in possession of which electronically communicates, sends, receives, stores, reproduces or displays voice and/or text communication or data. These include, but are not limited to cell phones, smart phones, music and media players, gaming devices, tablets, e-readers and personal digital assistants.

Scout Rights and Responsibilities

Any scout who possesses a personal electronic device shall be solely responsible for its care. The troop shall not be responsible for the theft, loss or damage to personal electronic devices brought to scouting activities by a scout. The Troop will not be responsible for electronic devices that have been taken away from Scouts for mis-use either. Any parent who allows their Scout to bring an electronic device to a Troop event is agreeing to abide by this policy

Scout possession of personal electronic devices shall be permitted, but the actual use of these personal electronic devices shall be limited as outlined below.

• These devices shall be kept out of sight and either powered off or silenced during these scouting activities.
  • From opening through closing at all troop meetings.
  • During “greenbar” when troop related issues are being discussed.
  • On Campouts during all scheduled program time, campfires, after “Lights Out”, or when it interferes with assigned duties.
  • Anytime, as determined by the Troop leadership, (youth or adult), that their use negatively impacts the Scout’s participation in activities.
  • Anytime, as determined by the Troop leadership, (youth or adult), that their use negatively impacts another Scout’s enjoyment, experience or sleep.
  • Anytime, as determined by the Troop leadership, (youth or adult), that their use creates safety concerns.
• The requirement that personal electronic devices be turned off does not apply when:
  • The Scout is using the device for an approved educational or instructional purpose.
  • The Scout is taking pictures of the event. All pictures taken during an event must be made available to Troop Leaders after the event is over. At any point where the Leader is concerned that inappropriate pictures may have been taken they may ask to see the pictures on a Scout's electronic device. If a Scout refuses to show the pictures then the device will be taken away, and only returned to the parents.
• Personal electronic devices shall be permitted in cars during transport to and from scouting activities, as authorized by the driver. Any device used for audio purposes should have head phones to avoid annoying other people in the vehicle.
• Scouts shall not use personal electronic devices on any scouting activity to access and/or view internet websites that are otherwise blocked to their use at home or school.

Any Scout use of personal electronic devices that disrupts a scouting activity, or is not in accordance with these rules, may result in confiscation of the personal electronic device. When a personal electronic device is confiscated, adult leadership will determine whether to return it before the end of the camping trip or other activity, and whether to return it to the scout or to the scout’s parent/legal guardian.

At most scouting events there is limited or no access to outlets for charging electronic devices. It is the responsibility of the scout to make sure that they conserve battery power in their devices. If charging areas or outlets are present, all rules regarding their use must be followed. While driving if there is only one charging port in the vehicle that port is reserved for the driver's use and NOT the Scouts. Any problems with that will result in the Scout's phone being taken away.

Unauthorized Use
Unauthorized use of personal electronic devices includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Devices will not be used in or around the area of bathroom and shower facilities, within tents/sleeping facilities, or any place where there is an expectation of privacy.
• Possessing, viewing, sending, listening or sharing video or audio information having sexual, violent, threatening, or other inappropriate or offensive content at any scouting activity shall be prohibited and may result in confiscation of the personal electronic device.
• Any activity which may be in violation with Scouting’s Youth Protection policy, Bullying Prevention policy, or Internet Safety policy.
• Taking and/or posting on the internet inappropriate photos or videos of others without their parent or guardian’s permission.
  

Special Notes

Cell phones do NOT help with homesickness. They only make it worse. We can not stress that enough. As long as Scouts have had cell phones we've had problems with them just making homseickness worse. Please do not send your Scout with a cell phone if you think there will be any problems with homesickness. You are just setting yourself up for a painful phone call. See below.

All calls to parents or guardians to pick up a scout early from a scouting event must come directly from the Scoutmaster, or another adult leader at the event. These calls should never come from a scout. If parents/guardians have a question concerning a phone call for an early pickup, they should contact the adult leader in charge before driving to the event. Homesick kids will come up with any number of reasons why they need to come home, (they never say they are homesick), and many parents can not tell their child no, you have to stay there and get over being homesick. It's FAR better to not send a phone with your Scout if there is any chance of homesickness. Your Scout will never get over their homesickness problems if you come every time they call you with a reason why they have to come home.

Seriously. Go back and read this entire Special Notes section again.