Troop 480 maintains separate Codes of Conduct for Scouts, Parents and Adult Leaders. All members are asked to read and agree to the terms of the appropriate code(s), yearly, BEFORE being allowed to participate in troop events/activities. The codes are documented in the first three sections (below) of this web page.
The troop also enforces an Attendance Policy for Rank Advancement, Scout Bucks Account Policy, Activity Payments Policy and a Facebook Group Policy. Members are asked to acknowledge that they have read these documents and are willing to agree to the terms thereof.
Members acknowledge their agreement with the appropriate codes and policies electronically by providing their name and an indication of acceptance at the bottom of this page. Recourse for failure to follow these codes/policies is included in each document.
The electronic signatures of Scouts MUST be backed up with the additional signature of one parent/guardian.
At the bottom of this page, there is an option to request a printed copy of these policies & codes.
Questions about troop policies/codes, and/or enforcement thereof, should be addressed to the Troop Committee.
Troop 480 - Scout Code of Conduct and Behavior Pllan
CODE OF CONDUCT: Each Scout will review the Code of Conduct agreement. If the Scout wishes to abide by the Code, he will electronically sign this form, along with his parent’s electronic signature. Any Scout who fails to accept the Code of Conduct will be denied to participation in Troop 480 events/activities.
GOOD BEHAVIOR REWARDS: Troop 480 leadership will strive to recognize, acknowledge, and when appropriate reward, good behavior.
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR CONSEQUENCES: Behavior in defiance of the Code of Conduct will be addressed by the following leadership:
It is expected that two individuals will first attempt to resolve an issue between them before anyone else (youth or adult) needing to become involved.
The above levels are the standard order. This order will change depending on the type of activity, such as on a non-patrol structured activity the Scout in Charge will be Level 1.
If behavior issue or problem is not resolved at lower level, it will then be taken to the next level.
Addressing the problem may automatically go to a higher level based on the severity of the behavior or level of Scout/s involved.
Process may include, but is not limited to:
Leader to address inappropriate behavior and identify acceptable resolution.
Meeting of the party/ies involved, the appropriate youth leadership, and two registered adults, to discuss issue and planned resolution.
Meeting of youth leadership, Scoutmaster, and at least one other registered adult, to determine resolution.
Meeting of Scoutmaster and other adult leadership to determine resolution.
Consequences may include, but are not limited to:
Apology to the offended individual/s.
Written reflection on the point of the Scout Oath or Law which was not followed.
Assigned additional tasks.
Removal from activity or not allow participation in future activities.
Removal from leadership position.
Suspension or removal from Troop
Other actions as determined by the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster or a registered Troop Committee Member.
Revised: September 29, 2009 by Troop Committee
Troop 480 - Scout Code of Conduct
In order to provide a positive, safe, and enriching environment for all scouts; while offering opportunities for wonderful adventures; the following rules have been established:
I will follow the Scout Law, Scout Oath, Motto, and Outdoor Code. I will remember that these are the basis for all the following rules and should be the basis for all of my actions.
I am expected to follow the posted or verbal schedule of activities and assignments specified by the troop leadership.
I will do my best to be on time and wearing the appropriate uniform and clothing for all troop events.
I may not use or possess any alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or illegal drugs. If found or detected, my parents (and/or the police, if necessary) will be notified immediately.
When on outings I understand, unless otherwise posted, that lights will be out, I will be quiet, and I will be in bed by 11:00 P.M.
No visitors will be allowed in other people’s tents from 11:00 P.M. until 8:00 A.M.
Sounds that can be heard outside my tent after lights out are disrespectful and disturbing to others. Lack of compliance will be dealt with by the troop leaders.
I will take responsibility for any property owned by a camp, the troop, or another individual that I damage.
The use of profanity, abusive, or inappropriate language will not be permitted.
Acts of hazing and bullying are not permitted within the Boy Scouts of America program (left handed smoke shifters, snipe hunts, etc.)
I will observe troop guidelines regarding the use of electronic devices.
I will use matches and lighters only when appropriate and safe and only if I have my Firem’n Chit.
I will follow Totin’ Chip rules and regulations when using knives, saws, and axes.
I will use the buddy system on all troop activities.
If the troop leadership and my parents/guardian have developed a Special Needs Scout plan for me, I will follow all the rules and restrictions detailed in the plan.
Troop 480 is primarily responsible for the behavior, safety, and welfare of our members on all camping events. At District or Council events, as well as at BSA camps, all District/Council/camp leaders have the right and responsibility of helping and correcting any problem they encounter. I will follow the directions of those leaders as if they were my troop’s leaders.
The troop may use photos of people and groups on the troop website, newsletter and via other methods of media. Any member objecting to the use of his or her photo, and/or objecting to the use of their child’s photo, should inform the troop committee in writing. Names are not normally used with photos but if so, minor children will only be identified on the troop website by first name, last initial.
Revised and Approved: December 20, 2023
Troop 480 - Parent Code of Conduct
Each scout parent will review the Code of Conduct agreement. If the scout parent wishes to abide by the Code, he / she will electronically sign this form. Any scout parent who has not submit a signed Code of Conduct, their scout will not be permitted to participate in Troop 480 events/activities. Issues and Consequences by the scout parent in defiance of the Code of Conduct will be addressed by one of the individuals or groups listed below.
Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster
Committee Chairperson or Troop Committee
Unit Commissioner
District / Council representative
In order to provide a positive, safe, and enriching environment for all scouts and scouters; while offering opportunities for wonderful adventures; the following scout parent rules have been established:
I will encourage my son to follow the Scout Law, Scout Oath, Motto, and Outdoor Code. I will remember that these are the basis for all rules regarding Scouts and Scout activities.
I will encourage my son to follow the posted or verbal schedule of activities and assignments specified by the troop leadership.
I will do my best to have my son on time and wearing the appropriate uniform and clothing for all troop events.
I will not use or possess any alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs while on a scout function that I am attending. I will follow national scout guidelines regarding tobacco use during troop activities.
I will take responsibility for any property owned by a camp, the troop, or another individual that I or my children damage.
The use of profanity, abusive, or inappropriate language will not be permitted.
I will encourage my son to observe troop guidelines regarding the use of electronic devices.
I will support troop Fundraising or contribute my fair share to troop program expenses.
If my son has any special needs such as:
medications/allergies
physical limitations
learning or behavioral disorders
any other special needs
I will inform the troop leadership of my sons special needs so that the leadership is prepared to help my son have a positive scouting experience. I will also inform them if my child’s special needs change.
If my scout has special needs, I will work with the troop Leadership to create and use a Special Needs Scout (SNS) Development plan to ensure that my SNS Scout has a positive Scouting experience.
I will inform the troop leadership if I object to the use to the use of my child’s photo on the troop website. Names are not normally used with photos but if so, minor children will only be identified on the troop website by first name, last initial.
Revised and Approved: December 20, 2023
Troop 480 - Adult Leader Code of Conduct
Every Scouter registered with Troop 480 will review the Code of Conduct agreement. If the Scouter wishes to abide by the Code, he / she will electronically sign this form. Any Scouter who has not signed a Code of Conduct form will not be permitted to participate in Troop 480 events/activities. Issues and Consequences in defiance of the Code of Conduct will be addressed by one of the individuals or groups listed below, dependent on the issue.
Assistant Scoutmaster
Scoutmaster
Troop Committee
Committee Chairperson
Unit Commissioner
District / Council representative
In order to provide a positive, safe, and enriching environment for all scouts and scouters; while offering opportunities for wonderful adventures; the following rules have been established:
I will follow BSA policies including 2 deep leadership on all functions.
I will follow the Scout Law, Scout Oath, Motto, and Outdoor Code. I will remember that these are the basis for all the following rules and should be the basis for all of my actions
I am expected to follow the posted or verbal schedule of activities and assignments specified by the troop leadership.
I will do my best to be on time and wearing the appropriate uniform for all troop events.
I may not use or possess any alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on a scout function. I will follow national scouting guidelines regarding tobacco use during troop activities.
I will take responsibility for any property that I damage while on troop activities.
The use of profanity, abusive, or inappropriate language will not be permitted.
Acts of hazing and bullying are not permitted within the Boy Scouts of America program (left handed smoke shifters, snipe hunts, etc.)
I will observe troop guidelines regarding the use of electronic devices.
For Scouts with special needs I will work with the parents of special needs scouts to create and use a Special Needs Scouts (SNS) Development plan to ensure that SNS Scouts and all scouts have a positive Scouting experience.
Troop 480 is primarily responsible for the behavior, safety, and welfare of our members on all camping events. At District or Council events, as well as at BSA camps, all District/Council/camp leaders have the right and responsibility of helping and correcting any problem they encounter. I will follow the directions of those leaders as if they were my troop’s leaders.
The troop may use photos of people and groups on the troop website, newsletter and via other methods of media. Any member objecting to the use of his or her photo, and/or objecting to the use of their child’s photo, should inform the troop committee in writing. Names are not normally used with photos but if so, minor children will only be identified on the troop website by first name, last initial.
Revised and Approved: December 20, 2023
Troop 480 - Attendance Policy for Rank Advancement
Rank Advancement: For the purpose of rank advancement for Star, Life or Eagle Scout and also for Eagle palms, a scout must demonstrate three scout qualities. These qualities are: Active Participation, Scout Spirit, and Leadership Service in a position of Responsibility. These qualities are defined by the Troop 480 Committee in the following manner.
Active Participation: Troop 480 leadership will consider a scout to be active if he is 1) registered with the troop, 2) in good standing with the troop (i.e., not in the troop disciplinary process) and 3) he meets the committee’s reasonable expectation of 60% attendance at troop meetings. A scout will be allowed to substitute participation at a troop activity (i.e., a camping week-end) or a Council activity (i.e., Klondike Derby) on a one for one basis for troop attendance purposes. Attendance at other scout activities such as OA events or Service Projects may also be considered for troop attendance at the discretion of the scoutmaster or the troop Committee.
Scout Spirit: Is demonstrated by a scout living according to the ideals of the scout oath, law, motto, and slogan in their daily lives. This is true both in troop activities and in places away from the troop. This means that a scout who is not living by these scout ideals may be denied rank advancement by the troop leadership even if the non-scout spirit incidence occurred away from the troop. Scout spirit will be determined by the troop leadership during the Scoutmaster Conference for rank advancement or by the troop Committee during the Board of Review.
Position of Responsibility: To meet Troop 480 Committee’s requirements for having served in a position of responsibility, a scout must for 6 months participate at troop functions in a leadership position and attain a 75% attendance record at these troop functions. Positions of responsibility approved by the troop committee for leadership are:
Patrol Leader
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Senior Patrol Leader
Troop Guide
OA Representative
Den Chief
Scribe
Librarian
Historian
Quartermaster
JA Scoutmaster
Chaplain’s Aide
Other leadership position approved by Scoutmaster and PLC
Note: at the discretion of the scoutmaster and troop committee, alternatives to this attendance policy may be considered if a scout is demonstrating the three scouting qualities of participation, spirit and leadership in some other way.
Approved: August 27, 2013 by Troop Committee
Troop 480 - Scout Bucks Account Policy
1. Purpose: To formalize proper procedure for the use, debits and credits and of this program. This policy applies to all Scout' and adult leader Scout bucks accounts. Record of acceptance will be kept on file by Troop 480.
2. Definition: Scout bucks are any deposited funds, proceeds from individual fundraising activities and reimbursements from troop related activities (example: food for patrol) set aside for individual Scout related expenses.
3. Permissible expenses for Scout bucks: The following expenses are permissible to be paid via Scout bucks:
Troop sanctioned activities
District sanctioned activities
Council sanctioned activities
National sanctioned activities
High Adventure activities
Purchase of Scouting items from any council or national Scouting store
Approved individual Scout training activities (Merit Badge class registration fees)
Scouting approved leader training
Order of the Arrow events
Exceptions can be made to this reimbursable expense if endorsed by Scoutmaster and troop Committee Chairman and approved by troop Committee
NOTE: Reimbursement can be made when a receipt or digital copy is furnished to the Troop Treasurer, along with a troop Reimbursement Form (see troop Purchase and Reimbursement Policy for additional information).
4. Transfer of Funds: If the Scout leaves and joins another troop, the money will be transferred directly to the new troop via check made payable to the troop treasurer of the troop the Scout is transferring to. Formal request for this action must made in writing or via email to the troop treasurer.
5. Forfeiture of Scout bucks: The following criteria will be applied to inactive Scout bucks accounts:
Any funds left in the Scout’s Scout bucks account after the Scout turns eighteen can be used for troop activities providing the Scout remains active in the troop as an adult leader. Scout bucks will not be returned to a Scout or Leader upon departure from the troop unless the Scout or Leader is transferring to another BSA organization/unit (see paragraph 4 for details)
Scout bucks may be transferred to a sibling of a Scout who is actively participating in a BSA program (Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts) at the time the Scout departs the Scouting program.
Any funds remaining in an inactive account, will be automatically transferred to the troop general fund unless otherwise stated by the Scout/Leader. The Scout/Leader can elect to have the funds transferred to the troop Scholarship account. All voluntary elections will be made within 30 days of notification of forfeiture.
An inactive Scout bucks account is defined as: A Scout/Leader who fails to re-charter with the troop annually, formally departs the Scouting program (Scoutmaster verification required for Scouts and Scout leaders, committee Chairman verification required for Troop Committee members) or ceases to actively participate in troop functions for six months or more (confirmed by Scoutmaster and supported via troop attendance records or for Committee members confirmed by Committee Chairman). Scoutmaster/Committee Chairman verification (dependent on position type) will be made via e-mail or written correspondence to the troop Committee Chairman who in turn will notify the troop treasurer to transfer funds as directed.
6. Failure to pay for events: If a Scout/Leader makes a reservation to attend a formal Scouting event via troop website or other methods and attends the event and fails to pay for the event, the Troop Treasurer reserves the right to automatically deduct the total for the event from the Scout’s/Leader’s Scout bucks account 30 days after the event. Troop Treasurer will attempt to contact the Scout’s parents or Leader, as well as the Scoutmaster will address the account delinquency with the Scout prior to forfeiture of Scout bucks. When forfeiture occurs, troop treasurer will document deduction with troop reimbursement form and reimburse troop general account. Troop Treasurer will also email Scout’s parents or Leader of deduction from Scout bucks account.
Revised: April 25, 2017 by Troop Committee
Troop 480 - Activities Payment Policy
1. Purpose: To formalize proper procedure for the timely payment of Scout/Leader related expense to Troop 480. This policy applies to all Scout and adult leaders. Record of acceptance will be kept on file by Troop 480.
2. Payment Timeframe: All payments for activities must be finalized by the given date for the activity designated on the troop Activity Reservation page or as designated in the activity announcement.
3. Payment Method: All payments for any Scouting activity will be made directly to the Troop Treasurer or his/her designated representative in his/her absence. The following methods are accepted for payment to Troop 480:
a. Cash/Money Order
b. Check
c. Scout bucks
d. Credit/debit card
4. Failure to pay for events: If a Scout/Leader makes a reservation to attend a Scouting event via troop website or other methods and attends the event and fails to pay for the event, the troop treasurer reserves the right to automatically deduct the total for the event from the Scout’s/Leader’s Scout bucks account 30 days after the event. troop treasurer will attempt to contact the Scout’s parents or the Leader, as well as the Scoutmaster will address the account delinquency with the Scout prior to forfeiture of Scout bucks. When forfeiture occurs, troop treasurer will document deduction with troop reimbursement form and reimburse troop general account. Troop Treasurer will also email Scout’s parents or the Leader of deduction from their Scout bucks account.
5. Future Events: If the Scout does not have Scout bucks available to cover the delinquency, the Scout will not be able to attend future events until the delinquency has been paid.
6. Cancelation: In the event a Scout cannot attend an event they have registered for and fails to cancel their reservation prior to the event registration deadline, the Scout (their parent or guardian) is still responsible to pay the event participation fee. In the event of extenuating circumstances, the Scoutmaster, on behalf of the Scout, may request to have the fee waived by the Troop Committee.
7. Financial Difficulty/ Hardship: A Scout will never be turned away for inability to pay for an event due to financial hardship or difficulty. Please contact Scoutmaster or Troop Committee Chairman with any concerns.
Revised: December 20, 2023 by Troop Committee
Troop 480 - Facebook Group Policy
1. Purpose: The purpose of the Troop 480 Facebook page is to provide an online community for parents, guardians, families, Scouts and troop Leaders associated with BSA Troop 480 to share pertinent Scouting information as it pertains to the troop and Scouts BSA. The Troop 480 Facebook page will be a closed community organization.
2. Goal: Our goal is to share information and tips, update the community on events and programs, and showcase the achievements of our Scouts.
3. Membership: The Troop 480 Facebook Group will be a closed community page. Only members of Troop 480, youth, adult leaders and immediate family members of Scouts may be permitted access to the group. Access to the group can and will be revoked at the discretion of the Troop Committee Chairman and Facebook page administrators when any of the guidelines set forth are violated.
4. Administration: The Troop Committee will nominate and elect yearly a Social Media Chairperson who will oversee the administration of the Troop Facebook Page. The Facebook page will have four administrators assigned to monitor who will approve all posts to the page and monitor member comments and remove comments that do not adhere to the guidelines set forth:
Troop Committee Chairman
Social Media Chairperson
Scoutmaster
Parent (nominated and elected by the Troop Committee)
All posts submitted to the Troop Facebook page will be reviewed by one of the four administrators. Any comments which violate the guidelines set forth will be deleted and the member will be notified to refrain from such activity on the Troop Facebook page. A second offense will result in permanent expulsion from the troop Facebook page.
5. Troop Facebook Group/Page Rules:
We encourage you to ask questions and share information. We request that you keep discussions focused directly concerning our Scout troop and Scouting community.
We encourage posts that highlight our Scout’s and troop’s accomplishments
When posting, please use appropriate language. Children can see our page (or group).
If you choose, you can post photos of your Scout at Scouting events. If you have any questions about posting a particular photo, please check with a Troop Facebook page administrator.
Do not post about concerns, problems, or conflicts with individual Scout leaders, Facebook page administrators, Scouts, or parents. We will immediately delete posts that in any way put down or discriminate against individuals. Political comments of any nature will be deleted.
Any online threats and/or alligations will be taken seriously, and proper authorities will be immediately notified.
Do not post information commonly understood as confidential (personally identifiable information, phone numbers, personal addresses) (Use common sense please).
Any inflammatory statements that make allegations against individuals will be deleted.
Keep in mind what you post is public information (or, if this pertains to a Facebook group, state that it is public to all members of the group).
Any advertising for businesses is not allowed.
Do not publish content as your own that has been created by others.
All Scouts who apply for access to the troop Facebook group must have completed the required Cyberchip training for their respective age group. Failure to maintain required Cyberchip training will result in expulsion from the Facebook group.
The Troop Committee Chairman, Social Media Chairperson and Facebook administrators reserve the right to delete comments and block users who are not following the rules stated above.
All Troop 480 Scouts, Adult leaders, parents and guardians will review and sign this policy annually as a part of our Annual Code of Conduct review.
6. Review: This policy is subject to annual review and may be updated and/or changed based upon the needs of the troop, BSA policies and guidelines, changes to corporate Facebook policies and procedures, Social media trends and situations as they arise.
7. BSA Social Media Guidelines: All Troop 480 Facebook Group/Page content, information and media will be subject to BSA Social Media guidelines.
8. Youth Protection policies that govern the use of email are applicable to the use of the messaging capabilities of Facebook.
9. Effective date: The effective date of this policy is June 11, 2019 and will remain in effect until updated or the Facebook page/group is deleted.
