TROOP 48, BSA

POLICY ON MISUSE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

February 4, 1992 (Revised September 14, 1998)

1. The Scout Law and Scout Oath include the general principles that a Scout is "clean" and that he will keep himself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. Use or possession of alcohol, mind‑altering drugs, and tobacco is in opposition to these principles. In the State of Tennessee, the purchase, use or possession of alcoholic beverages by a person under the age of 21 years is illegal. In Tennessee it is illegal to possess, use, sell, or distribute illicit drugs. It is also illegal to sell, give or otherwise provide alcohol or illicit drugs to anyone under 21.

2. To protect Scouts from the harmful effects of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, and to send a message to all concerned that Troop 48 does not tolerate the use or misuse of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, the following guidelines will be used for administering disciplinary action:

2. A. On the first offense, the scout will be required to:

(1) Visit the Holston Drug and Alcohol Center to obtain information that he will use to write a report on the adverse effects of the misuse of drugs and/or alcohol. The report will be not less than 1500 words long, and he will use it as the basis for a talk to Troop 48 at a meeting, and

(2) Be placed on probation for a period of two to six months, during which time he may not earn any leadership or time requirements toward the next rank advancement and may not pass any board of review. Service/leadership time‑in‑grade previously earned will be lost, and

(3) Do 5 to 20 hours of work for a church or other community agency.

(4) Receive a strong warning that the second offense will result in dismissal from Troop 48.

2. B. On the second offense, the scout will be subject to dismissal from Troop 48.

3. To facilitate the application of this policy, the following rules will be observed:

3.A No prescription drugs are to be taken with Scouts to meetings or on trips unless (a) The Scout’s parent is

present to administer the drugs, or (b) his parent arranges with a doctor who is present to administer the drugs.

3.B. Scouts will be expected to stay in designated areas during Troop meetings and on camping trips and other activities. To leave a Troop meeting at any time other than the close of the meeting, the Scout must have permission from an adult leader. To leave a campsite for any reason, the Scout must have an adult leader’s permission. Normally, an adult leader will accompany Scouts on any side trips except for use of a latrine. It is expected that at least three adult leaders will be present on camping trips and Troop meetings, and that an adult leader will be present during Patrol meetings. No more than two Scouts will sleep in the same tent.

3.C. No guests will be allowed on Troop 48 trips unless they are (1) parents or guardians of the Scouts, or (2) are registered adult Scouters from other Scout units, or (3) are family members of a registered Troop 48 leader who will accompany them, AND (4) their presence is approved by the Scoutmaster or other adult leader in charge of the trip in the absence of the Scoutmaster.

Charles B. Hasbrouck Ben A. Harris

Scoutmaster Chairman, Troop Committee

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Scout’s and Parent/Guardian’s Statement:

I have read and understand the above policy. I know the importance of not using alcohol, illicit drugs, and tobacco products and will follow and support the above policy.

Scout’s Name _________________________ Parent / Guardian’s Name_______________________________

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Scout’s Signature / Date Parent / Guardian’s Signature / Date