Electronics Free

It has and continues to be the Troop’s intention for scouting to be an “electronics free” environment. The Troop believes that scouts talking/texting on their cell phones, playing video games on their devices, and listening to personal music players leads the Troop and the patrols to being less cohesive. Furthermore, it does not enhance the scouting experience for anyone.

Scouts need to spend time interacting with each other, learning new skills and extending the patrol bonds of unity and solidarity. The use of personal electronics causes scouts to become more self-focused, and they often become more concerned about who they are texting/calling, or more fixated on what is happening on their device, than they are with the people and experiences going on right around them. In addition, we have found that scouts tend to become more homesick, often do not get adequate sleep and rest on overnight campouts, and generally have more trouble enjoying outings when they have their devices with them.

To that end, please review the Troop’s position:

Personal electronics devices (i.e., phones, tablets, laptops, iPods, handheld video games, etc.) should never be brought to Scout meetings, activities or camping trips unless otherwise explicitly directed by a leader (Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, SPL, ASPL).

Situations where a scout may be directed to bring an electronic device may include:
1. Specific advancement or merit badge requirement work
2. Research or planning sessions
3. Working on Troop’s social media sites
4. Setting up or participating in Zoom or Discord sessions
5. Carpooling during longer trips to an event
  - All devices will remain in the vehicle or given to an adult leader upon arrival

An electronic device is never a valid substitute for any of the scouting essentials including, but not limited to, maps, flashlights, compasses, whistles, watches or alarm clocks.

Most, if not all, leaders at troop meetings, activities and campouts will have mobile phones available in cases of an emergency or if the need arises to make contact with the Troop, a scout or a parent. Leaders’ mobile numbers are posted in Scoutbook and in email communications prior to each activity or outing.

If you feel that your scout absolutely must have his phone nearby during an event, please have him give it to a leader before the event begins. It will then be returned at the conclusion of the meeting or outing

Scouts who are found using electronic devices at a troop meeting, activity or campout will have their device(s) confiscated, only to be returned at the end of the event. Repeat offenses will result in a Scoutmaster conference and/or a discussion with the scout’s parents.

Outside of troop meetings, activities or campouts, scouts are encouraged to take advantage of electronic devices to access Scoutbook, the Troop’s website and Facebook page and various scouting reference sites like US Scouts for rank and merit badge requirements, BSA Advancement., Troop Leader page, Troop Program Resources, and Scout Life. Even with a wealth of online information at their finger tips, scouts should still keep the following in mind:

Cyber Chip – Scouts should always be aware of the first 2 requirements of the Cyber Chip, which read:

Read and sign the Internet Safety Pledge on the BSA Cyber Chip card.
- Internet Safety Pledge
  1. I will think before I post
  2. I will respect other people online
  3. I will respect digital media ownership
  4. I won’t meet face-to-face with anyone I meet in the digital world unless I have my parent’s permission
  5. I will protect myself online.
Write and sign a personalized contract with your parent or guardian that outlines rules for using the computer and mobile devices, including what you can download, what you can post, and consequences for inappropriate use. You can find an example of an Digital Technology Contract here. More samples of family tech contracts can be found here.

Scout Law – At home, scouts should still use the Scout Law as a guide when using electronic devices. For example:

Trustworthy

- A Scout is truthful with others online and is careful of the information shared.
- A Scout does the right thing when sharing and makes sure to have permission to share the words or pictures of others.

Loyal

- A Scouts uses their phone or devices in a way that can help family and friends.
- A loyal Scout is careful to post only appropriate photos or clips and would never want to embarrass others with their updates or communication.
- A loyal Scout would not use a phone to exclude some on from a conversation, for example with secret messages.

Helpful

- Scouts should use their electronic devices and applications to help others.
- Scouts should alert others to scams, cheats, and suspicious sites and point them to reliable sources of information. Encourage people to report bad online behavior.
- A Scout may use a phone to take appropriate photos of events or situations for the troop or for personal memories.

Friendly

- Scout should use their phone to assist someone else with information or access to communication.
- Scouts could use their phone to invite others to join Scouting or to remind his fellow Scouts of important events and activities.

Courteous

- A courteous Scout does not interrupt a conversation with others to stop and check for inbound messages. The courteous Scouts focuses their attention on personal interactions, such as conversations in which they are engaged.
- A phone should not be used to insulate a Scout from their surroundings or others. For example, a Scout should not use headphones during a family activity.
- An electronic device should never take away from the experience for others. For example, playing sounds in a movie theater.

Kind

- Not everyone can afford a smartphone. Scouts needs to be sensitive to others and avoid using their phones in a way that looks like you’re boasting and making others feel disappointed that they cannot afford such devices. This is no different from any other piece of scouting gear.
- A Scout always treats people with respect while on social networks, playing games, talking, texting or in other digital activities.

Obedient

- When using digital devices, a Scout follows the rules and examples set by parents, guardians, teachers, and Scout leaders.
- A Scout abides by the rules on websites, services, devices and games.
- A Scout is aware that different settings, events or locations will have different rules for use of electronics.

Cheerful

- A Scout uses games, messaging tools and social forums to build relationships with others while having fun.

Thrifty

- Scouts recognizes that their phone may run out of power, and learns to take measures to conserve power in their device such as by turning it off when not in use or by switching to “airplane mode” to conserve power.
- Scouts should not become overly reliant on their device. For example, a Scout should be ready with a map and compass rather than rely on a smartphone GPS.
- A Scout is a smart consumer. Scouts know their voice, text, and data plans and uses them wisely, careful not to run up charges on apps and sites.

Brave

- Stand up for what is right. Do not participate in mocking or bullying others, even if others are doing it. Report suspected abuse to a trusted adult, like a parent or leader or call 911 as appropriate.

Clean

- A Scout uses clean language and only discusses appropriate topics when using digital devices to communicate with others.
- A Scout needs to take responsibility and take care of his device against damage from dirt, drops, water or other hazards. A Scout may want to keep it carefully packed away against damage and always keeps gear in good, working order.