Scout Spirit & Discipline ” Discipline is not gained by punishing a child for a bad habit, but by substituting a better occupation, that will absorb his attention, and gradually lead him to forget and abandon the old one.”   Lord Baden-Powell “If a boy is given sufficient positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior, positive behavior will usually continue.”    Scoutmaster’s Handbook 

What is Scout Spirit? “Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. “ (ALL RANKS) “The ideals of the Boy Scouts of America are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. Members incorporating these ideals into their daily lives at home, at school, in their religious life, and in their neighborhoods, for example, are said to have Scout spirit.”

The Boy Scouts of America Mechanics of Advancement says: 4.2.3.2 Demonstrate Scout Spirit The ideals of the Boy Scouts of America are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. Members incorporating these ideals into their daily lives at home, at school, in their religious life, and in their neighborhoods, for example, are said to have Scout spirit. In evaluating whether this requirement has been fulfilled, it may be best to begin by asking the Scout to explain what Scout spirit, living the Scout Oath and Scout Law, and duty to God means to them. Young people know when they are being kind or helpful, or a good friend to others. They know when they are cheerful, or trustworthy, or reverent. All of us, young and old, know how we act when no one else is around. “Scout spirit” refers to ideals and values; it is not the same as “school spirit.” A leader typically asks for examples of how a Scout has lived the Oath and Law. It might also be useful to invite examples of when the Scout did not. This is not something to push, but it can help with the realization that sometimes we fail to live by our ideals, and that we all can do better. This also sends a message that a Scout can admit mistakes, yet still advance. Or in a serious situation—such as alcohol or illegal drug use—understand why advancement might not be appropriate just now. This is a sensitive issue and must be treated carefully. Most Scout leaders do their best to live by the Oath and Law, but any one of them may look back on years past and wish that, at times, they had acted differently. We learn from these experiences and improve and grow. We can look for the same in our youth.

Scout Spirit Evaluating Scout spirit will always be a judgment call, but through getting to know a Scout and by asking probing questions, we can get a feel for it. We can say, however, that we do not measure Scout spirit by counting meetings and outings attended. It is indicated, instead, by the way the Scout lives daily life.

Scout Discipline There is discipline and accountability in Scouting but Scoutmasters are not disciplinarians. We are volunteers in the game of Scouting and our job is to mentor and train youth to lead themselves. When there is a question of accountability – a Scout who is not doing what he is expected to do –  Scoutmasters can speak to them and encourage them to rise to the occasion. If they don’t - it is not up to the Scoutmaster nor the troop to discipline or punish the Scout. If it’s a behavioral problem he’s referred to his parents for discipline and punishment. If a Scout is not performing his leadership duties his fellow Scouts will want to elect a new leader.

We don’t deal in negative reinforcement. We don’t hold the threat of punishment over Scouts, that’s not our job. We don’t withhold advancement to teach them a lesson. The Scout oath and law are our rules of conduct. We don’t deal in demerits and suspensions and probations.

Positive reinforcement and constructive discipline. We can inspire, encourage, inform, urge and support our Scouts.

Youth Member Behavior Guidelines The BSA has the expectation that all participants in the Scouting program will relate to each other in accord with the principles embodied in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The example set by positive adult role models is a powerful tool for shaping behavior and a tool that is stressed in Scouting. Misbehavior by a single youth member in a Scouting unit may constitute a threat to the safety of the individual who misbehaves as well as to the safety of other unit members. Such misbehavior constitutes an unreasonable burden on a Scout unit and cannot be ignored.

Member Responsibilities All members of the Boy Scouts of America are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles set forth in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Physical violence, hazing, bullying, theft, verbal insults, and drugs and alcohol have no place in the Scouting program and may result in the revocation of a Scout’s membership in the unit. If confronted by threats of violence or other forms of bullying from other youth members, Scouts should seek help from their unit leaders or parents.

Unit Responsibilities Adult leaders of Scouting units are responsible for monitoring the behavior of youth members and interceding when necessary. Parents of youth members who misbehave should be informed and asked for assistance. The BSA does not permit the use of corporal punishment by unit leaders when disciplining youth members. The unit committee should review repetitive or serious incidents of misbehavior in consultation with the parents of the child to determine a course of corrective action including possible revocation of the youth’s membership in the unit. If problem behavior persists, units may revoke a Scout’s membership in that unit. When a unit revokes a Scout’s membership, it should promptly notify the council of the action.

Guide to Safe Scouting Adult Supervision One-on-one contact between adult leaders and youth members is prohibited both inside and outside of Scouting. In situations requiring a personal conference, the meeting is to be conducted with the knowledge and in view of other adults and/or youth. Private online communications (texting, phone calls, chat, IM, etc.) must include another registered leader or parent.

Guide to Safe Scouting Communication by way of social media (Facebook, Snapchat, etc.) must include another registered leader or parent. Discipline must be constructive. Discipline must reflect Scouting’s values. Corporal punishment is never permitted. Disciplinary activities involving isolation, humiliation, or ridicule are also prohibited.

Guide to Safe Scouting Responsibility Leaders must ensure that all participating in Scouting activities abide by the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Adult leaders and youth members share the responsibility for the safety of all participants in the program, including adherence to Youth Protection and health and safety policies. Adult leaders are responsible for monitoring behavior and intervening when necessary. Physical violence, sexual activity, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, unauthorized weapons, hazing, discrimination, harassment, initiation rites, bullying, cyberbullying, theft, verbal insults, drugs, alcohol, and pornography have no place in the Scouting program and may result in revocation of membership. All leaders are required to adhere to the Scouter Code of Conduct.

Your Experiences

Resources https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34416.pdf https://www.scouting.org/resources/guide-to-advancement/mechanics-of-advancement/scouts-bsa/