Policies for Safety and Vandalism

The volunteers and staff of the Michigan Crossroads Council have put the following policies in place to provide a safe camping experience to all campers. These are in accordance with Federal and State Laws as well the Policies of the Boy Scouts of America. Remember, our youth and our camps are in your care.

To prevent misunderstandings, you and every other group using the facilities of the Michigan Crossroads Council are required to read and commit to these policies.

• No alcoholic beverage of any kind may be possessed or consumed
• No illegal drugs including marijuana
• Firearms, archery equipment, paint ball guns, and etc. are not permitted
• 10 MPH speed limit, All passengers must be in a seat with a seatbelt
• No riding on the outside of vehicles or in the beds of pick up trucks
• Parking in designated areas only, not along roads or next to cabins
• Campers must be in their sites and quiet between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am
• No vandalism to any camp property, building, wildlife or trees
• No unauthorized swimming or boating activities are allowed
• To prohibit child abuse; no initiations, hazing, or harassment will be tolerated
• Follow the Camp Code of Conduct.

I understand as unit leader that it is my responsibility to review these policies and the Camp Code of Conduct with every group member on or before arrival at camp.

Failure to follow these policies, including being found in off limit areas or engaging in prohibited activities will result in the immediate removal of any member of the group or the entire group. ILLEGAL activities will be reported to the proper Law Enforcement agency.

We understand we will be charged for any loss or damage caused by group members. We agree to pay any and all such charges, which will include labor and materials.

Barriers to Abuse

1. Two-deep leadership on all outings required. Two registered adult leaders, or one registered leader and a parent of a participating Scout or other adult, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips and outings. There are a few instances, such as patrol activities, when the presence of adult leaders is not required and adult leadership may be limited to training and guidance of the patrol leadership. With the proper training, guidance, and approval by the troop leaders, the patrol can conduct day hikes and service projects. Appropriate adult leadership must be present for all overnight Scouting activities; coed overnight activities—even those including parent and child—require male and female adult leaders, both of whom must be 21 years of age or older, and one of whom must be a registered member of the BSA. The chartered organization is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities.
2. One-on-one contact between adults and Scouts prohibited. One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. In situations that require personal conferences, such as a Scoutmaster’s conference, the meeting is to be conducted in view of other adults and youths.
3. Separate accommodations for adults and Scouts required. When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his or her own parent or guardian. Councils are strongly encouraged to have separate shower and latrine facilities for females. When separate facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted for showers. Likewise, youth and adults must shower at different times.
4. Privacy of youth respected. Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp, and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must  protect their own privacy in similar situations.
5. Inappropriate use of cameras, imaging, or digital devices prohibited.
   While most campers and leaders use cameras and other imaging devices responsibly, it has become very easy to invade the privacy of individuals. It is inappropriate to use any device capable of recording or transmitting visual images in shower houses, restrooms, or other areas where privacy is expected by participants.
6. No secret organizations. The Boy Scouts of America does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.
7. No hazing. Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity.
8. No bullying. Verbal, physical, and cyber bullying are prohibited in Scouting.
9. Youth leadership monitored by adult leaders. Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by youth leaders and ensure that BSA policies are followed.
10. Discipline must be constructive. Discipline used in Scouting should  be constructive and reflect Scouting’s values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.
11. Appropriate attire for all activities. Proper clothing for activities is required. For example, skinny-dipping or revealing bathing suits are not appropriate  in Scouting.
12. Members are responsible for acting in accordance with the Scout Oath and Scout Law. 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, theft, verbal insults, drugs, and alcohol have no place in the Scouting program and may result in the revocation of a Scout’s membership.