Calusa District Policies Information

Notice to All Leaders Concerning Dropped and Lapsed Units

For several years, the Gulf Ridge Council has not been rigorously enforcing standard policies concerning lapsed and dropped units. Now that units can have greater control over the recharter process through the use of the online recharter process, we have concluded that standard policies should be enforced.

Every unit has an annual expiration date for its charter. The expiration date occurs on the last day of a month. For most units, the expiration month occurs in December, January, February or March. The commissioner’s staff and the district executives provide recharter applications to all units at least 90 days prior to the expiration date.

The recharter application is used to renew the memberships of all active Scouts and adult leaders, as well as to renew the status of the unit.

A unit that fails to turn in a completed recharter application by its expiration date is a “lapsed” unit. A unit that fails to turn in a completed recharter application within the next 60 days becomes a “dropped” unit. (Example: The unit has a January 31 recharter date. If not properly turned in, the unit will lapse February 1 and will drop April 1).

A lapsed unit is not an active unit. A dropped unit has ceased to exist. A unit that is not active cannot safely and properly provide the Scouting program to youth members.

Accordingly, effective Sept. 1, 2005, the Commissioners have asked the council professionals, including the employees at the Trading Post, to enforce the following rules:

1. A lapsed or dropped unit cannot register a boy for any district or council activity.

2. A lapsed or dropped unit cannot obtain advancement or other awards for boys from the Trading Post. Districts may not conduct an eagle board of review for any Scout who is not registered with an active unit.

3. A lapsed or dropped unit cannot receive a tour permit.

4. Except to reactivate the charter, dropped and lapsed units may not have access to unit funds on deposit with the council without express written authorization from the charter organization. The signature of the institutional representative on either the recharter application of a lapsed unit or the new charter application of a dropped unit is sufficient to use funds for that purpose.

The Commissioners are aware that these policies may occasionally be frustrating for unit leaders. But accurate annual charters are important for many valid reasons. Please do not take your frustrations out on the staff of the Trading Post because they are merely messengers helping the volunteers provide a safe and quality program for registered Scouts.

Calusa District has adopted the following BSA policies to provide additional security for our members. These policies are primarily for the protection of our youth members; however, they also serve to protect our adult leaders from false accusations of abuse.

Two-deep leadership. Two registered adult leaders or one registered leader and a parent of a participant, or other adult, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required on all trips and outings. The chartered organization is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities.
No one-on-one contact. 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.
Respect of privacy. 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.
Separate accommodations. When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his 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.
Proper preparation for high-adventure activities. Activities with elements of risk should never be undertaken without proper preparation, equipment, clothing, supervision, and safety measures.
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.
Appropriate attire. Proper clothing for activities is required. For example, skinny-dipping is not appropriate as part of Scouting.
Constructive discipline. Discipline used in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting's values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.
Hazing prohibited. Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity.
Junior leader training and supervision. Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by junior leaders and ensure that BSA policies are followed.
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 Law. Physical violence, hazing, bullying, theft, verbal insults, drugs, and alcohol have no place in the Scouting program and may result in the revocation of a Scout's membership in the unit.
Unit responsibilities. The head of the chartered organization or chartered organization representative and the local council must approve the registration of the unit's adult leader. 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 in dealing with it.

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