Re[2]: Camping without adult supervision, plus a question...
Charles Batteau (B3ZAATN@CPSLSOPS.BELL-ATL.COM)
Fri, 15 Dec 1995 12:17:20 -0500
> ... it also would probably take some adults to help with the
> transportation -- usually it is not a worry because the Scouts who
> have done these outings within my Troop have been older then 16 ...
Larry -
Perhaps I misinterpreted your remarks about transportation ...
I agree with you about scouts being permitted to camp as patrols without
adult presence but WITH Scoutmaster approval. However, unless the scouts
can HIKE to the campsite, they would definitely need ADULTS to drive them
there. The Guide to Safe Scouting explicitly states that a scout may not
drive other scouts, unless there is an adult in the vehicle. Here is the
text ...
"The driver must be currently licensed and at least 18 years of age.
Youth member exception: When traveling to an area, regional, or
national Boy Scout activity or any Explorer event under the leadership
of an adult (at least 21 years of age) tour leader, a youth member at
least 16 years of age may be a driver, subject to the following
conditions:
1. Six months' driving experience as a licensed driver (time on a
learner's permit or equivalent is not to be counted)
2. No record of accidents or moving violations
3. Parental permission granted to the leader, driver, and riders
4. A 21-year-old licensed driver must be a passenger in the
vehicle."
This means no boy drivers at all for patrol-only activities, since there
would not be an adult tour leader. (It could also be interpreted as no boy
drivers for troop-only activities.) IMO, unless you are travelling a long
way and need driver relief, it's better to use only adults (18 & up)
because the hassle (written permission from parents, leader & driver,
record check, experience) is greater than the benefit. Let the boy drive
with his family when NOT on a scouting activity.
*** NOW A QUESTION FOR THE FORUM ***
This was posed by one of MY 16-yr-old scouts ...
Would it be permissable for a youth to drive an "equipment-only" vehicle
(no youth passengers)? My Unit Commissioner believed it would be OK. I'm
not really comfortable with that -- my reading of the above policy suggests
"NO," but I'm open to divergent opinions.
YiS
Chuck Batteau -- SM, Troop 751, Glen Allen VA USA
-------------------------------------------------
charles.r.batteau@bell-atl.com
maybe they meant an hour a DAY! :-)
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
