Re: Alcohol according to my DE
Settummanque, the blackeagle (waltoml@WKUVX1.WKU.EDU)
Wed, 27 Apr 1994 12:40:58 EDT
Bob McGwier <n4hy@CCR-P.IDA.ORG> writes:
>According to our D.E., alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all scouting
>events and may not be consumed in any event, whether youth are present or
>not, if you are in scout uniform. He contends this is BSA policy. Can
>someone confirm this? (I hope so).
Your District Executive (and Kathie Cervany and Paul Wolf and others
that I can't remember off the top of my head presently...short on
time...) is absolutely CORRECT, Bob. Not only is alcoholic beverages
prohibited at Scouting events, it is also a BIG no-no at ANY event
where Scouts are present, or which is a part of the BSA's program (for
instance, the National Exploring and Order of the Arrow's events or
activities; camp program and operation; membership expansion and
recruitment; and any other activity within the scope of the Boy Scouts
of America's program. There are NO exceptions to this policy, which
was written in 1948, and there are NO chartered or national partners
whom are exempt from this policy, now or in the past.
The policy is clearly written in ALL of the BSA's basic literature, as
well as in booklets covering health and safety concerns of Scouts and
Scouters. The policy is also incorporated by BSA policy into the
local Council policy and procedures of ALL local Councils (including
the Direct Service Council).
The policy does NOT address consuption of alcohol duing activities in
which Scouts or Scouters are INVITED to attend (e.g., a dinner
meeting in which the speaker is a BSA volunteer or professional; a
weekend party in which Scouts or Scouters are invited to present or be
presented with an award, a private and voluntary reception afterwards at a
different locale from the BSA activity or event, etc...). That common
"Scouter's Sense" has to be applied here...How do *my* or *our* actions
reflect upon the BSA and the effort that I or we are doing here? If
someone from the local paper was here, would *my* or *our* consuption be
taken as a "okay" for the paper to take my picture with a drink in my or
our hands?
There are many times in which I am invited to speak at a event and
they serve liquor of some sort or type. I politely say "No thanks",
explaining that I am either in uniform or representing the BSA and its
programs...it is hard, perhaps in some situations, but it is NOT
impossible. If I want to drink with those that I know through
Scouting, we do it at a place AWAY from Scouting, and we DON'T do it
in uniform or before or after any Scouting activity. And AHEAD of
time, we designate someone to take our car keys and keep them until
they feel that we can get home safely...or they drive our car or van
home.
Scouting is a social activity...there's no doubt about that. It is NOT
a drinking activity, and there's NO doubt about that too. By
following the ideals of the Scouting principles (the Scout Law in
particular) and never forgetting that EVERYONE judges the BSA by YOUR
actions or inactions, you too can balance your own social needs
against the written, clear-cut policies of the BSA.
It's good to be back...even for a day or so!
Settummanque!
--
Settummanque, the blackeagle... (MAJ) Mike L. Walton (
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