Pack Rules
These are rules that are set in stone by Leaders and is what is expected of our Cubs to keep everyone safe and make sure we have fun! Failure to follow these rules may lead to a Cub having to leave our Cub pack. We consider this to be a last resort and will always be after conversations with Parents/Guardians.
These rules may not be all inclusive and must be followed alongside all Scout UK rules listed in our Policy Organisation and Rules. Any actions that may lead to immediate suspension from Scouting are listed in Gross Misconduct (see below).
We recommend you read these to your Cub before they start Cubs and make sure they understand and are able to follow them. We also discuss a code of conduct with the Cubs at the start of each term.
Cubs must at all times:
- Arrive and Depart from Cubs with a Parent/Guardian (unless otherwise instructed by a Leader)
- Listen to and follow safety instructions at all times
- Follow the instructions of a Leader in the event of fire or fire drill and meet at the designated fire safety point
- Cooperate with other Cubs and Leaders and respect others points of view even if they do not believe them themselves
Cubs must not:
- Leave the building without permission of a Leader
- Bring any food with them to Cubs (see below)
- Bring any electronic or mobile device to Cubs (see below)
- Fight with another individual
- Swear or use any inappropriate language
- Enter a supervised area (such as storerooms and kitchen) without a Leaders permission
- Attempt to force another individual to do something that they do not wish to do
- Undermine reasonable adjustments made for any individuals that may be in place because of a disability, condition or injury
- For example, a Cub sitting on a chair instead of the floor or doing another activity from others in the group
- These will have the permission of a Leader and be made clear to any Cub when asked about
There are rules we expect every Cub and Parent/Guardian to follow to keep everyone safe.
These include not only official Scout UK rules but also the Pack rules that you must follow by being a member of Bethesda Cub pack.
Safety and Safeguarding
We are committed to ensuring our Cubs are safe at all times, will keep you informed of who you can contact at all times and what would happen in the case of an emergency. These rules are outlines in our Scouts Purple Card.
We are committed to keeping all young people safe from harm. These rules are outlined in our Scouts Yellow Card.
Accessibility and Additional Needs
We are committed to ensuring that our Cubs have access to all the resources they need to thrive in Cubs.
Whether it’s physical, neurodiverse or mental health needs, we understand and will work with you to help your Cub make the most of Scouting.
Mobile Phones and Electronics
We do not allow the use of any mobile phones or electronics at Cubs. This is to prevent damage and prevent bullying/cyberbullying.
If you do have circumstances where your Cub may need a phone, please talk to a leader and we will make arrangements for them to be safely stored while at Cubs and returned at the end.
Food and Drinks
We do not allow Cubs to bring ANY food to Cubs. Cubs do not know the dietary restrictions or allergy of other Cubs, Leaders or Parent Helpers so we restrict bringing any food to Cubs. We do not allow chewing gum as this provides a choking hazard and not all Cubs are able to dispose of it responsibly.
We may provide food at Cubs following any allergies or dietary restrictions of all our Cubs. In the case that a Cub cannot have food that others can have, we will do our best to find a suitable replacement so that the Cub doesn’t feel left out. We will contact you if we need any additional information
We allow and actively encourage our Cubs to bring water bottles to meetings to drink water or squash. We do not allow fizzy drinks or energy drinks.
Any food, chewing gum or drinks we find will be disposed of immediately and not returned at the end of the night.
Toilets
We do not unnecessarily limit any Cub’s access to toilets when available. At our meeting place the toilets are downstairs, for safety reasons we require the cubs to ask us to visit them. We may ask them to wait a few minutes if there’s too many cubs visiting them, or there is an important reason such as hearing the rules of an activity.
Cubs Behaviour Policy
Across the term we run a 3 step warning system for Cubs that break the rules:
1st Warning – Cubs will have a warning from Leaders
2nd Warning – Parents are spoken to regarding their Cub’s behaviour
3rd Warning – Cubs will have a minimum 1 week break from Cubs and if necessary will require a conversation with Parents/Guardians and the Group Scout Leader before being allowed to take part in Cubs again.
Any future warnings will require a conversation with Parents/Guardians and the Group Lead Volunteer to discuss whether Cubs is a suitable place.
Regardless of prior warnings, any severe breach of rules will require a conversation with the Group Lead Volunteer per the Leader in charge’s discretion.
Gross misconduct
The following are classed as gross misconduct and will not be tolerated in any form. This applies to Cubs, any other member of Scouting, Leaders and Parents/ Guardians. This will lead to immediate suspension from Scouting following the review of Section Leaders, the Group Lead Volunteer and District Leaders and may lead to a ban from joining other Scout Groups.
In the Scouts, gross misconduct is interpreted as observed practices that are a very clear breach of the Values of Scouting – these do not cover every eventuality but include:
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Theft
- Physical Violence
- Serious insubordination
- Any action that may intentionally cause physical and emotional damage to another individual and damage to the Scouting experience or property
Bullying is characterised as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, abuse or misuse of power through means that a recipient is undermined, humiliated, denigrated or injured.
Harassment is ‘unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating people’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment’. Harassment may also be any conduct that focuses on characteristics outlined by Equality Act 2010. A person may be harassed even if they were not the intended ‘target.’ For example, a person may be harassed by jokes about a different ethnic group if the jokes create an offensive environment.