What to do when Scouts Curse?

One thing that Scout leaders may need to deal with is scouts using inappropriate language. What are some good ways to deal with that?

Bryan on Scouting has some great tips, including the following.

• “I simply say ‘Different Word.’ I can’t remember a time when the Scout didn’t stop and correct himself. It must be working because I was having an issue backing up the Scout trailer one trip and slipped with a ‘Da**.’ I heard three Scouts, in unision, from the back of the truck say ‘Different Word.‘”
• “There is a code of ethics that the Scout reads and signs before they join the troop. Foul language is in the code of ethics. There is a three-strikes-you’re-out rule. So far this really hasn’t been an issue.”

Scouting Magazine also recommended some other techniques.

•  Consistency through example and explanation has been helpful in our unit. Over the years, our adult Scouters have worked hard to set the example in both language and action. This has filtered into the actions of our junior leaders and the troop as a whole. When a young Scout uses inappropriate language, we’ll quickly remind him that “with more than 250,000 words in the English language” he can find a more appropriate way to express himself. 
•  I have sat down with a child, one on one, and handed him a notebook. I explain that neither of us will get up from the table until he writes a three-paragraph essay in which he defines the offensive word he used, explains what he believes others hearing his language think and feel about what he said, and describes how he believes his parent or guardian would react to hearing the offensive language from him. I don’t usually have to do this with a child more than once.

 What techniques have you run across that work well for you?

The 11th Outdoor Essential

I've only gone backpacking one time, and that was a very short trip as part of Woodbadge. One thing that trip taught me was the importance of only taking that gear you absolutely need. Any extra gear gets very heavy, very quickly.

When you are packing your gear, what items do you view as essential? What is something you wouldn't want to go a single day without? Most people's minds probably go first to the Outdoor Essentials, as listed in the Boy Scout handbook.

Most of the regular readers here are probably fairly involved in their faith, and go through some sort of daily devotional, scripture reading, etc. Is that something you view as essential, or is it something you can leave behind to pick back up after your camping trip?

If you are doing a gear shakedown, and pull out a small pocket new testament from your pack alongside your other gear, or if you sit doing a daily scripture reading around the campfire during a quiet period on a campout, that's something your scouts will pick up on. They will understand that your faith is important to you, as important as a pocketknife or map and compass are... Not something you can leave at home when you are out on the trail.

I will confess, I'm not as good about doing this as I should be. But It's an area that I'm going to try to improve on.