Sex drugs and rock n roll

Explorer conduct and ethos

In order to make a camp work with many people we need a few rules, if you were left with your siblings with no rules, what would happen????

a few rules/thoughts, these are not aimed at anyone in the group at this moment they are thoughts based on 20+ years of running explorer camps:

Consideration

With 50 people sharing a living space we need to be mindful of others, not only in terms of not bullying etc which I would hope would be obvious but also giving people space to be themselves.

We are all different, let each other be different. different is good, different solves problems you cannot and vice versa
Not everyone will have the same views as you, be aware that their views have just as much right to be aired as yours
Some people like to get up early, and some go to bed early, so be mindful of others' sleep patterns, no watching your phone late at night/early in the morning waking people up for example.
give people some space; how many of you live with 20+ other people? well its not easy, most adults struggle with an environment like this to start with. so support each other, give each other space when needed. a little time away from others can be great.
there are a wide range of maturities in the explorer age range, explorers from 13.5yrs to 17.9999yrs are likely to have very different life experiences, when discussing things with others, be mindful of who else is listening, do they want to hear what you are sharing?

Listening and caring (for yourself and others)

you are encouraged to have downtime to allow yourself to relax both physically and mentally. this doesn't mean every time it's your turn to wash up its time for a break but do take time when available
the leaders are there not just to supervise the cooking or the sailing, they are also there to support you. if you have a problem, please approach a leader you feel comfortable talking to.
while on explorer activities there are a few things that are banned, not many but either by the government or the scout policies
- Drinking alcohol - technically not illegal but scout policy is very clear that this is a no.
- smoking (including vaping), the rules is the rules, as above really.
- drugs either illegal ones or misuse of legal ones, well I think you can guess by now..
We provide separate tents/accommodation/toilets for girls and boys, to make life simple for you. if that doesn't work for you for any reason then talk to a leader you are comfortable with and we can see what can be arranged
please wash regularly, 10yr olds can get away without washing for a few days, explorers smell at that stage...
take your medication at the proper times, there comes a point when you have to take responsibility for yourself, either today, when you go to university or when you move out. especially if those medications keep you alive....

Relationships and growing up

Being in a relationship with another explorer can be great, but not always for everyone around them. the phrase "get a room" doesn't really work on camps, please keep it 12a or PG.
we allow phones for explorers on camps, and with that comes a degree of responsibility (see mobile phone policy) to ensure whatever you are doing is appropriate be that watching a film, taking photos or whatever
doing anything illegal is still illegal even if it is permitted in other places
people come in every shape, gender and persuasion available, and accept each other for who they are
be mindful of the language you use and the tone of your voice, not just swearing but the way you interact with others
On all camps and overnight activities, all Explorers must sleep in their allocated accommodation and any changes of sleeping arrangements must have the permission of the Explorer Leader in charge of the event before it takes place.
be inclusive, not exclusive

Clothing

Wear what you feel comfortable in (within reason)
Wear what is appropriate to the activity/event
Jeans and joggers make for poor boating choices as they are heavy/cold/take an age to dry

Drinking and Drugs

Even in another country where the laws are different the UK scout rules still apply, so I am afraid even if the drinking age in Switzerland/France is 14/16 then we are still not allowed as it is the UK scout rules we have to follow.

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