At the Halloween party, we had an issue where a dispute arose between two boys over a place in line for food. One boy pulled out a pocketknife, opened the blade, and held it out in a threatening way. There were no actual attempts to swing or stab, and the boy with the knife put it away without any adults intervening (or noticing, apparently). This appears to be an isolated incident between the boys, as there has been no bad blood between them before or since.
Although we are relieved that nobody was physically hurt, we are still very concerned about this. I have put this issue to the Committee for guidance, and they inquired with Council. We are in agreement that the boy with the knife can stay in Scouting, but that this sort of behavior (with or without a knife) will not be tolerated in the future, and will result in his expulsion from the Pack. I have spoken with the boy's mother who understands the seriousness of this and has addressed this with her son.
Moving forward:
1) As mentioned, the boy's membership with the Pack is contingent on continued good behavior. This is the first behavioral incident with this Scout. While we purposely did not line out specifically what behaviors would or would not result in his expulsion, it was made clear that any sort of menacing, threatening, or harassing behavior (with or without a knife) will not be tolerated. I have passed this message on to the parents, and also intend to speak personally to the Scout, as well.
2) We do not think that it is appropriate for the Pack or Den to punish the boy. The parents are taking this very seriously, and have already punished him for this. We do not plan to do anything that would single him out in front of the pack, as we believe this would simply amount to public humiliation.
3) Just to clarify: NO BOY IN PACK 14 SHOULD EVER CARRY A KNIFE. There are some activities where boys can use knives under adult supervision, but no Scout should ever possess or use a knife without adult supervision. I hope this is simple and clear. Please speak to your son and explain this rule, or see me if you need clarification.
NOTE: The older dens have the chance to complete an award called the Whittling Chip Award. This technically gives boys the right to carry pocketknives. To my knowledge, we do not file for this award, even for the boys who have completed these requirements. We really don't want boys carrying knives, as explained above. Even with the Award, Pack policy is still that knives are only to be used under supervision and only when appropriate, but not carried by the boys. Only folding knives (pocketknife size) or kitchen knives are permitted during supervised activities.
4) We are presently treating this as an individual behavioral issue, not a knife safety issue. You don't need to earn your Whittling Chip award to know you don't threaten another boy with a knife. I do not plan to do a knife safety course in order to address this, but I will clarify the previous point with the Scouts. The various dens have knife safety in their programs, as age-appropriate, and that is where this should stay.
5) This is not believed to be a pack-wide issue of harassment or dangerous behavior. It started as a dispute between two boys that is not atypical. Obviously, the resulting behavior was out of line, but the context in which it occurred does not imply a structural or ongoing environment of harassment or threatening behavior at the pack level. The Committee and I are open to feedback if anyone feels otherwise or feels change is needed.
5) This is not believed to be a pack-wide issue of harassment or dangerous behavior. It started as a dispute between two boys that is not atypical. Obviously, the resulting behavior was out of line, but the context in which it occurred does not imply a structural or ongoing environment of harassment or threatening behavior at the pack level. The Committee and I are open to feedback if anyone feels otherwise or feels change is needed.
6) We have a parent who has expressed an interest in doing a program on team building and some lessons on the consequences of bullying (or similar, I can't recall the exact topic). November's pack meeting is already planned, and there is no December meeting. We might be able to do this at camp, or split time in November, but it might most realistically take place in January.
Please let me and/or the Committee (committee@mauipack14.org) know if you have any concerns or input.
thanks, David
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