SCOUTING SAFELY

Few youth organizations encompass the breadth, volume, and diversity of physical activity common to Scouting, and none enjoys a better safety record. The key to maintaining and improving this exemplary record is the conscientious and trained adult leader who is attentive to safety concerns.

Protecting youth is our number one priority. If you aren’t familiar with our policies, please visit the National Youth Protection website.

 


TRAINING

There are a number of training courses to help ensure a safe Scouting environment, but one specific course is required of every adult member: Youth Protection Training (YPT).

Important information about Youth Protection Training:

Youth Protection Training is required for all registered volunteers.

New leaders are required to take Youth Protection Training before their application will be submitted. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time application is submitted for processing to be a registered volunteer leader.

Youth Protection Training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection Training record is not current at the time of renewal, the volunteer will not be re-registered and their membership will be expired.

SAFE CHECKLIST

The Boy Scouts of America has developed a simple, straightforward method to help provide safe activities called the SAFE Checklist. SAFE is an acronym that stands for:
Supervision – the activity has appropriate and adequate adult supervision
Assessment – leaders have reviewed the guidance and standards for an activity and verified that it is not a prohibited activity
Fitness – leaders have reviewed the participants’ fitness level and skill level for the activity
Equipment & Environment – equipment used in the activity is appropriate and adequately sized; the environment is safe to conduct the activity

SAFETY MOMENTS

Safety Moments are quick, focused messages that serve as reminders of Scouting-related topics. The BSA recommends using a Safety Moment at the beginning of each activity or meeting.

CODE OF CONDUCT

All registered leaders must abide by BSA’s Scouter Code of Conduct. The Scouter Code of Conduct is a leader’s personal commitment to using the BSA’s program as designed, including all of the program features designed to protect youth from harm, abuse or trauma.


In addition to these general rules, safety concerns in certain BSA activities, including most of the aquatics programs, have been specifically addressed in more detailed guidelines. All leaders should review and comply with such guidelines in the respective activities. Examples can be found in publications such as the Guide to Safe ScoutingChemical Fuel and Equipment PoliciesSafe Swim Defense, and others.