The safety of our Scouts is of the utmost importance.
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members, especially when it comes to Youth Protection. (Click HERE for the latest updates to Youth Protection). To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, and Venturing programs. All potential adult leaders must be approved, must go through a background check, and complete Youth Protection training. Scouting also provides a guide to Safe Scouting with specific details and regulations. Find our more by clicking HERE.
THE GUIDE TO SAFE SCOUTING
All participants in official Scouting activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting, applicable program literature or manuals, and be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Boy Scouts of America practices, policies, and guidelines. The Guide to Safe Scouting is an overview of Scouting policies and procedures gleaned from a variety of sources. For some items, the policy statements are complete. Unit leaders are expected to review the additional reference material cited prior to conducting such activities.
In situations not specifically covered in this guide, activity planners should evaluate the risk or potential risk of harm, and respond with action plans based on common sense, community standards, the Scouts BSA motto, and safety policies and practices commonly prescribed for the activity by experienced providers and practitioners.
Perhaps this quote by Sir Robert Baden-Powell from his 1914 book Quick Training for War is appropriate to include here: “… The books lay down definite principles and examples which serve to guide the leaders when applying their common sense to the situation before them. No two situations are ever precisely the same, and it is therefore impossible to lay down exact rules that should guide in every case, but a man who carries precedents and principles in his head has no difficulty in applying their teaching in supreme moments of sudden emergency …”
Download the print-friendly version here.
Download the online version here.
This is the full PDF version that contains updates as of March 2017. Please refer to the online version for the most updated information.
YOUTH PROTECTION
For more than a century, the Boy Scouts of America has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. We believe – and, through more than a century of experience, know – that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible and productive society. For the latest updates to Youth Protection in the Dan Beard Council, please click HERE.
GENERAL HEALTH & SAFETY FAQ
Answers to your general health and safety questions.
If you have questions about anything ranging from Scouts on zip lines and pets at camp-outs, to the Annual Health and Medical Record and insurance coverage, please click HERE.