We want you to know that the safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, andemployees is integral to the Scouting experience. Youth develop traits ofcitizenship, character, fitness, and leadership during age-appropriate eventswhen challenged to move beyond their average comfort level, and discover theirabilities.
This is appropriate when risks are identified and mitigated. The Scoutingprogram, as contained in our handbooks and literature, integrates many safetyfeatures. However, no policy or procedure will replace the review and vigilanceof trusted adults and leaders at the point of program execution.
Commit yourself to creating a safe and healthy environment by: Knowing andexecuting the BSA program as contained in our publications Planning tours, activities,and events with vigilance using the tools provided Setting the example for safebehavior and equipment use during the program Engaging and educating allparticipants in discussions about hazards and risks Reporting incidents in atimely manner
Thank you for being part of the Scouting movement and creating an exciting and safe experience for every participant. True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and professionals to work within the BoyScouts of America to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at the national, regional, area, council, district, and unit levels.
Youth Protection Policies and Guidelines
The Guide to SafeScouting is the single source of information for safe scouting, includingYouth Protection Policies. The guide is designed for adult leaders; topicsinclude Youth Protection, Health and Safety and Reporting information.Frequently asked questions are also addressed.
- Guide to SafeScouting
- Scouting’sBarriers to Abuse
- YouthProtection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs
Digital Privacy
A key ingredient for a safe and healthy Scouting experience is the respect for privacy. Advances in technology are enabling new forms of social interaction that extend beyond the appropriate use of cameras or recording devices. Sending sexually explicit photographs or videos electronically or“sexting” by cell phones is a form of texting being practiced primarily by young adults and children as young as middle-school age. Sexting is neither safe, nor private, nor an approved form of communication and can lead to severe legal consequences for the sender and the receiver. Although most campers and leaders use digital devices responsibly, educating them about the appropriate use of cell phones and cameras would be a good safety and privacy measure.
BSA SocialMedia Guidelines
Although using social media is not a Scouting activity, their use to connect with others interested in Scouting can be a very positive experience. But the creation and maintenance of these channels requires forethought, care, and responsibility. BSA Social Media Guidelines
Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection is required for all registered adult leaders and must be completed before they are able to be registered. To take Youth Protection training go to my.scouting.org and create an account. You’ll receive an email notification with your account information, including a member ID/reference number. From the my.scouting.org portal, click Menu then My Dashboard from the menu list. The My Training page displays to take Youth Protection training. Upon completion, you may print a training certificate to submit with a volunteer application. Your training will automatically be updated in our system and associated with the memberID/reference number issued when you created the account. When your volunteer application is approved, you will receive a BSA membership card that includes your member ID number.
Youth Protection Reporting Procedures for Volunteers
There are two types of Youth Protection–related reporting procedures all volunteers must follow: When you witness or suspect any child has been abused or neglected—See “Mandatory Report of Child Abuse” below. When you witness a violation of the BSA’s Youth Protection policies—See “Reporting Violations ofBSA Youth Protection Policies” below.
Mandatory Report of Child Abuse
All persons involved in Scouting shall report to local authorities any good-faith suspicion or belief that any child is or has been physically or sexually abused, physically or emotionally neglected, exposed to any form of violence or threat, exposed to any form of sexual exploitation, including the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child pornography, online solicitation, enticement, or showing of obscene material. You may not abdicate this reporting responsibility to any other person.
Reporting Violations of BSA Youth Protection Policies
If you think any of the BSA’s Youth Protection policies have been violated, including those described within Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse, you must notify our council Scout executive or their designee so appropriate action can betaken for the safety of our Scouts.
Steps to Reporting Child Abuse
Ensure the child is in a safe environment. In cases of child abuse injury or medical emergencies, call 911 immediately. In addition, if the suspected abuse occurred in the Scout’s home or family, you are required by state law to immediately report/contact the local child abuse hotline.
We want you to know that the safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees is an important part of the Scouting experience. Youth develop traits of citizenship, character, fitness, and leadership during age-appropriate events when challenged to move beyond their normal comfort level, and discover their abilities. This is appropriate when risks are identified and mitigated.
The Scouting program, as contained in our handbooks and literature, integrates many safety features. However, no policy or procedure will replace the review and vigilance of trusted adults and leaders at the point of program execution. Commit yourself to creating a safe and healthy environment by:
- Knowing and executing the BSA program as contained in our publications
- Planning tours, activities, and events with vigilance using the tools provided
- Setting the example for safe behavior and equipment use during program
- Engaging and educating all participants in discussions about hazards and risks
- Reporting incidents in a timely manner
Thank you for being part of the Scouting movement and creating an exciting and safe experience for every participant.
BSA ScouterCode of Conduct
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 supersedeBoy Scouts of America practices, policies, and guidelines. The Guide toSafe 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.
Annual Health and Medical Record
TheScouting adventure, camping trips, high-adventure excursions, and having fun are important to everyone in Scouting—and so is your safety and well-being.Completing the Annual Health and Medical Record is the first step in making sure you have a great Scouting experience.
