Embedded Files
The leadership at Pack 105 takes safety very seriously.
The safety items listed below are items Scouts are expected to know and practice.
BUDDY SYSTEM -You should never leave camp without a buddy and without asking an adult for permission, EVEN to go to the showers/bathroom. If your destination is beyond clear visibility from the camp, a buddy is needed. The buddy system prevents you from being alone when injured or lost. It's RULE #1, and it always applies!
ATTENTION: Water and sports drinks are the only beverages allowed at scouting outings.
NO SODA OR COFFEE for Cub Scouts! (Yes, parents, you can have coffee at campouts!)
ANIMALS - On a campout, we are in the animal’s home. The Scout Way is to make sure we respect wildlife and their home. Do not chase, grab, feed, or harass animals in any way. Avoid dangerous animals such as snakes and gators.
CLIFFS - You won’t see many of these in southern Texas, but it’s possible at out of state scout camps. Never climb without proper gear and adult supervision. As a general rule, don’t come within 15 feet of the edge.
CLIMBING - BSA rules are that you cannot climb over 3 feet without a harness and safety gear. This is another one of those rules that seems stupid, but has a reason. Gravity. It’s a thing, guys. If you fall out of tree and smack your head on something, then a concussion or even split head may be the result. This happened to our own troop in the year 2020.
EMERGENCY MEDICATIONS
EMERGENCY MEDICATIONS
If a scout is required to carry emergency treatments, for example an epipen, the parent/guardian AND the scout MUST check in with the Cubmaster (or other adult in charge) BEFORE the scout is left at camp by the parent. We want to confirm the scout actually has all necessary first aid on their person.
FOOD IN TENTS - Food is not allowed in tents. Ever. Animals WILL get into your tent regardless of how well you packed and secured your food, or if you think you cleaned up all your chips. (Never underestimate a raccoon.)
INJURIES - Accidents happen. Use first aid to your best ability, but always inform an adult as well. The adults will determine if you need professional attention or if it’s something that needs to be monitored, like a cut that could develop an infection.
SHOES – Closed toe shoes are required at scouting events. The only exception is flip flops are allowed in the camp shower. Note that crocs are technically closed toe, but some activities may need more secure footwear.
STICKS - Believe it or not scouts being impaled by sticks is a real thing. We take preventative measures because we like your forehead without a hole in it. The proper use of sticks are as follows:
Fire - If you are and ADULT and you are currently in charge of the campfire you may put sticks in the fire.
Walking Sticks – Walking sticks should be taller than your head, not dead wood, and sturdy enough to support your weight.
Prodding Stick - It is acceptable to take a long stick to prod a log and make sure there are no snakes hiding underneath something that you need to move.
THROWING THINGS - By "things" we mean ROCKS. Just like sticks and tree climbing, throwing things (especially rocks) results in more injuries that you would expect. There is not a good reason to throw things at another person or in camp.
TWO DEEP LEADERSHIP: Outings and meetings always require two deep leadership. The more all parents help, the less each of has to do. You don't have to be a den leader or go camping to be a vital part of the team. There are many other 'jobs' to keep the pack operating. Spread the fun!
TRAINING: online at My.Scouting.org
Safeguarding Youth training is required for all Scouting America registered volunteers and is a joining requirement, to be retaken every year. If a volunteer’s Safeguarding Youth training is not current at the time of annual registration renewal, the volunteer will not be re-registered.
Another requirement for any registered adult is the Pack Committee Training. This is great for new parents to get an overview of the organization and how things work.
When you set up your account on My.Scouting.org, please use a password you’ll remember or write it down! Pack does not have access to this information and you’ll have to go through Council to get it reset. https://my.scouting.org/
WATER SAFETY - There are a few main rules that will always apply when swimming in Scouts. These rules also apply when in a boat on a scouting event. These rules are put in place to keep Scouts safe at all times, but because they are so thorough, Cub Scouts Pack 105 does not typically host events with swimming as a Pack activity.
BSA Swim Test - You must complete the BSA swim test to be able to swim or boat at a scouting event. The test has three levels: Non-Swimmer, Beginner, and Swimmer. More details on the swim test can be found online at https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/outdoor%20program/aquatics/pdf/430-122.pdf
Buddy system - You must always have a buddy and keep eyes on them. It’s hard to see a drowning person in a large lake with lots of people in it. If every person is responsible for the safety of one other person, it makes things much easier. Depending on the situation, you may be able to help your buddy directly or alert a lifeguard that they are in trouble. Make sure to pair with a buddy who is of the same size/strength as you. When boating, a buddy will be needed to flip the boat back over if you capsize.
Lifeguards - There must always be a lifeguard present to swim. If there are no lifeguards present then do not enter the water. When boating an adult must be on the water with scouts, but you don’t need an adult in every boat.
Barriers - There will often be barriers where scouts cannot go in the water. This may be due to a variety of reasons including drop-offs, gators, a distance too far for the lifeguards to quickly rescue, or debris and sharp objects in the water that could injure swimmers. Don’t test the barriers; they are there for good reasons.
WHITTLING CHIP - With power comes responsibility. A knife gives you the ability cut wood, rope, food, or even yourself and other people. The Whittling Chip proves that you are responsible enough to be given that power. It is a good idea to laminate it soon after you have earned it. You must carry your chip on your person at all times when carrying a knife at scouting events. Get caught with a knife and no chip: your knife will be taken away. Break one of the knife rules: a corner will be cut off of your chip. Lose all four corners: lose the Whittling Chip and the privilege to carry a knife at Scouting events.
Note: Whittling Chip is earned during Bear year (3rd grade). Scouts below Bear are not eligible to earn the Whittling Chip. Whittling Chip does not carry over to Troop.
Report abuse