Youth Protection

Our top priority for the troop is keeping our youth safe. Scouting America has developed multiple guidelines for keeping youth physically and emotionally safe. Adult leaders must participate in the Safeguarding Youth training and renew that training each year. Parents are also welcome to take the same training so you know what the rules are. Here is a very basic list of the most fundamental rules so you can at least be aware of them

• No one-on-one contact between adult leaders and youth

  • There must be 2 adult leaders at ALL activities

  • This includes digital or phone communication. A parent or another adult must be included on all messages between adults and youth

• The Guide to Safe Scouting outlines guidelines for all of our activities. They are all based on what is known as the S.A.F.E. program. This stands for

  • Supervision-Youth must be supervised by qualified, trustworthy adults

  • Assessment-Activities must be assessed for potential risks during planning stages and verify they follow the Guide to Safe Scouting

  • Fitness and Skill-Annual Health and Medical Record forms are reviewed to confirm youth a physically capable of participating in an activity. Leader also ensure Scouts have the necessary training and skills before attempting advanced tasks

  • Equipment and Environment-Leaders ensure all gear is safe and in good repair. They also assess the environment around activities to ensure the activity can be done safely

• More information, including a 10 minute video, about Scouting America's Youth Protection program can be found at https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/youth-protection/ 

  • Note: Viewing this video with your scout is actually one of the requirements for the Scout rank. The specific requirements and links to the resources can be found here