The Buddy System

Buddy Check

A "Buddy" should be the 7th Cub Scout Essential!

The Buddy system is one of the most important things when on any scouting event.  Mostly used outdoors on hikes, going to the bathroom and, Well..., anytime the scouts are leaving the main event area.

Before you start any hike, have the Scouts pick their buddy.  Number each pair of Scouts, and explain how the buddy check works.  When a leader calls out, “Buddy check!”, the Scouts will make sure they are standing next to their buddy, and they'll start counting off. Tell them that they are only to say their number if their buddy is with them.

Ok, What is the Buddy System?

The buddy system is when two people pair off and watch out for each other. Using the buddy system is important in swimming, bicycling, hiking, or any other activity. We all like to have a buddy or even more than one really good friend.

All buddies must be in close proximity of each other.  Where one goes the other must follow, to ensure that they are together and safe at all times.

Why do we practice the Buddy System?

Number one - Safety.  As a scout leader, you have a stewardship over the scouts to ensure that they are safe.  If we are backpacking in the deep woods of the Uinta National Forest, the last thing I want to worry about is an injured or lost scout due to not being paired up with a buddy.  Also, as a leader, you know the importance of two deep leadership and buddies through YPT.

Your buddy has your back and you have your buddies back.  Watch our for, and help each other.

Kids will have a hard time remembering that they are resposible for their buddy and that they need to report to their buddy, that is why we practice it.

How does the buddy system help in keeping our Scouts Safe?

These are real events that have happened in the past...

• A 7 year old cub scout was lost for 2 hours. He was on a hike with his den and fell behind the others, then slipped and fell. When he got back up, the rest were too far away to hear or see him. Two hikers found him and brought him to safety.

• An 11 year old scout was lost for 4 days. After using the climbing tower at a camp, he walked the quarter mile to his campsite alone and became lost. He was found 5 miles away out of pure luck.

• A 12 year old scout slipped in the lake and got his shoes wet. So, his dad told him to walk the 150 yards back to camp and get dry socks and shoes on. That was the last anyone has seen of him.

• A 13 year old scout was lost for 3 days. On a hike, he fell behind the others and took a wrong turn.

Do you see any pattern in all these avoidable events?

Every one of them failed to use the BUDDY SYSTEM!

In the above events, Two scouts never get lost.

You aren't using the buddy system for yourself - you're doing it for your friend so he doesn't get lost and for his family so they don't worry.

Having a buddy is THE most important rule we have - more important than having a compass or first aid kit or anything else.

Buddy System Problems

Obviously, it is hard to get kids to practice the buddy system and stay with their buddy.  That is why we practice it...

The challenge of who to pair with who will always come up.  Friends will always want to pair up with each other. Sometimes I allow the pairing to occur naturally, and there are times that I will assign the buddy groups if I know that there will be some major goofing off between friend pairs.  Use your best judgment as you will know the attitudes and characters of each of your scouts.