With the addition of girls into Scouts BSA, it is helpful to know the rules for how girls and boys will camp together under BSA policy.  

Both troops will plan their own activities during camping trips, although for most trips the camping location is shared between both troops.  In these cases, all of the requirements of BSA Youth Protection related to camping will apply.  

NOTE:  These policies have been in existence for many years and apply to both male and female adult leaders and male and female youth participants.  Scouts BSA has had female participants for many years in its  Venturing crews (which involve co-ed crews for boys and girls up to 21 years of age) and the Order of the Arrow.   

The BSA Youth Protection guidance can be found here: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss01/

Specifically, for camping accommodations, the following rules apply:

Accommodations

Separate accommodations for adult males and females and youth males and females are required.

Tenting

• Separate tenting arrangements must be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth.

• Youth sharing tents must be no more than two years apart in age.

• In all programs (except Cub Scouts), youth and adults tent separately. (Youth Protection (Safeguarding youth) FAQS)

• Spouses may share tents.

Lodging/Cabin Accommodations

Whenever possible, separate cabins or lodging should be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth. Where separate accommodations cannot be provided due to group size or limited availability, modifications may be made. Where completely separate accommodations are not available, additional supervision is required. (Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs)

• If adults and youth of the same gender occupy single-room accommodations, there must be a minimum of two adults and four youth, with all adults being Youth Protection trained.

• Physical separation by other means, including temporary barriers or space, should be used only when no other arrangements are possible.

• These modifications are limited to single-gender accommodations.

Restrooms

Separate shower and latrine facilities should be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth. If separate facilities are not available, separate times should be scheduled and posted.

Privacy of youth is respected.

• Adults and youth must respect each other’s privacy, especially in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp.

• Adult leaders should closely monitor these areas but only enter as needed for youth protection or health and safety reasons.