The purpose of the Guide to Safe Scouting is to prepare adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner. The policies and guidelines have been established because of the real need to protect members from known hazards that have been identified through 90-plus years of experience. Limitations on certain activities should not be viewed as stumbling blocks; rather, policies and guidelines are best described as stepping-stones toward safe and enjoyable adventures.
Unit leaders should be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Boy Scouts of America policies and guidelines.
In situations not specifically covered in this guide, activity planners should evaluate the risk or potential risk of harm, and respond with action plans based on common sense, community standards, the Boy Scout motto, and safety policies and practices commonly prescribed for the activity by experienced providers and practitioners.
Scouting Safety Begins with Leadership
Because the majority of Scout injuries and accidents occur during unit events, Health and Safety has developed a video and training course intended to heighten troop, pack, and crew leaders' awareness of safety and risk management issues. Contact your local council service center or your district or council training chairman to get the date, time, and place of the next Scouting Safety Begins With Leadership course.
Donald Smith, a risk management committee member in the Patriot's Path Council, created a PowerPoint® slide presentation, SafeScout, that can be used with the video or as a shorter stand-alone presentation for roundtable discussions. Get a copy of the slide show by calling or e-mailing Risk Management at 972-580-2228; vsavoy@netbsa.org. Let us know if you prefer disk or e-mail as the mode of delivery.
Scouting $$$ Pay Liability Claims
The BSA general liability program is not just insurance. In fact, insurance plays a very small part. Our greatest efforts are spent on safety and injury prevention.
BSA self-funds the first million dollars of each liability claim. This means that almost all money spent on a liability claim is Scouting money, not insurance money.
Accident and sickness insurance pays regardless of fault as long as the accident occurred during an official Scouting activity and the unit or council has purchased the coverage.
The BSA Ready & Prepared Award
The Boy Scouts of America's Ready & Prepared Award encourages and rewards Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews that incorporate safe practices while enjoying challenging activities. While working to earn the award, units emphasize risk management as a way to help reduce fatalities and serious injury. Focus areas include:
- Driver and passenger safety
- Youth Protection
- Aquatic safety
- Premises safety and first-aid readiness
- Personal fitness
Units may apply for this award at the time of unit rechartering.
BSA Rules and Policies
Bold type throughout the Guide to Safe Scouting denotes BSA rules and policies.
Online Version - chapters, searchable - Click Here
Adobe Acrobat Version - download and print (42 pages) - Click Here
Appendices:
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Forms
The following forms are available to download:
- Motor Vehicle Checklist
- Meeting Place Inspection Checklist
- Local Tour Permit Application (Best when printed on legal [8.5 x 14] paper)
- National Tour Permit Application (Best when printed on legal [8.5 x 14] paper)
- Flying Permit Application and Parent/Guardian Consent Form for BSA Aviation flights
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Updates - updates to various parts of the Guides