Every year, we welcome new families to Troop 581 and look forward to a fun and exciting scouting year. As parents of our own Scouts, we know you may have questions or concerns regarding the safety of your Scout and may want to know what procedures are in place to protect him. Therefore, we would like to take some time to highlight the Boy Scouts of America’s Youth Protection policies and describe how they are implemented in Troop 581.
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts programs. All formal leaders who are registered with the Boy Scouts of America are required to take Youth Protection Training, an online training course that describes the policies the BSA has put in place for the protection of its Scouts, and must retrain every two years. It is not mandatory, but highly encouraged, for all parents to take the training as well. By doing so, you will know what to expect from your Scout’s leaders, as well as what will be expected of you, during troop meetings and other events. To take the training, go to http://www.myscouting.org and create an account (you don’t need a member ID). Then you can access the electronic training. If you take the training, please save a copy of the electronic certificate to provide to the troop committee.
The BSA has adopted several practices for the safety and well-being of its members. These policies primarily protect youth members; however, they also serve to protect adult leaders. Troop 581 vigorously enforces these standards at all functions and you should expect the same from your leadership and other troop members.
Two-deep adult leadership on all outings is required. A minimum of two registered adult leaders, or one registered leader and a participating Scout’s parent, or another adult are required for all meetings, trips and outings. This is a cornerstone of Youth Protection. Two-deep leadership should be maintained at all scout functions to include carpools to outings. While at an event, your presence may be needed to help maintain two-deep leadership. Even if you aren’t organizing the event, your presence is often essential. The only exception to this rule is when it involves a Scout and a member of his own family. You may be with your own son without two-deep leadership.
One-on-one contact between adult leaders and youth members is prohibited both inside and outside of Scouting. In situations requiring a personal conference, the meeting is to be conducted with the knowledge and in view of other adults and/or youth. Additionally, online communications (texting, phone calls, chat, IM, etc.) as well as communication by way of social media must include another registered leader or parent.
Age appropriate and separate accommodations for adults and Scouts required. When camping, no one is permitted to sleep in the same tent with a person of the opposite sex or an adult other than his or her own spouse, parent, or guardian. Additionally, youth members more than two years apart are prohibited from sleeping in the same tent unless the youth are related. This is enforced at all our campouts. Whenever possible, separate shower and latrine facilities are provided for male/female adults and male/female youth. When separate facilities are not available, the troop institutes and publicizes a method for ensuring privacy for youth and adults alike.
Inappropriate use of smart phones, cameras, imaging, or digital devices prohibited. Although most Scouts and leaders use cameras and other imaging devices responsibly, it is easy to unintentionally or inadvertently invade the privacy of other individuals with those devices. The use of any device capable of recording or transmitting visual images in or near shower houses, restrooms, or other areas where privacy is expected is inappropriate and not allowed.
Discipline must be constructive and reflect Scouting’s values. Corporal punishment is never permitted. Disciplinary activities involving isolation, humiliation, or ridicule are prohibited.
These are only the highlights of the BSA’s Youth Protection policies. For more details, please take the online Youth Protection Training and visit the BSA’s Youth Protection page at http://www.scouting.org/training/youthprotection.aspx. You will find a wealth of information and guides related to Youth Protection. The “Guide to Safe Scouting” is the detailed safety policy of the BSA and provides guidance not only on Youth Protection but on all facets of safety. It is too large a file to include here but you can access it from the page listed above.
If you have any questions regarding the BSA Youth Protection policies or how Troop 581 implements them, please put them in the comments section. If you have a private matter to discuss, please contact the Scout Master, Committee Chair or Chartered Org Representative directly.