Longs Peak Council
Boy Scouts of America
Safety Training and Requirements for Unit Scout Leaders
During Unit Outings
1. File a Tour and Activity Plan Prior to Every Outing. A tour plan is just that—a plan for
a unit outing. Think of it as a checklist for the unit leaders to help ensure a safe, wellplanned, outing
 Reviewed by trained council employee who will point out to unit leader any noted
deficiencies—a second set of eyes
 Lists who the outing leaders are and their contact information, as well as who
the unit contact (not on the outing) is back home should word need to get back
to parents—a single point of contact during the outing
 Details the minimum training required depending upon the type of outing
(e.g., Hazardous Weather Training for all outings, Safe Swim Defense for any
water activities, Safety Afloat when watercraft are involved, etc.)
 Explains what other forms and filings are required depending upon type of
activities (e.g., float plan for watercraft on moving water, flying plan for
orientation flights). Also requires a copy of Annual Health & Medical Record be
carried for every participant (in case emergency medical treatment required)
 Details driver information and auto insurance minimums
 Lists minimum equipment required to be carried
 BSA and Longs Peak Council requires tour plan to be filed for most outings
(guidelines provided at http://longspeakbsa.org/volunteers/health-and-safety/tourplanning/. Also required by LDS Scouting Handbook for Church Units in the
United States, May 2012 revised ed., para 8.9
 Can be filed online at My.scouting.org. (preferred) or by email or fax with the
Longs Peak Council office (see guidelines)
2. At least one adult must be current in Hazardous Weather Training for every outing.
This training is available online at My.scouting.org. .
1. When swimming activities are involved, Safe Swim Defense principles must be
followed—no exceptions. Training is available online at My.scouting.org. .
 Quailified Supervision
 Personal Health Review
 Safe Area
 Response Personnel (Lifeguards)
 Lookout
 Ability Groups
 Buddy System
 Discipline
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Longs Peak Council
Boy Scouts of America
4. When watercraft involved, Safety Afloat principles must be followed—no exceptions.
Training is available online at My.scouting.org. .
 Qualified Supervision
 Personal Health Review
 Personal Floatation Devices
 Swimming Ability
 Buddy System
 Skill Proficiency
 Planning (a float plan is required when activity afloat takes place on moving water
and is recommended for all activities involving watercraft. Go here for a float plan
form: http://longspeakbsa.org/volunteers/health-and-safety/tour-planning/
 Equipment
 Discipline
5. If climbing and/or rappelling is an included activity, Climb on Safely guidelines must be
followed. Training is available online at My.scouting.org. .
1. A copy of the Annual Health and Medical Record for each participant must be
carried with the group.
2. A first aid kit and a roadside emergency kit must be carried on every outing.
3. Leadership and Youth Protection Training: Boy Scouts of America policy requires at
least two adult leaders on all BSA activities. Coed Venturing crews must have both male and
female leaders older than 21 for overnight activities. All registered adults must have
completed BSA Youth Protection training. At least one registered adult who has
completed BSA Youth Protection training must be present at all events and activities.
Youth Protection training is valid for two years from the date completed.
4. Parental consent is required for each outing. Written consent is recommended for the
protection of the unit leaders. No particular format is required, though BSA does offer a
form for your use: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/19-673.pdf
5. BSA requires that every adult leader have read and follow its Guide to Safe Scouting. A
printed copy may be purchased from one of the Longs Peak Council Scout stores, or an
online version (most current) may be found at
http://www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/Resources/Guidetosafescouting.aspx. This
publication includes a list of prohibited activities—be familiar with these and avoid them.
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Longs Peak Council
Boy Scouts of America
11. BSA also requires that adult leaders be familiar with and follow the Sweet 16 of
BSA Safety guidelines.
 Qualified Supervision
 Physical Fitness
 Buddy System
 Safe Area or Course
 Equipment Selection and Maintenance
 Personal Safety Equipment
 Safety Procedures and Policies
 Skill Level Limits
 Weather Check
 Planning
 Communication
 Permits and Notices
 First-Aid Resources
 Applicable Laws
 CPR Resources
 Discipline
12. If an injury occurs to anyone on the outing that requires more than Scout-rendered
first aid to treat, an Incident Information Report must be filled out and filed with the
Longs Peak Council Office:
http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/680-016_fillable.pdf
 This form alerts the council to the occurrence of the incident and provides
valuable information to identify safety trends. It may also help us walk the unit
leaders through any insurance and/or liability issues
More information about safety-related outings information and training, as well as awards that
can be earned, can be found on the Longs Peak Council Health and Safety web page:
http://longspeakbsa.org/volunteers/health-and-safety/
Every Scout deserves trained leaders and fun, but safe, activities -- every parent deserves
to have their son return home safe and sound.
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Tour and Activity Plan Information and Guidelines
Effective January 2, 2012 — updated Tour Plan Guidelines
Updated: February 25, 2013
On March 1, 2011, by national BSA directive, what was formerly known as local and national tour permits were
superseded by what is now called the Tour and Activity Plan ("Tour Plan" hereafter). This update is the
accumulation of work by a cross-functional team of volunteers and staff at the National level.
LONGS PEAK COUNCIL Units must complete this form when planning for local, national, or international adventures
that fall within the
BOY SCOUTS OF AmEP.I CA
guidelines below (see, When do I need to complete a Tour Plan?). The plan helps ensure the unit is properly
prepared, that qualified and trained leadership is in place, and that the right equipment is available for the adventure.
The BSA's new Online Tour and Activity Plan is the recommended method for completing your Tour Plans. It does not require any signatures
and does not require the council office approval step. It is easy to use, and it is easy to re -use entered info for future tour plans. As the plan is
completed online, the required prerequisites for that type of trip or activity will be displayed. A unit leader may file a tour plan online by
establishing an account and logging on to My.Scouting at https://my.scouting.org/. We recommend that you view the video tutorial of this new
online system, as well as BSA's FAQ page, before using it the first time to file a tour plan.
Although we strongly encourage you to file your tour plan online, if for some reason you are unable to do so, a print version of the form is available
athttp://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/680-014.pdf. The form is a fillable pdf and will auto fill all information as it is added. You can save this form and
update for future trips. Forms can be submitted via email mailto:tourplanlpc@scouting.org or by fax (970-330-7961).
How is it different?
1.
2.
3.
The council is the reviewer of all Tour Plans; there is no regional review required.
The Tour Plan consists of a Tour Planning worksheet to be completed by the unit/contingent. It is retained by the council and the tour leader
will be notified of any discrepancies that must be corrected before departing on the trip--another reason for submitting the tour plan with
sufficient lead time to be able to correct any deficiencies (e.g., in required training).
There is a 21-day advance notice requested for units to submit the plan for review. Due to the time required to review the new Tour
Plan, and to correct any deficiencies, it is strongly recommended that you do not wait until the day before you leave to
submit your plan.
4.
5.
The plan can be printed on standard 8 1/2 by 11inch paper, including those submitted online.
Updated Pledge of Performance.
Why should I complete a Tour Plan?
The Tour Plan is a checklist of best practices to be prepared for safe and fun adventure. Completing the Tour Plan may not address all possible
challenges but can help ensure that appropriate planning has been conducted, that qualified and trained leadership is in place, and that the right
equipment is available for the adventure.
In addition, the plan helps to organize safe and appropriate transportation to and from an event, and defines drive qualifications and
minimum limits of insurance coverage for drivers and vehicles used to transport participants.
The Tour Plan should be included in preparation for all activities, even those not requiring it. It guides a tour leader through itineraries, travel
arrangements, two-deep leadership, qualifications for supervision of activities, and transportation. In short, it helps a unit to protect both the youth
members and adult leaders from unnecessary risk, injury, and liability.
When do I need to complete a Tour Plan?
Your unit (Pack, Troop, Team or Crew) must file a Tour Plan any time it engages in the following types of activities:
 Trips of 500 miles or more from your traditional meeting place
 Trips outside Longs Peak Council geographic borders
 Trips to any national high adventure base, national Scout jamboree, National Order of the Arrow Conference or national service
project, or regionally sponsored event
 The following high-risk unit activities not associated with a council or district event:

Aquatics activities (swimming, boating, floating, scuba, etc.) *Requires current Safety Afloat or Safe Swim Defense training, as
appropriate

Climbing, bouldering, or rappelling *Requires current Climb On training

Flight orientation events (must also file a flying plan)

Shooting sports

Any activity involving motorized vehicles as part of the program (snowmobiles, boating, etc.)
 Trips to locations or facilities that require a Tour Plan, such as military bases, state parks, etc.
 Travel to events, including local events, that involve youth members riding with drivers who are not their own parents
When don't I need to complete a Tour Plan?
The following types of activities are exceptions to the above requirements to file a tour plan:
 When your LPC unit has pre-registered to attend a Longs Peak Council or district event, a Tour Plan is not
required (Note: if preregistration is not offered by the event, you must file a tour plan if your trip otherwise
requires one)
 When your LPC unit engages in activities within Longs Peak Council geographic borders that are not
considered high-risk activities (e.g., aquatic activities, shooting sports, etc.). For instance, if your unit holds
a picnic in a city park, a Tour Plan is not required (unless your unit organizes travel to that picnic and
youth are riding with drivers other than their own parents).
 When the LPC unit does not organize the travel of its members to the event. For example, a Cub Scout
den conducts a See-and-Do activity at a local fire station and parents bring their own sons to the fire
station.
Important information needed when filling out your Tour Plan:
1. Vehicle list - drivers for this outing must be indicated. Please review Longs Peak Council Safe Driving Guidelines prior to
your trip. (see reverse)
1.
Two registered adult leaders, or one registered leader and a parent of a participating Scout or other adult, one of
whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips and outings.
2.
Training requirements:
Hazardous Weather Training - at least one adult attending the activity
Youth Protection Training - at least one adult attending the activity, but this training is mandated for all
registered leaders.
Other training (Safe Swim Defense, BALOO, Safety Afloat, Climb on Safely, etc.) may be required
based on the activity your unit is participating in. Please see Tour Plan and Guide to Safe
Scouting for additional requirements.
2. Training recommendations:
**Basic First Aid and CPR - All Trips
Longs Peak Council requires this at all Council Camping Facilities.
**Wilderness First Aid - All Backcountry Adventures
This is required for any National High Adventure Base.
3.
A Float Plan must be submitted with the Tour Plan for all activities taking place on moving water. (example:
Canoeing or Rafting Trip on a River). The Longs Peak Council flowing water protocol must be followed on all
float trips. http://longspeakbsa.org/volunteers/health-and-safety/tour-planning/
4.
The Boy Scouts Health and Medical Record must be in the possession of the Activity Leader for this outing.
A medical provider's signature is only required on trips of greater than 72 hours. Remember, if you are
attending a Colorado Boy Scout Camp for an activity longer than 72 hours, you must also attach the
Colorado Certificate of Immunizations, Exemptions, and Other Authorizations. Please go to
http://longspeakbsa.org/resources/forms/ for more information about the required medical forms for your
activity.
5.
If your unit is participating in orientation flights, the flight plan must be filed with the Tour Plan:
http://bsaseabase.org/filestore/pdf/19-672WB_fillable.pdf
The Longs Peak Council Service Centers in Louisville, Greeley and Scottsbluff can process Tour Plans. There is a 21day advance notice requested for units to submit the plan for review. Due to the time required to review the new
Tour Plan, and time necessary for the unit to correct any deficiencies (e.g., in required training for the
planned activity), it is strongly recommended that you do not wait until the day you leave to submit your
plan--we recommend a minimum of 72 hours. Every effort will be made to review your Tour Plan within 48
hours. If you have not received notice that review of the plan is complete within 48 hours of its submission,
please contact Christie at 970-584-2201 or 800-800-4052 or email mailto:Christie.christensen@scouting.org.
Longs Peak Council Driving Safely
Safe and responsible transportation is essential for all Scout activities. Regardless of the distance of
travel, drivers are expected to be aware of these General Guidelines
General Guidelines:
1.
Seat belts are required for all occupants.
2.
All drivers must have a valid driver's license that has not been suspended or revoked for any reason. If the vehicle
to be used is designed to carry more than 15 persons, including the driver, the driver must have a commercial
license (CDL).
3.
An adult leader (at least 21 years of age) must be in charge and accompany the group for any Scout activity/outing.
4.
The driver must be currently licensed and at least 18 years of age. Youth member exception: When traveling to
and from an area, regional, or national Boy Scout activity or any Venturing event under the leadership of an adult
(at least 21 years of age) tour leader, a youth member at least 16 years of age may be a driver, subject to the
following conditions:
5.

Six months' driving experience as a licensed driver (time on a learner's permit or equivalent is not to be
counted)

No record of accidents of moving violations

Parental permission granted to the leader driver, and riders.
Parental permission is required when a Scout rides home or leaves an activity with another Scout or Scouter who
is driving their vehicle.
5.
Truck beds are designed and constructed to transport materials and equipment, not people. The beds of trucks
or trailers must never be used for transporting passengers.
6.
All driving, except short trips, should be done in daylight.
7.
All vehicles must be covered by automobile liability insurance with limits that meet or exceed requirement of
the state in which the vehicle is licensed. It is recommended that minimum coverage limits are
$50,000/$100,000/$50,000. Any vehicle designed to carry 10 or more passengers is required to have limits of
$1.00,000/$500,000/$100,000.
8.
The Council's liability insurance is excess of (also referred to as "secondary" to) the insurance the owner of the
auto cants
9.
BSA's insurance coverage only applies to official Scouting activities.
10. Do not exceed the speed limit.
11. Do not travel in convoy. Separation between vehicles helps decrease the risk that all vehicles become involved in a
common collision.
12. Driving time is limited to a maximum of 10 hours and must be interrupted by frequent rest, food and recreation
stops. If there is only one driver, the driving time should be reduced and stops should be made more frequently.
13. Don't drive drowsy. Stop for rest and stretch breaks as needed. Fatigue is a major cause of highway accident
fatalities.
14. Established public carriers—trains, buses—are the safest most comfortable way for groups to travel. Chartered
buses may be the most economical transportation for groups of 20 or more.
15. Any accident that occurs during Scout activities should be reported to the activity leader and chartering
organization as soon as possible. A Longs Peak Council Incident Report must then be promptly filed with the
council office http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/680-016_fillable.pdf
16. Youth Protection Policies must be followed at all times, including when traveling in vehicles.