GS-126
Introduction to the
Guide to Safe
Scouting (GTSS)
Kendall Brown
University of Scouting
14 March 2015
Fact or Myth?
•  Sheath Knives are prohibited by the BSA.
–  MYTH, Sheath knives are not prohibited by the BSA, but they may be regulated by state or local
ordinances and/or by camp “rules.” We recommend that the right tool for the job be used (cutting
branches or ropes). We do not encourage wearing them at the waist as injury could occur during
falls..
•  You must have two adult leaders present at ALL scouting activities.
–  MYTH
•  You do not need BSA lifeguards if having a swimming activity at a
public pool that provides lifeguards.
–  FACT
•  Cub Scouts cannot launch model rockets, i.e. Estes rockets with
solid fuel cartridges.
–  MYTH
•  Snipe hunting is a form of hazing and is prohibited by BSA.
–  FACT
14 March 2015
2
What guidelines
do you wonder if
they are a fact or
myth?
Outline
•
•
•
•
Purpose of the GTSS
Risk Management and Liability
Youth Protection
Highlights of Common Areas
–  Aquatics
–  Camping
–  Caving and Climbing
•  Tour Plans
•  Bullying (time allowing)
…just quickly hi.ng some high points, not enough 6me to fully discuss all of the guidelines… 14 March 2015
4
Following the Guidelines Helps
Protect Your Charter Organization
•  Conduct the Scouting
program according to its own
policies and guidelines as
well as those of the Boy
Scouts of America.
14 March 2015
5
Guide to Safe Scouting – A Preface
•  Prepares adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner
•  Not limitations/stumbling blocks but rather …
–  Stepping-stones toward safe and enjoyable adventures
•  State or local government regulations supersede Boy
Scouts of America policies and guidelines
•  Not in Guide to Safe Scouting THEN base on:
–
–
–
–
Common sense,
Community standards,
Boy Scout motto, and
Safety policies and practices commonly prescribed for the activity by experienced providers and practitioners.
14 March 2015
6
Guide to Safe Scouting
•  Updated regularly
–  i.e. updated to allow Crews to attend Jamboree, to allow
Councils to conduct ATV and personal watercraft, results from
other policy changes, i.e. Youth Protection.
•  Hardcopy printed every two years.
–  2014 version available at Scout Shop (Handbook size)
•  Electronic updates quarterly.
•  Get to know where to find information.
–  Lots of resource information provided on CD.
14 March 2015
7
14 March 2015
8
14 March 2015
9
2012/2013
Changes
•  Change sheet
and full text
available online.
•  .pdf updated
regularly.
10
Liability
•  The Boy Scouts of America general liability policy provides
coverage for a bodily injury or property damage claim that is made
and arises out of an Official Scouting Activity. –  Liability is over and above personal limits.
•  The Guide to Safe Scouting contains a listing of Unauthorized and
Restricted Activities. •  Unauthorized activities are not considered Official Scouting
Activities. •  Volunteers (registered and unregistered), Units, Chartered
Organizations and Local Councils are jeopardizing insurance
coverage for themselves and their organization by engaging in
unauthorized activities. PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOURSELF AT RISK.
14 March 2015
11
Youth Protection & Adult Leadership
14 March 2015
12
Barriers to Abuse
•  Two-Deep Leadership
–  Two registered adult leaders or one registered leader and a parent of a participant,
one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required on all trips and outings.
•  No One-on-One Contact
–  One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. Personal
conferences to be conducted in view of other adults and youths.
•  Includes electronic communication – always include another adult.
•  Respect of Privacy (i.e. changing clothes / showers)
–  Intrude only to the extent that health and safety require.
–  Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations.
•  Separate Accommodations
–  No youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his own parent or
guardian.
–  When separate facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use
should be scheduled and posted for showers.
14 March 2015
13
Barriers to Abuse
•  No Secret Organizations
–  The Boy Scouts of America does not recognize any secret organizations as part of
its program.
•  Appropriate Attire
–  Proper clothing for activities is required.
–  NO skinny-dipping.
•  Constructive Discipline
–  Discipline should be constructive and reflect Scouting's values.
–  Corporal punishment is never permitted.
•  Hazing Prohibited
–  Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited.
•  Junior Leader Training and Supervision
–  Adult leaders must monitor and guide the Junior Leaders & ensure that BSA
policies are followed.
14 March 2015
14
Mandatory Reporting
14 March 2015
15
Constructive Discipline
Approach taken from Clark Greene of scoutmastercg.com
•
Adult and Youth Scout Leaders do not discipline or punish scouts.
–  Discipline and punishment is a parent’s job.
•
Scout Behavior Issues
–  Address the bad behavior as soon as possible
•  An apology, cleaning up a mess, sitting out an activity, and otherwise directly
addressing the issue with proportionate consequences
–  Counselor the scout(s) using the Scout Oath and Scout Law
–  Hold discussion with parents and scout regarding the behavior
–  Explain that the behavior cannot be accommodated, that you’ve discussed this
with the Scout, and you are leaving it to them to correct the problem. Until such
time as they have assured you (and the length of that time is up to them) their
son cannot be actively involved.
•
Why this approach?
–  Scout leaders are not trained counselors
–  Punishments can quickly cross the line into hazing
14 March 2015
16
Requirements for Trips / Outings
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Two-Deep Leadership at ALL Times.
During transportation to and from planned Scout outings
Safety Rule of Four
Male and female leaders must have separate sleeping facilities. .
Male and female youth participants will not share the same
sleeping facility.
Single-room or dormitory-type accommodations for Scouting
units if 2 adults & 4 youth, privacy barrier between adults &
youth, and 1 adult YP trained.
When staying in tents, no youth will stay in the tent of an adult
other than his or her parent or guardian.
If separate shower and latrine facilities are not available
schedule separate times for male and female, and use buddy
system at entrance.
14 March 2015
17
14 March 2015
18
Safe Swim Defense
•  Before a BSA group may engage in swimming
activities of ANY kind, a minimum of one adult leader
must:
–  Complete Safe Swim Defense training
–  Have a commitment card with them, and
–  Agree to use the eight defenses:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Qualified Supervision
Physical Fitness
Safe Area
Lifeguards on Duty
Lookout Posted
Ability Groups
Buddy System
Discipline
14 March 2015
19
Public Pool Swimming
•  If pool operator provides guard personnel, there is no
need for additional designation of Scout lifeguards
and lookout.
•  The buddy system is critically important
–  Remember, even in a crowd, you are alone without protection if no
one is attentive to your circumstances.
•  Swimmer’s Ability
–  Most public pools divide shallow and deep water, and this may be sufficient for defining appropriate swimming areas.
14 March 2015
20
Safety Afloat
•
Before a BSA group may engage in a trip on the water (canoe,
raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, floating in an inner tube, or
other craft), adult leaders for such activity must:
–  Complete Safety Afloat Training,
–  Have a commitment card,
–  Agree to Use all nine points of Safety Afloat Defenses:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Qualified Supervision
Physical Fitness
Swimming Ability
Personal Flotation Equipment
Buddy System
Skill Proficiency
Planning
Equipment
Discipline
14 March 2015
21
14 March 2015
22
14 March 2015
23
Climbing and Caving – key items
•  Commercial caves for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts
–  Venturers and older Boy Scouts can explore wild caves with
experienced leaders
•  Units must have certified climbing instructors to
conduct unit climbing activities
14 March 2015
24
Camping Age Guidelines
•  Den Overnight camping (Tiger, Wolf, and Bear) is NOT approved
“A Webelos
Scout
may participate
in overnight
den
•  A Webelos
Scout may
participate
in overnight
den camping
when
camping when supervised by an adult. In most
supervised by an adult. (details)
cases, the Webelos Scout will be under the
•  Webelossupervision
cannot camp
at parent
Camporees,
but they
be guests of a
of his
or guardian.
It ismay
essential
Boy Scout
thatTroop.
each Webelos Scout be under the supervision of
a parent-approved adult. Joint Webelos den/troop
campouts including the parents of the Webelos
Scouts are encouraged to strengthen ties between
the pack and troop. Den leaders, pack leaders, and
parents are expected to accompany the boys on
approved trips.”
14 March 2015
25
Pack Overnighters
•  Must be focused on age-appropriate Cub Scout
activities
•  Must be conducted at council-approved locations
–  Using Pack Overnighter Site Approval Form, No. 13-508
•  BSA health and safety and youth protection guidelines
apply.
•  At least one adult on a pack overnighter must have
completed Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation
•  Local Tour Permits for campouts are required.
14 March 2015
26
Other Important Camping Topics
•  Weather
–  Lighting, floods, heat, sun protection, etc.
–  At least one leader on the outing must have current Weather
Hazards training.
•  Drinking water
–  Constant supply of treated drinking water is essential.
–  Treating water
•  Boiling – rolling boil (1/2” bubbles rise from bottom)
•  Chemical treatment
–  Chlorine or iodine tablets
•  Filters
14 March 2015
27
First Aid
•  First-aid training is concrete evidence that we are
prepared to help others in need.
•  One person in each touring group should be trained in
the principles of first aid, know how and when to put
this knowledge to the best use, and thoroughly
understand the limitations of this knowledge.
•  Adult leaders should be CPR & first-aid trained
•  Reduce exposure to communicable diseases,
–  First-aid kits should include latex or vinyl gloves, plastic goggles or
other eye protection, and antiseptic.
•  Mouth barrier devices should be available for use with
CPR.
14 March 2015
28
Safety Starts with YOU!
14 March 2015
29
Chemical Fuels
•  The use of liquid fuels
for starting any type of
fire is prohibited.
•  Have fire extinguishers
available.
14 March 2015
30
Shooting Sports
•  BSA National Shooting Sports
Manual is source of Policies.
•  Cub Scouts only BB and Archery
at District and Council Events.
•  Pointing any type of firearm or
simulated firearm at any
•  individual is unauthorized.
•  Firearms are not allowed at
Scouting activities, except for
target shooting activities with
appropriately certified
instructors.
14 March 2015
31
14 March 2015
32
Sweet 16 of BSA Safety
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Qualified Supervision.
Physical Fitness
Buddy System
Safe Area or Course
Equipment Selection and
Maintenance.
6.  Personal Safety
Equipment.
7.  Safety Procedures and
Policies
8.  Skill Level Limits
9.  Weather Conditions
10. Planning
11.  Communications
12. Permits and Notices
13. First-Aid Resources
14. Applicable Laws.
15. CPR Resource
16. Discipline
14 March 2015
33
Sweet 16 of BSA Safety
1.  Qualified Supervision.
–  Sufficiently trained, experienced, and skilled in the activity and to
respond effectively in the event of an emergency.
2.  Physical Fitness
–  Potentially strenuous activities require a complete health history
from a health-care professional, parent, or guardian
–  Neither youth nor adults should participate in activities for which
they are unfit.
3.  Buddy System
4.  Safe Area or Course
–  Know the area or course for the activity and to determine that it is well-suited and free of hazards.
14 March 2015
34
Sweet 16 of BSA Safety
5.  Equipment Selection and Maintenance.
–  In good condition and Selected to suit the participants and the
activity and to include appropriate safety and program features.
6.  Personal Safety Equipment.
–  Every participant has and uses the appropriate personal safety
equipment.
7.  Safety Procedures and Policies
–  Common-sense procedures and standards can greatly reduce any
risk.
8.  Skill Level Limits
–  Be sure that participants are not put at risk by attempting any activity beyond their abilities.
14 March 2015
35
Sweet 16 of BSA Safety
9.  Weather Conditions
–  Potential weather hazards and the appropriate responses should be
understood and anticipated.
10.  Planning
–  Good planning minimizes risks and also anticipates contingencies that
may require an emergency response or a change of plan.
11.  Communications
–  Communicate effectively with participants as needed during the activity.
–  Consider Emergency communications in advance
12.  Permits and Notices
–  Complete appropriate BSA tour permits, council office registration,
government or landowner authorization, and any similar formalities
14 March 2015
36
Sweet 16 of BSA Safety
13. First-Aid Resources
–  Determine what first-aid supplies to include among the activity equipment.
–  The level of first-aid training and skill appropriate for the activity should also be considered.
14. Applicable Laws
–  BSA safety policies generally parallel or go beyond legal mandates, but the
supervisor should confirm and assure compliance with all applicable regulations or
statutes.
15. CPR Resource
–  BSA strongly recommends that a person (preferably an adult) trained in
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) be part of the leadership for any BSA program.
This person should be available for strenuous outdoor activity.
16. Discipline
–  No supervisor is effective if he or she cannot control the activity and individual
participants. Youth must respect their leaders and follow their directions.
14 March 2015
37
Unauthorized Activities
•  Use of All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and personal
watercraft
–  Except at approved Council activities
•  Exploration of abandoned mines
•  Fireworks displays, except as conducted by a certified/licensed expert.
•  Flying in hot-air balloons (tethered balloons OK for all programs)
•  Motorized go-carts and motorbike activities
** must read the fine print to see exceptions and specifics
guidance
14 March 2015
38
Unauthorized Activities
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Boxing, karate, and related martial arts
Chainsaws and log splitters (18 & over may be authorized)
Pointing any type of firearm (including paintball or lasers)
Parasailing and devices pulled aloft behind a motorboat
(including tubes)
Water chugging and related activities
Rodeo
Hunting (except Venturing and adult trips)
Firearms, except when a unit is participating in target
shooting under qualified supervision
** must read the fine print to see exceptions and specific
guidance
14 March 2015
39
Knives
•  A sharp pocketknife with a can opener on it is an invaluable backcountry tool.
•  Keep it clean, sharp, and handy.
•  Avoid large sheath knives.
–  They are heavy and awkward to carry, and unnecessary for most camp chores
except for cleaning fish.
–  GAC says to leave sheath knives at home and not bring to camps.
•  Remember—knives are not allowed on school premises, nor can
they be taken aboard commercial aircraft.
•  Whittlin’ Chip / Totin’ Chip reminds scouts of their responsibilities
whenever they are using woods tools.
–  A Scout’s Totin’ Rights can be taken from him if he fails in his responsibility.
–  Discourage the practice of tearing corners – educate in positive manner (i.e.
“constructive discipline.”
14 March 2015
40
Tour Plan
•
•
•
•
Tour plan is certified as complete by the Unit – CC or COR and Leader.
Include poc that is not on tour and can contact unit and parents.
Online system allows for routing to leaders.
Tour and activity plan must be submitted to Council for review when:
–  Trips of 500 miles or more; or
–  Trips outside of council borders (exception: not to your council-owned property);
or
–  Trips to any national high-adventure base, national Scout jamboree, National
Order of the Arrow Conference, the Summit Bechtel Reserve, or a regionally
sponsored event; or
–  When conducting any of the following activities outside of council or district
events:
•
•
•
Aquatics activities (swimming, boating, floating, scuba, etc.)
Climbing and rappelling * Orientation flights (flying plan) * Shooting sports
Any activities involving motorized vehicles as part of the program (snowmobiles,
boating, etc.)
14 March 2015
41
We certify that appropriate planning has been conducted using the Sweet 16 of
BSA Safety, qualified and trained supervision is in place, permissions are
secured, health records have been reviewed, and adult leaders have read and are
in possession of a current copy of Guide to Safe Scouting and other appropriate
resources. Any items needing attention will be resolved before the tour or
activity date.
Committee Chair or Charter
Organization Representative
Signature
Unauthorized and Restricted Ac6vi6es: The BSA’s general liability insurance policy provides coverage for bodily injury or property damage that arises out of an official Scou=ng ac=vity as defined by the Guide to Safe Scou-ng . Volunteers, units, chartered organiza=ons, and local councils that engage in unauthorized ac=vi=es are jeopardizing their insurance coverage. PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOURSELF AT RISK.
14 March 2015
42
14 March 2015
43
14 March 2015
44
Incident and Near-miss Forms
14 March 2015
45
How can Scout leaders assist
victims of bullying?
1.  Take victims of bullying seriously.
2.  Help victims of bullying communicate with others
and seek additional help.
3.  Help victims develop coping strategies, but be sure
they know it is not their fault for being bullied.
4.  Recognize some of the red flags that a Scout may
be a victim of bullying.
–  Frequent absences; Avoidance of peers; Nervousness;
Unexplained anger and resentment; Feeling sick to avoid things;
Avoidance of group restrooms; Cuts and bruises
14 March 2015
46
How can Scout leaders and parents
redirect Scouts who bully others?
1.  Stop bullying immediately.
2.  Hold Scouts who have bullied others accountable
for their actions.
3.  Avoid labeling bullies
4.  Notice appropriate behavior.
5.  Help the Scouts discover replacement behaviors to
engage in instead of bullying.
6.  Help Scouts who bully develop empathy.
Focus on the BEHAVIOR 14 March 2015
47
Guide To Safe Scouting Closure
•  Lead WISELY & put what you have just learned into
practice
•  DON’T TAKE CHANCES!
•  When in doubt, look it up.
•  It is your responsibility to download and read the entire Guide to Safe Scouting
•  The latest version can be found at:
http://www.scouting.org/pubs/gss/
14 March 2015
48
Files on the CD
14 March 2015
49