Safety and youth protection are top priorities in our troop, ensuring that every Scout experiences a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Our commitment to these principles follows the guidelines and policies set by the Boy Scouts of America, which include mandatory training for adult leaders, clear protocols for all activities, and constant reinforcement of safety practices. On this page, you’ll find information on our approach to youth protection, including required safety measures, reporting procedures, and steps we take to maintain a secure environment for all Scouts. We believe that fostering a culture of safety and respect is essential for Scouts to thrive, learn, and grow confidently in our program.
Youth Protection Training:
Youth Protection Training (YPT) is a foundational program created by Scouting America to ensure the safety and well-being of all Scouts by equipping leaders with essential knowledge and practices for protecting youth. Key elements of YPT include:
- Mandatory Training for Adult Leaders: All registered adult leaders are required to complete YPT before participating in any Scouting activities, with training renewed every two years to stay current
- Prevention-Focused Curriculum: YPT is designed to help leaders recognize, prevent, and appropriately respond to different types of abuse, emphasizing maintaining a safe environment and outlining appropriate behaviors to prevent situations where abuse could occur
- Two-Deep Leadership Requirement: To avoid one-on-one interactions, YPT enforces a “two-deep leadership” policy, which requires a minimum of two registered adult leaders to be present at all times during Scouting activities, ensuring a safe and supervised environment for youth
- Clear and Immediate Reporting Protocols: YPT establishes straightforward guidelines for reporting any suspected abuse or misconduct, where leaders are instructed on how to take immediate action, including whom to notify and how to involve local authorities if necessary
Youth Protection Training is regularly updated to stay aligned with best practices and changing safety standards, keeping Scouts, leaders, and families informed. Through YPT, Scouting America fosters a culture of vigilance and respect, ensuring a safe and nurturing experience for all youth participants.
More information here: Youth Protection – Scouting America
Guide to Safe Scouting
The Guide to Safe Scouting is Scouting America’s comprehensive resource on policies, guidelines, and best practices for maintaining a safe environment in all Scouting activities. It is essential for leaders, parents, and Scouts to understand the contents of this guide to promote health, safety, and compliance across all troop activities. Key sections include:
- Activities and Program Guidelines that outline the do’s and don’ts for various Scouting activities
- Medical and Emergency Preparedness Plans that list required medical forms, health screenings, and procedures for handling emergency situations
- Transportation and Travel Safety Information that Includes best practices for safe travel to and from Scouting events, vehicle guidelines, and youth protection standards for transportation.
- Prohibited Activities that are not allowed within Scouting, like certain watercraft sports or high-risk adventure sports to keep Scouts within safe boundaries
An easy way to ask yourself if an event is right for the unit/program is to conduct the S.A.F.E. test:
S
S stands for Supervision: ensuring qualified, trained adult supervision is present to monitor all activities and maintain a safe environment
A
A stands for Assessment: evaluating risks associated with an activity, considering factors such as weather, terrain, and other various plans/details
F
F stands for Fitness: verify that all participants are physically fit, and have the necessary skills or training to engage safely in a planned activity
E
E stands for Equipment and Environment: making sure that all equipment is appropriate, well-maintained, and that the overall environment is safe for an activity
Click here for more information: Guide to Safe Scouting