Scouting's Barriers to Abuse:
Changes
The chartered organization representative, or in their absence the executive officer of the chartered organization, must approve the registration of the unit’s adult leaders.
Registration includes:
- Completion of application including criminal background check and mandatory Youth Protection training
- Volunteer Screening Database check
Current Youth Protection training is required for leaders when renewing their registration, at unit charter renewal and with new applications.
Adult program participants must register as adults and follow Youth Protection policies.
Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth. Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age- and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.
All adults accompanying a Scouting unit who are present at the activity for 72 total hours or more must be registered as leaders. The 72 hours need not be consecutive.
[(Beginning of Effective September 1, 2023) Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including all meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth or female adult program participants.
Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.
All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered in an adult fee required position as listed or as an adult program participant. Limited exception below for Cub Scout overnight Programs.
See FAQ for list of adult fee required positions. Registration as a Merit Badge Counselor does not meet this requirement.
Cub Scout Programs – Overnight Exception: Cub Scout parents or legal guardians taking part in an overnight Cub Scout program with their own child or legal ward are not required to register as leaders. All adults must review the “How to Protect your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” that can be found in the front of each Cub Scout Handbook. In addition, the parent or legal guardian must be accompanied by a registered leader at any time they are with youth members other than their own child/ward. All other overnight adults must be currently registered in an adult fee required position. (End of Effective September 1, 2023 Update)]
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.
- Private online communications (texting, phone calls, chat, IM, etc.) must include another registered leader or parent.
- Communication by way of social media (Facebook, Snapchat, etc.) must include another registered leader or parent.
Discipline must be constructive.
- Discipline must reflect Scouting’s values.
- Corporal punishment is never permitted.
- Disciplinary activities involving isolation, humiliation, or ridicule are also prohibited.
Adult Supervision: Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs
Leaders must ensure that all participating in Scouting activities abide by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Adult leaders and youth members share the responsibility for the safety of all participants in the program, including adherence to Youth Protection and health and safety policies.
- Adult leaders are responsible for monitoring behavior and intervening when necessary.
- Physical violence, sexual activity, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, unauthorized weapons, hazing, discrimination, harassment, initiation rites, bullying, cyberbullying, theft, verbal insults, drugs, alcohol, and pornography have no place in the Scouting program and may result in revocation of membership.
All leaders are required to adhere to the Scouter Code of Conduct.
Separate accommodations for adult males and females and youth males and females are required.
Tenting
- Separate tenting arrangements must be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth.
- Youth sharing tents must be no more than two years apart in age.
- In Cub Scouting, parents and guardians may share a tent with their family.
- In all other programs, youth and adults tent separately.
- Spouses may share tents.
Lodging/Cabin Accommodations
Whenever possible, separate cabins or lodging should be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth. Where separate accommodations cannot be provided due to group size or limited availability, modifications may be made. Where completely separate accommodations are not available, additional supervision is required.
- If adults and youth of the same gender occupy single-room accommodations, there must be a minimum of two adults and four youth, with all adults being Youth Protection trained.
- Physical separation by other means, including temporary barriers or space, should be used only when no other arrangements are possible.
- These modifications are limited to single-gender accommodations.
Restrooms
Separate shower and latrine facilities should be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth. If separate facilities are not available, separate times should be scheduled and posted.
Privacy of youth is respected.
- Adults and youth must respect each other’s privacy, especially in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp.
- Adult leaders should closely monitor these areas but only enter as needed for youth protection or health and safety reasons.
Accommodations: Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs
- The buddy system should be used.
- The use of smartphones, cameras, mirrors, drones, etc., in places or situations where privacy is expected is prohibited.
- All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.
- The BSA does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program.
- Hazing and initiations are prohibited and have no part during any Scouting activity.
- All forms of bullying and harassment including verbal, physical, and cyberbullying are prohibited.
- Inappropriate public displays of affection are prohibited.
- Sexual activity is prohibited.
- Appropriate attire is required for all activities.
Program Requirements: Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs
Adult leaders and youth members have a responsibility to recognize, respond to, and report Youth Protection violations and abuse.
Reporting
Youth Protection Policy Violations
- Serious Youth Protection policy violations or behaviors that put a youth’s safety at risk must be reported to the Scout executive.
- Online reporting is also available at Incident Reporting.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse
- All persons participating in Scouting programs are mandated reporters of child abuse.
- Reports must be made to local law enforcement and child protective services. State law may require additional reporting.
- This reporting duty cannot be delegated to any other person.
- Reporting to the Scout executive or Scouts First Helpline ensures that follow-up can occur for the safety of our youth. Scout executives and Scouts First coordinate follow-up actions.
Scouts First Helpline
- As part of its “Scouts First” approach to the protection and safety of youth, the BSA has established a dedicated 24-hour helpline to receive reports of known or suspected abuse or behavior that might put a youth at risk.
1-844-SCOUTS1 (1-844-726-8871) - If immediate assistance is needed in the handling of a sexual abuse allegation, contact Scouts First Helpline (1-844-SCOUTS1).
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, always call 911.
Summary
- Adult leaders MUST be approved by the Chartered Organization Representative or the Executive Officer.
- Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required to be current at time of recharter or renewal.
- All adults participating in “program” must register as adults and follow YPT
- Two (2) registered Adult Leaders 21 years of age or over are required at ALL SCOUTING ACTIVITIES.
- If Female Scouts are present, one Adult Registered Female 21 Years of age or over is REQUIRED.
- Any Adult accompanying a Scouting Unit. Where the unit will be present for more than 72 hours. MUST BE A REGISTERED ADULT LEADER.
- Effective September 1st, 2023
- All Adults spending the night at a Scouts BSA or Crew activity must be currently registered in an adult fee required position. Merit Badge Counselor does not count for this.
- Cub Scout Exception: Parents are not required to register when taking their own child or legal ward. All adults must review the “How to protect Your Children from Abuse: A Parents’ Guide” found in the Cub Scout handbook.
- Cub Scouts: Parent or legal guardian MUST be accompanied by a REGISTERED LEADER at any time they are with youth members that are not thier own child or ward.
- Leaders ensure ALL participants abide by the Scout Oath and Law
- Everyone (Adults & Youth) share responsibility for the safety of all participants. Including Youth Protection, Health & Safety
- All Leaders are required to adhere to the Scouters Code of Conduct
- Separate accommodations for adult males and females are REQUIRED.
Tenting:
- Separate tenting arrangements MUST be provided for male and female adults as well as male and female youth
- Youth sharing tents MUST BE no more than two (2) years apart.
- In Cub Scouts, parents and guardians may share a tent with their family.
- In ALL other programs, youth and adults tent separately.
- Spouses may share tents.
Lodging/Cabin Accommodations:
- Separate cabins or lodging should be provided for male and female adults as well as male and female youth.
- If separation is not possible, additional supervision is required.
- If adults and youth of the same gender occupy single room accommodations, there must be a minimum of two adults and four youth with the adults being Youth Protection Trained.
Restrooms:
- Separate shower and latrine facilities should be provided for male and female adults as well as male and female youth.
- If separate facilities are not available. Separate times should be scheduled and posted.
- The buddy system should be used.
- The use of smartphones, cameras, mirrors, drones, etc., in places or situations where privacy is expected is prohibited.
- All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.
- The BSA does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program.
- Hazing and initiations are prohibited and have no part during any Scouting activity.
- All forms of bullying and harassment including verbal, physical, and cyberbullying are prohibited.
- Inappropriate public displays of affection are prohibited.
- Sexual activity is prohibited.
- Appropriate attire is required for all activities.
Reporting:
- Youth Protection Violations
- Serious Youth Protection policy violations or behaviors that put a youth’s safety at risk must be reported to the Scout executive.
- Online reporting is also available at Incident Reporting.
- MANDATORY reporting of Child Abuse
- All persons participating in Scouting programs are mandated reporters of child abuse.
- Reports must be made to local law enforcement and child protective services. State law may require additional reporting.
- This reporting duty cannot be delegated to any other person.
- Reporting to the Scout executive or Scouts First Helpline ensures that follow-up can occur for the safety of our youth. Scout executives and Scouts First coordinate follow-up actions.
- Scouts First Helpline
- As part of its “Scouts First” approach to the protection and safety of youth, the BSA has established a dedicated 24-hour helpline to receive reports of known or suspected abuse or behavior that might put a youth at risk.
1-844-SCOUTS1 (1-844-726-8871) - If immediate assistance is needed in the handling of a sexual abuse allegation, contact Scouts First Helpline (1-844-SCOUTS1).
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, always call 911.
- As part of its “Scouts First” approach to the protection and safety of youth, the BSA has established a dedicated 24-hour helpline to receive reports of known or suspected abuse or behavior that might put a youth at risk.
Cub Scout Coordinated Camping Section:
Changes:
- Cub Scout camping is limited to their council’s designated locations with appropriate facilities.
- Councils use Pack Overnight Campout Site Appraisal Form (www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/430-90218-PackOvernightForm_Fillable.pdf) to review and designate locations.
- Units can request from their council a site appraisal but cannot do their own appraisal.
- Cub Scout pack unit coordinated camping is limited to single overnight experiences.
- Cub Scout camping is a family-centric program.
- Cub Scout youth may tent with a parent or guardian as outlined in Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse.
- Cub Scout youth should attend the camping event with their parent(s)/ guardian(s).
- Lions and Tigers must have their adult partner present to take part.
- For all other ranks: only in exceptional circumstances, a Cub Scout whose parent or legal guardian cannot attend a unit overnight camping trip may participate under the supervision of another registered adult member of the BSA, a parent of a Cub Scout who is also attending. The unit leader and a parent or legal guardian must agree to the arrangement, and all Youth Protection policies apply. At no time may another adult accept responsibility for more than one additional “non family member” youth.
- Webelos and Arrow of Light Den Camping: Each Scout should attend with their parent(s) or guardian(s). A Webelos or Arrow of Light Scout whose parent or legal guardian cannot attend a den overnight camping trip may participate under the supervision of at least two registered leaders. The leaders and a parent or legal guardian must agree to the arrangement, and all Youth Protection policies apply.
- Only Webelos and Arrow of Light dens may conduct den coordinated campouts. Den camping only includes the Webelos or Arrow of Light youth. As with pack coordinated campouts, the den must have a BALOO trained adult leader in attendance and all Youth Protection policies apply.
- Webelos/Arrow of Light Den Camping may participate and camp at a Scouts BSA troop unit campout. All Cub Scout camping requirements still apply, including the den must have a BALOO trained adult leader in attendance and all Youth Protection policies apply.
- Webelos/Arrow of Light Dens may only participate at a Scouts BSA “camporee” as day visitors.
Summary:
- Cub Scouting camping is LIMITED to Council’s designated locations with appropriate facilities
- Pack overnight appraisal form must be used to approve a site for Pack use.
- Units can request from their council a site appraisal but CANNOT do their own appraisal.
- Cub Scout Pack Unit camping is limited to ONE NIGHT
- Cub Scouts may tent with a parent or guardian as outlined in Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse.
- Cub Scouts should attend the camping event with their parents or guardians
- Lions and Tigers MUST have their adult partner present to take part.
- For all other ranks and only in exceptional circumstances, a Cub SCout may attend a unit overnight under adult supervision of another registered adult member and a parent of a cub scout also attending. The unit leader and parents must agree to the arrangement, all youth protection policies apply.
- At no time may another adult accept responsibility for more than one additional non-family youth member
- Webelos and Arrow of Light Den Camping: Each Scout should attend with their parent(s) or guardian(s). A Webelos or Arrow of Light Scout whose parent or legal guardian cannot attend a den overnight camping trip may participate under the supervision of at least two registered leaders. The leaders and a parent or legal guardian must agree to the arrangement, and all Youth Protection policies apply.
- Only Webelos and Arrow of Light dens may conduct den coordinated campouts.
- the den must have a BALOO trained adult leader in attendance and all Youth Protection policies apply.
- Webelos/Arrow of Light Den Camping may participate and camp at a Scouts BSA troop unit campout. All Cub Scout camping requirements still apply, including the den must have a BALOO trained adult leader in attendance and all Youth Protection policies apply.
- Webelos/Arrow of Light Dens may only participate at a Scouts BSA “camporee” as day visitors.
Additional Examples of Prohibited Activities:
The Scouting program incorporates common activities such as swimming, climbing, cycling, archery, and snowboarding that, depending on the details, may include both real and perceived risks to participants. Those risks are managed by BSA policies, procedures, and guidelines that set limits and incorporate specific features such as safety equipment or qualified supervision. Guidance is provided by, but not limited to, the Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities, Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Climb on Safely, Belay On, and the BSA shooting sports program. Activity components outside of BSA program guidelines are prohibited as follows:
- Nonadherence to the Scouter Code of Conduct
- Any activity that is not aligned with the current Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities
- Aquatic activities that fail to comply with Safe Swim Defense and/or Safety Afloat
- Activities related to COPE or climbing that fail to comply with Climb on Safely and/or Belay On. This includes activities on courses that are not constructed to comply with standards set by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and/or are not inspected annually for integrity.
- Flying—use of hang gliders, ultralights, experimental aircraft, or nontethered hot-air balloons, or flying in an aircraft as part of a search-and-rescue mission (exceptions: transportation to Scouting events by commercial airlines; flying or tethered hot-air balloon flights following completion of the Flying Plan Checklist)
- Motorized vehicles used as program or activities—including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-road vehicles, motorized personal watercraft (PWC), snowmobiles, E-Bikes and motorized speed events (exceptions: council-approved ATV and PWC programs that comply with National Camp Accreditation Program [NCAP] standards; go-karting conducted at a commercial facility that provides equipment and supervision of cart operation; youth completing the Motorboating merit badge)
- Shooting or throwing sports outside of BSA program literature and guidance. Examples of prohibited activities (with exceptions in italics) include:
- Anvil shooting, flintlocks, exploding targets, and devices regulated by the National Firearms Act
- Blow guns, boomerangs, and ballistae
- Homemade firearms and air cannons, potato cannons, and tennis ball cannons
- Throwing of shovels, torpedoes, spikes, stars, shotput, logs, hammers, and cabers
- Inappropriate ammunition such as pumpkins, hard slingshot ammo, and tracers
- Cannons
- Crossbows (except at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve)
- Reloading ammunition, and using reloaded ammunition (except at Philmont Scout Ranch)
- Spears, including atlatls, pole spears, and spear guns (except at Philmont Scout Ranch)
- Open or concealed carry or use of firearms at any Scouting activity, with the following exceptions:
- Law enforcement officers who are required to carry firearms within their jurisdiction
- Use as part of an official BSA shooting sports program
- Appropriate hunting in Venturing
Some activities considered by youth and leaders are not compatible with the Scouting program. Some have unacceptable risks that have been confirmed by serious or even fatal consequences. Others are not compatible with the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The activities listed below are strictly prohibited as part of any Scouting program.
The list is not comprehensive, but it serves as a definitive list of prohibited activities and it offers a broad sense of what is not allowed as a Scouting activity. Scouting leaders should refer to this list when deciding on activities, and they should reflect vigorously on how any activity outside our published program would resonate with the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
The Boy Scouts of America prohibits the following activities (with exceptions in italics):
- Extreme or action sports and associated activities that involve an unusually high degree of risk and often involve speed, height, a high level of exertion, and specialized gear or equipment. These activities include but are not limited to:
- Parkour
- Cliff diving or jumping
- Whitewater paddling on rapids rated Class V or above
- Tree climbing
- Free or solo climbing
- Aerobatics while snowboarding, skiing, wakeboarding, or mountain biking
- Parachuting, BASE jumping, or wingsuiting
- Parasailing or any activity in which a person is carried aloft by a parachute, parasail, kite, flying tube, or other device
- Participation in amateur or professional rodeo events, council or district sponsorship of rodeos, and use of mechanized bulls or similar devices (This restriction does not apply to bicycle safety rodeos.)
- Jumping with bungee-cord devices (sometimes called shock-cord jumping)
- Bubbleball, Knockerball®, zorbing, Battle Balls™, bubble soccer, bubble football, and similar orb activities where participants collide or roll around on land or water
- Flyboarding/jet-boarding
- Highlining
- XPOGO
- Trampolines and trampoline parks (exception: commercial facilities that meet or exceed current ASTM Standard F2970-15)
- Use of accelerants, chemicals, or pyrotechnics to start fires or in ceremonies (exception: solid fire starters designed and manufactured for this purpose)
- Using homemade or modified equipment that fails to comply with the BSA Chemical Fuels and Equipment policy
- Burning any solid, liquid, gel, or gas fuel in a tent—including tents or teepees that feature or support stoves or fires
- Excavations or entry into fox holes, makeshift caves, tunnels, trenches, or ditches. Includes digging in sand dunes. (exception: snow quinzees and caves — see Okpik, Cold-Weather Camping, No. 34040)
- Activities where participants strike at each other, including martial arts, boxing, combat games, gladiator games, and reenactment activities such as live action role-playing games (LARP) and Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) activities (exception: tai chi)
- Activities where participants shoot or throw objects at each other, such as rock-throwing, paintball, laser or archery tag, sock fights, or dodgeball
- Service projects that fail to comply with federal, state, or local laws regarding the safety of youth (For more information, visit www.youthrules.gov and www.dol.gov/general/topic/youthlabor/hazardousjobs/.)
- Use of power tools by youth, including chainsaws, log splitters, wood chippers, and power saws or mills (Youth may use age-appropriate tools following tool manufacturers’ guidelines. See also SAFE Tool Use: filestore.scouting.org/filestore/healthsafety/pdf/680-028.pdf)
- Exploration of abandoned mines
- Fireworks, including selling of fireworks (exception: fireworks displays by a certified or licensed fireworks control expert)
- Water chugging, and eating or drinking competitions such as “chubby bunny” or hot dog eating contests
- Hunting (Venturing crews may conduct hunting trips, and councils may host special adult hunting expeditions provided that all participants have obtained necessary permits and/or licenses from state or federal agencies and have completed a hunter safety education course.)
- Intramural, interscholastic, or club sport competitions or activities
FAQ:
Council is currently working through getting the process for Packs into action. Once completed we will update this section of the page.
Facility need to be appraised to ensure they meet the requirements for Packs to camp. While Packs cannot self asses a site, Atlanta Area Council will maintain a list and provide a method to request an appraisal of a new location.