Youth Protection

The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for its scouts. To maintain such an environment, numerous procedural and leadership selection policies are in place.  All adult leaders are required to undergo a criminal background check and to complete Youth Protection Program training before being registered as BSA leaders.  They must be re-certified every 2 years.

Pack 316 recommends that all parents complete Youth Protection Training as well.

An overview of the BSA Youth Protection Program:

• 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. The “two-deep” policy requires that a minimum of two adults be present during all activities to minimize the potential for clandestine abuse. The chartered organization is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities.

• No one-on-one contact. One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. In situations that require personal conferences, such as a Scoutmaster’s conference, the meeting is to be conducted in view of other adults and youths.

• Respect of privacy. Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp, and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations.

• Separate accommodations. When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his own parent or guardian. Councils are strongly encouraged to have separate shower and latrine facilities for females. When separate facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted for showers.

• Proper preparation for high-adventure activities. Activities with elements of risk should never be undertaken without proper preparation, equipment, clothing, supervision, and safety measures.

• No secret organizations. The Boy Scouts of America does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.

• Appropriate attire. Proper clothing for activities is required. For example, skinny-dipping is not appropriate as part of Scouting.

• Constructive discipline. Discipline used in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting’s values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.

• Hazing prohibited. Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity.

• Junior leader training and supervision. Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by junior leaders and ensure that BSA policies are followed.

All adult leaders in the BSA are required to be trained and follow the above policies. Failing to follow them can result in a leader being removed or a unit having its charter revoked.

Click here to complete Youth Protection Training.