Simone Lawson
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has established guidelines for camping to ensure safety and quality. BSA's overnight camping requirements include that all adults must be registered as adult volunteers or program participants, except for Cub Scout parents or legal guardians participating with their own child. Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts, who are in 4th grade, can go on overnight camping trips with their parents or legal guardians, or under the supervision of registered leaders. BSA's policies aim to protect youth and adult members, with Youth Protection and supervision being the responsibility of the unit, following all BSA guidelines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Camping type | Overnight |
| Camping activities | Unit-coordinated, council-coordinated, den-coordinated |
| Camping programs | Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting |
| Camping participants | Youth, parents, legal guardians, adult leaders, adult volunteers, adult program participants |
| Camping requirements | Local council approval, age-appropriate activities, annual health and medical record, parental consent |
| Camping duration | No more than two consecutive nights for Webelos and Arrow of Light dens/patrols |
| Camping accommodations | Same-gender youth share accommodations, parents/legal guardians may share with same-gender children in exceptional circumstances |
| Camping safety | Youth Protection policies, Barriers to Abuse, adult registration, no one-on-one contact between adults and youth |
| Camping locations | Council-designated locations with appropriate facilities |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
BSA overnight camping rules for adults
The BSA has established guidelines for its members' participation in camping activities, with a focus on safety and quality. Here are the BSA overnight camping rules for adults:
Registration and Background Checks
As of September 1, 2023, the BSA implemented a new policy requiring all adults camping overnight with a unit to be registered with the BSA as an adult volunteer or an adult program participant. This policy ensures that all adults spending the night at official BSA events have undergone a background check, prioritising the protection of minors from potential risks such as child abuse, bullying, and violence.
Supervision and Leadership
At least one adult leader with Hazardous Weather Training must be present during camping activities to ensure proper supervision and safety. Additionally, each youth participant is assigned a specific adult they are responsible to for supervision. For Cub Scouts, camping is a family-centric program, and they are required to camp with a parent or guardian and siblings. In special circumstances where a Cub Scout's parent or legal guardian is unable to attend, they may participate under the supervision of another registered adult BSA member who is also a parent of a Cub Scout on the trip. This arrangement must be agreed upon by the unit leader and the youth's parent or guardian, ensuring that Youth Protection policies are followed.
Location and Facilities
BSA units should consult their local council to determine appropriate locations for overnight stays, ensuring compliance with Scouting's Barriers to Abuse guidelines. Cub Scout overnight camping is limited to council-designated locations with suitable facilities. Councils use the Pack Overnight Campout Site Appraisal Form to review and approve sites. Units cannot perform their own site appraisals and must request approval from the council.
Training and Orientation
At least one adult on a pack overnighter must have completed the Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) to understand program intent, Youth Protection policies, health and safety, site selection, age-appropriate activities, and sufficient adult participation. This training is crucial for creating a safe and enjoyable camping experience for all participants.
Duration and Frequency
Cub Scout pack unit coordinated camping is limited to a maximum of two consecutive nights. The BSA guidelines also specify the frequency of camping trips for different Scout ranks. For example, Cub Scouts may experience overnight activities in venues other than accredited resident camping, while Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts aged 12-17 are eligible for national jamborees.
Public Interest: The US Constitution's Core
You may want to see also
Youth Protection policies
To ensure the safety and well-being of minors participating in Scouting America programs, strict Youth Protection policies are in place, especially for overnight campouts. These policies are designed to prevent child abuse, bullying, violence, and any form of hazing. Here are the key components of these policies:
Registered Adult Leadership:
All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be registered as adult volunteers or adult program participants. This includes parents and legal guardians accompanying their children. The registration process includes a criminal background check and a screening against the volunteer database. This measure ensures that only qualified and trustworthy individuals provide supervision and leadership to the youth.
Two-Deep Leadership:
At least two registered adult leaders, aged 21 or older, are required to be present at all Scouting activities, including overnight campouts. This policy ensures proper supervision and minimizes the risk of potential abuse or inappropriate behaviour.
Gender-Specific Accommodations:
Prohibited Contact:
One-on-one contact between adult leaders and youth members is strictly prohibited, both during Scouting activities and through private online communications. Any necessary private conferences must be conducted in view and with the knowledge of other adults or youth. This policy helps maintain transparency and accountability among leaders and youth members.
Health and Safety Guidelines:
All overnight campouts must adhere to health and safety guidelines, including maintaining annual health records, obtaining parental consent, and ensuring age-appropriate activities. Additionally, at least one leader present must be trained in Hazardous Weather conditions to prepare for potential weather-related emergencies.
These comprehensive Youth Protection policies are designed to create a safe and nurturing environment for all participants during Scouting overnight campouts, prioritizing the well-being and protection of minors under their care.
Texas vs US Constitution: Key Differences Explained
You may want to see also
Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts camping
Webelos and Arrow of Light are two separate dens with different camping guidelines. Webelos Scouts are in the fourth grade, while Arrow of Light Scouts are in the fifth grade. Webelos Scouts can participate in pack camping events and can go camping as a den with a BALOO-trained leader without the rest of the pack and with or without every parent, as long as two-deep leadership is present. Arrow of Light Scouts, on the other hand, can participate in unit-coordinated campouts with a Scouts BSA troop they are eligible to join. They must attend as an Arrow of Light den/patrol under the supervision of two leaders from their den/patrol or pack. All Cub Scout camping requirements still apply, including the need for a BALOO-trained adult leader and compliance with Youth Protection policies.
Webelos and Arrow of Light dens can attend events like Webelos Woods or Webelos Adventure Weekend, which are specifically designed for them. Webelos Cub Scouts cannot attend a Scouts BSA camporee or camp with a Scouts BSA unit, as these experiences are reserved for Arrow of Light Scouts. Scouts BSA members can volunteer at Webelos and Arrow of Light camporees, providing leadership and earning service hours.
During Webelos and Arrow of Light den camping, each Scout should attend with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). If a parent or legal guardian cannot attend, the Scout may participate under the supervision of at least two registered leaders, provided that the leaders and the parent or guardian agree to the arrangement. All Youth Protection policies apply. Webelos Scouts and Webelos dens may not participate in Scouts BSA troop campouts, "camporees," or other events during the day or overnight, even as visitors.
The BSA has a policy requiring adults who spend the night at official events to register as adult volunteers or program participants. This ensures that a criminal background check has been performed and helps guarantee that only the highest-quality individuals provide supervision and leadership. Cub Scout parents or legal guardians participating in an overnight Cub Scout program with their child are not required to register as leaders. However, they must review the "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide" found in the Cub Scout Handbook.
Codifying the UK Constitution: A Level-Headed Debate
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Camping essentials and preparation
Camping is a cornerstone of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) program, and as such, there are specific guidelines in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved. The BSA has established the "Six Essential Items" that every Scout should carry when camping, which promote safety, self-reliance, and responsible wilderness exploration. These items are:
- A map of the area and a reliable compass for navigation and to avoid getting lost. Scouts are taught map-reading skills and how to use a compass effectively.
- Sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, is crucial to protect oneself from harmful UV rays and minimize the risk of sunburn.
- Extra clothing, including layers, rain gear, and insulating materials, to stay prepared for changing weather conditions and maintain comfort.
- A reliable source of light, such as a flashlight or headlamp, is essential for safety during nighttime hours and can also be used for signalling in emergencies.
- A well-equipped first aid kit to address minor wounds and illnesses. This essential item can provide initial medical care when needed.
- A whistle, which is a powerful signalling device that can be heard over long distances and can alert others to your presence or a potential emergency.
In addition to these essential items, there are other key considerations for camping preparation within the BSA. Supervision of camping activities must include qualified, registered adult leadership, with at least one leader trained in Hazardous Weather Training. For Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts, each Scout should be accompanied by their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). If a parent or guardian cannot attend, supervision by two registered leaders is required, with prior agreement from the parent or guardian, and all Youth Protection policies must be followed. Adults spending the night at official BSA events must be registered as adult volunteers or program participants, ensuring criminal background checks have been performed.
Furthermore, the BSA emphasizes the importance of a camping log or journal. Scouts are encouraged to document their camping experiences, including dates, locations, skills practiced, and challenges faced. This reflective practice allows Scouts to learn from each outing and prepare for future adventures, fostering a spirit of preparedness and adventure, in line with scouting values.
American Constitution: Power to the People
You may want to see also
Camping safety and quality standards
Camping is an enjoyable outdoor activity, but it's important to follow safety guidelines to safeguard yourself and your surroundings. Here are some essential camping safety and quality standards to consider:
Planning and Preparation:
- Research the camping destination beforehand to learn about potential hazards, weather conditions, and any safety regulations established by the campground.
- Inform others, such as family or friends, about your camping plans, including the destination, duration, and expected return date.
- Prepare a well-stocked first aid kit and ensure everyone in the camping party knows how to use it.
- Understand and follow any specific safety guidelines provided by the campground or camping organization, such as the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).
Campsite Selection and Setup:
- Choose a safe campsite that is free from potential hazards, such as low-lying areas prone to flooding or areas with dead trees that could fall.
- Clear a safe area for campfires and use designated fire pits or rings. Ensure you know how to build, maintain, and properly extinguish a campfire.
- Set up sleeping areas away from potential hazards, and ensure bathing and toilet facilities are accessible and adequately maintained.
Health and Safety:
- Stay hydrated and be aware of weather conditions and potential wildlife encounters.
- Ensure all campers have the necessary health knowledge and are physically capable of participating in planned activities.
- Implement emergency preparedness procedures to handle unexpected events such as natural disasters, fires, or medical emergencies.
Supervision and Leadership:
- Ensure qualified, registered adult leadership is present during camping activities.
- For BSA events, all adults spending the night must be registered as adult volunteers or program participants, and a criminal background check must be performed.
- Maintain a proper staff-to-camper ratio, with staff being at least 16 years old and at least two years older than the campers they supervise.
Environmental Impact:
- Follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimize environmental impact and preserve the natural beauty of the camping destination.
- Properly dispose of trash, leaving the campsite cleaner than you found it.
By adhering to these safety and quality standards, campers can create a safe, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible camping experience.
Hamilton's Significant Contribution to the US Constitution
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Only Webelos Scout dens and Arrow of Light dens/patrols may conduct den-coordinated overnight campouts. 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 other adults must be registered as adult volunteers or adult program participants.
For an overnight campout in BSA, a duty roster must be created, along with menu planning, equipment needs, general planning, and setting up camp. A list of clothing for both warm and cold weather should be prepared, and outdoor essentials should be packed, with an explanation for why each item is needed.
Registering adults ensures that a criminal background check has been performed, and that a check against the volunteer screening database has taken place. BSA's goal is to ensure that only the highest-quality individuals provide supervision and leadership for the youth.
