SCOUTING SAFELY

On my honor I promise to do my best to comply with this Boy Scouts of America Scouter Code of Conduct while serving in my capacity as an adult leader:

1. I have or will complete my registration with the Boy Scouts of America, answering all questions truthfully and honestly.

2. I will do my best to live up to the Scout Oath and Scout Law, obey all laws, and hold others in Scouting accountable to those standards. I will exercise sound judgment and demonstrate good leadership and use the Scouting program for its intended purpose consistent with the mission of the Boy Scouts of America.

3. I will make the protection of youth a personal priority. I will complete and remain current with Youth Protection training requirements. I will be familiar with and follow:

   • BSA Youth Protection policies and guidelines, including mandatory reporting

   • The Guide to Safe Scouting

   • SAFE Checklist

4. When transporting Scouts, I will obey all laws, comply with Youth Protection guidelines, and follow safe driving practices.

5. I will respect and abide by the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America, BSA policies, and BSA-provided training, including but not limited to those relating to:

   • Unauthorized fundraising activities

   • Advocacy on social and political issues, including prohibited use of the BSA uniform and brand

   • Bullying, hazing, harassment, and unlawful discrimination of any kind

6. I will not discuss or engage in any form of sexual conduct while engaged in Scouting activities. I will refer Scouts with questions regarding these topics to talk to their parents or spiritual advisor.

7. I confirm that I have fully disclosed and will disclose in the future any
   of the following:

   • Any criminal suspicion, charges, or convictions of a crime or offense involving abuse, violence, sexual misconduct, or any misconduct involving minors or juveniles

   • Any investigation or court order involving domestic violence, child abuse, or similar matter

   • Any criminal charges or convictions for offenses involving
     controlled substances, driving while intoxicated, firearms, or dangerous weapons

8. I will not possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use any of the following items prohibited by law or in violation of any Scouting rules, regulations, and policies:

   • Alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, including marijuana

   • Concealed or unconcealed firearms, fireworks, or explosives

   • Pornography or materials containing words or images inconsistent with Scouting values

9. If I am taking prescription medications with the potential of impairing my functioning or judgment, I will not engage in activities that would put Scouts at risk, including driving or operating equipment.

10. I will take steps to prevent or report any violation of this code of conduct by others in connection with Scouting activities.

Source: Boy Scouts of America Scouter Code of Conduct | Boy Scouts of America (scouting.org) 

• 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

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 or at unit charter renewal.

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 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 as an adult volunteer or an adult program participant.  Adult volunteers must register in the position(s) they are serving in. Registration as a merit badge counselor position does not meet this requirement. See FAQ for list of approved adult registration fee required positions.   Limited exception below for Cub Scout overnight Programs.

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.

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.

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.