Our Policy

The following is taken directly from the Scouting.org website regarding:

Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse

The BSA has adopted the following policies for the safety and well-being of its members. These policies primarily protect youth members; however, they also serve to protect adult leaders. All parents and caregivers should understand that our leaders are to abide by these safeguards. Parents and youth are strongly encouraged to use these safeguards outside the Scouting program. Registered leaders must follow these guidelines with all Scouting youth outside of Scouting activities.

Registration Requirements

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.

Adult Supervision

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. (Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs)

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.

One-on-one contact between adult leaders and youth members is prohibited both inside and outside of Scouting. (Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs)

• 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.

Responsibility

Leaders must ensure that all participating in Scouting activities abide by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Boy Scouts of America Scouter Code of Conduct

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:

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


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.


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: http://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/
The Guide to Safe Scouting: http://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss
The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety: http://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/sweet164

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


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

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


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

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

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


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