Boy Scouts of America

Guide to Safe Scouting

SUMMARY

Few youth organizations encompass the breadth, volume, and diversity of physical activity common to Scouting. The Guide to Safe Scouting (GTSS) is an overview of Scouting policies and procedures, gleaned from a variety of sources and designed to make the program safer.

GENERAL INFORMATION

When it comes to the safety guide, here are some important points for you to remember:

  1. Know the Guide—All participants in official Scouting activities should become familiar with the document and applicable BSA program literature or manuals. The guide is a resource as well as a summary of the materials provided by the BSA.
  2. Know the Law—Be aware that state or local government regulations supersede BSA practices, policies, and guidelines.
  3. Know the Risks—The Guide to Safe Scouting does not cover every possible activity, but it provides guidance on how to evaluate risks and proceed safely if explicit requirements do not exist. Check out the Activity Planning and Risk Assessment section.
  4. Know the Restrictions—The document includes a list of restricted or prohibited activities.
  5. Know the Limits—The document contains age-appropriate guidelines for activities. Find out which and when certain activities are appropriate for particular age groups.
  6. Know the Program—The guide points to other BSA program documents such as Safe Swim Defense, the National Shooting Sports Manual, and additional program materials.

Not Just a Guide!

While the Guide to Safe Scouting provides guidance on how to assess risks and proceed safety if your activity is not specifically addressed in program materials, it also contains policies such as the Scouter Code of Conduct and the Barriers to Abuse. It also may lead you to requirements found in other BSA program materials.

 

RESOURCES

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.