Boy Scouts of America

Trail to adventure Blog

Official Blog of the National Outdoor Programs and Properties Subcommittees
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Trail to adventure Blog

Official Blog of the National Outdoor Programs and Properties Subcommittees
Frame 61@3x

Latest Edition

September/October 2024

Safety

As the weather begins to cool and the season changes, now is the time that many of our units and councils are looking toward the holiday season and fall festivals. Many of these events include parades and hayrides or wagon rides. While these events are approved for Scouts of all ages there are a few things you need to remember in planning and executing a parade or hayride as a part of your camp or unit program.  

In most circumstances the transportation of passengers in the back of a pickup truck or on a trailer is prohibited. The Guide to Safe Scouting specifically discusses the exception for hayrides and parades. (see Guide to Safe Scouting – Parade Floats and Hayrides 

So let’s start with a few SAFE tips for hayrides and parades: 

Supervision: Active adult supervision is required for all Scouting activities, but especially ones where vehicles are involved. It’s a good idea to have leaders spread throughout your trailer, wagon, or truck bed near the open areas (like the access to the trailer, wagon or tailgate) to help with any unexpected bumps.  

Assessment: Ensure that everyone is safe in the trailer or truck bed and that you are following the instructions listed in the Guide to Safe Scouting. 

  1. Transportation to and from the parade or hayride site is not allowed on the truck or trailer.  
  2. Those persons riding, whether seated or standing, must be able to hold on to something stationary.  
  3. Legs must not hang over the side.  
  4. Flashing lights must illuminate a vehicle used for a hayride after dark, or the vehicle must be followed by a vehicle with flashing lights. 

Fitness and Skill: This involves not only the participants but the driver as well. All drivers of the tow vehicle need to be familiar with the proper procedures for towing vehicles. Additional training may be involved if the tow vehicle is a tractor or other farm type equipment.  

Ensure all youth and adults who are participating in parades (especially if walking) are fit enough for the parade route. Many parades have elevation changes and some are lengthy so a health evaluation is important before you begin.  

Equipment and Environment: Look at the equipment you are using for your hayride or parade and ensure that it meets the requirements for Scouts.  

  1. Make sure no one can hang their legs over the side.  
  2. Ensure that there is something stationary for everyone to hold onto even if seated.  
  3. Keep an eye out for weather as the fall season changes rapidly. Make alternate plans if there is inclement weather forecast.  
  4. Ensure that the trailer is properly secured to the tow vehicle. This could include proper sized tow hitch, chains and other safety measures.  
  5. Ensure all participants are dressed properly for the weather and activity. If you are walking in the parade ensure that Scouts and leaders have water and proper footwear for the parade route.  

Hayrides and parades are meant to be fun, but we, as leaders, must ensure they are safe, too. By following the Guide to Safe Scouting, you can make sure your Scouts are having the time of their lives, whether they’re waving to the community from a parade float or enjoying a hayride through a fall festival. 

National Jamboree

The National Jamboree is Scouting’s premiere event, bringing together thousands of Scouts and leaders from across the country. If you’ve ever attended a Jamboree, or just hear others talk about it around the campfire, you know it’s a life-changing experience. And we need you to be a part of the staff who make it happen! Serving on the Jamboree staff is an opportunity for Scouts and Scouters aged 16 and up to “Elevate” Scouting for all of those in attendance. Let me give you the top 10 reasons to “Elevate” your Scouting by becoming a Jamboree staff member:  

1. The biggest Scouting event of the year 

The National Jamboree is like building our own Scouting city, requiring thousands of dedicated volunteers to make it run smoothly. By serving on staff, you’re helping to create lifelong memories for tens of thousands of Scouts, leaders and visitors. Your contribution, no matter the role, is crucial to the success of the Jamboree. You’ll leave knowing you helped to Elevate Scouting’s future.  

2. Leadership opportunities  

One of the aims of Scouting is leadership development. This is not just for the youth. Jamboree staff positions are leadership development opportunities unlike any other. Whether you’re leading a group of volunteers while running an activity area, or providing behind-the-scenes support, you’ll hone valuable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. These experiences not only strengthen your Scouting resume but also give you skills that are transferable to work, school, and other aspects of life. 

3. Lifelong friends!  

The friendships you form as a Jamboree staffer are one of the main reasons that people return each Jamboree. You’ll work alongside volunteers from all over the country, people who share your passion for Scouting. The bonds you create while working, learning, and having fun together will last a lifetime. You’ll also meet Scouts and leaders from around the world, expanding your Scouting network in ways you never thought possible.  

4. Personal growth 

Serving on Jamboree staff pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible. You’ll be challenged with new responsibilities, often in fast-paced environments, giving you the chance to grow as an individual. Whether you’re 16 or 60, Jamboree staff service helps you discover new strengths and passions. It’s an experience that will Elevate you personally and that will stay with you long after the Jamboree ends. 

5. Staff perks 

Being a staff member has its perks! You’ll have access to special staff only areas, receive unique staff swag, and have opportunities to participate in staff-only activities. Plus, being on staff allows you to experience the Jamboree from a behind-the-scenes perspective, offering an entirely different view. From the early staff arrival days to the closing show, your time on staff is filled with exciting, exclusive experiences. 

6. Elevate Scouting for the next generation 

One of the most meaningful aspects of serving on Jamboree staff is the chance to Elevate Scouting for the next generation of Scouts. The Jamboree is often a life-changing experience for many young Scouts. As a staff member, you play a pivotal role in making that happen. Whether you’re helping a Scout conquer a new activity, teaching a new skill, or simply offering encouragement, you’re shaping the Scouting journey for thousands of youth. Your influence can last long after the event. 

7. A chance to give back 

For those who’ve benefited from Scouting, serving on Jamboree staff is a powerful way to give back to the program that’s given you so much. It’s an opportunity to invest your time, talent, and passion into an event that strengthens Scouting across the nation. Whether you’ve been involved in Scouting for decades or are relatively new, your service helps ensure that the values of Scouting continue to thrive. 

8. FUN! 

While there’s plenty of hard work involved, serving on staff is also about having fun. The Jamboree experience is full of adventure. You’ll have a front-row seat to some of the coolest activities and events happening at the Jamboree, the excitement is contagious. Many staffers say they return for friendships and the fun as much as the work itself.  

9. Professional experience 

Especially if you are a young person or young professional, Jamboree will help you to build your network across the country. You can choose to work in any field of the Jamboree that interests you and will have a chance to meet others who share that same passion. Staff members in the past have used the Jamboree to make connections to help further their professional careers as well. Use the Jamboree as a chance to Elevate your resume not only in Scouting but in connections with other professionals. 

10. Be a part of the first Scouting America Jamboree  

The Jamboree has been around since 1937 and thousands of Scouts have attended Jamborees and served on the staff. But this Jamboree will be the first for Scouting America. You can’t say you have been to every Scouting America Jamboree if you miss the first one! Even more, you can’t say you have staffed every Scouting America Jamboree unless you staff the first one.  

10 1/2. Celebrate America 

I know I said top ten, but the Jamboree experience can’t be contained in just 10…So… 

Speaking of America, 2026 also marks the 250th anniversary of the USA and we will have a chance to celebrate that milestone as well during the Jamboree. Our Americana Extravaganza will give you an opportunity to celebrate citizenship and celebrate our country in some unique ways as a part of the largest gathering of Scouters. You don’t want to miss it.  

So how do you sign up?  

Watch the Jamboree website www.jamboree.scouting.org for the latest information. This is also the place where you will find the Jamboree registration link coming this fall. With a variety of roles available, from program areas to logistics, there’s a place for everyone, regardless of your skills or experience level. 

Serving on the National Jamboree staff is a rewarding, unforgettable experience. You’ll find value in the friendships, skills, and personal growth that come with being part of the Jamboree staff team. Not only will you help Elevate the experience for thousands of Scouts, but you’ll also walk away with memories that will last a lifetime. 

Are you ready to make a difference and be part of Scouting history? Join the Jamboree staff and embark on an adventure like no other! 

For more information on the Jamboree staff be sure to check out the Jamboree staff webinar from September 2024 at https://jamboree.scouting.org/councils/jamboree-informational-webinars/  

Properties

Scouting America properties rely on chain saws to help clear trails, remove deadfalls, clear timber, and stockpile wood for campfires and heating buildings. To allow for this use, specific guidelines for safety have been adapted for use at all Scouting America activities.

National Camp Accreditation Program Standard FA-712 requires that any person who operates a chain saw be approved by the council designee. In addition, chain saw operators must be at least 21 years old and meet one of the following requirements: be a professional forester with current credentials and liability insurance; be a certified arborist with credentials; have written documentation of training in chain saw techniques from either (1) a state or federally recognized chain saw training course approved by the council or (2) the BSA Chain Saw Basic Training Course (Training Code S59). NOTE: If you choose Chain Saw Basic, the facilitators for this course must be experienced chainsaw operators AND be approved by your local council Scout Executive or designee. Reminder, effective September 1, 2021, the BSA Chain Saw Basic Training Course is good for five years. Those completing the course prior to September 1, 2021, will be considered trained until September 1, 2026.

LET’S LOOK AT ACTUAL SAFETY STEPS AND OPERATION:

Before Starting a Chain Saw 

  • Check controls, chain tension, and all bolts and handles to ensure that they are functioning properly and that all are adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 
  • Always make sure that the chain is sharp, and the lubrication reservoir is full. 
  • Start the saw on the ground or on another firm support. Drop-starting, or the act of pushing the saw away from the body with one hand while simultaneously pulling on the starter cord handle with another, is never allowed. 
  • Start the saw at least 10 feet from the fueling area, with the chain’s brake engaged. 

Fueling a Chain Saw 

  • Use approved containers for transporting fuel to the saw. 
  • Dispense fuel at least 10 feet away from any sources of ignition when performing construction activities. No smoking during fueling. 
  • Use a funnel or a flexible hose when pouring fuel into the saw. 
  • Before refueling, turn off the chain saw and let the motor cool down. Never attempt to fuel a running or HOT saw. 

Operating a Chain Saw Safely 

  • Clear away dirt, debris, small tree limbs, and rocks from the saw’s chain path. Look for nails, spikes, or other metal in the tree before cutting. 
  • Always have a spotter on hand—someone who can watch for safety hazards while you cut. 
  • Shut off the saw or engage its chain brake when carrying the saw on rough or uneven terrain. 
  • Keep your hands on the saw’s handles and maintain secure footing while operating the saw. 
  • Proper personal protective equipment must be worn when operating the saw, which includes hand, foot, leg, eye, face, hearing, and head protection. 
  • Do not wear loose-fitting clothing. 
  • Be careful that the trunk or tree limbs will not bind against the saw. 
  • Watch for branches under tension. They may spring out when cut. 
  • Gasoline-powered chain saws must be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain saw kickback. 
  • Be cautious of saw kickback. To avoid kickback, do not saw with the tip. If equipped with a tip guard, keep it in place. 
  • Have an appropriate first-aid kit within easy access. 

RESOURCES 

Range & Target Activities

The 2024 National Range & Target Activities Manual is now available for download on Scouting.org.  This document replaces all previous versions of the National Shooting Sports Manual and has a revision date of September 1st, 2024.  Reminder, the Guide to Safe Scouting states that any range & target activities not detailed in our program literature or the National Range & Target Activities Manual are prohibited.  

In other range & target activities related news, National Camp Accreditation Program Circular 21 was released on August 26th.  This is where you can read about changes to the following three standards:

  • PS-213 (RANGE AND TARGET ACTIVITIES: ARCHERY, SLINGSHOTS, AND THROWING SPORTS PROGRAMS)
  • PS-214 (RANGE AND TARGET ACTIVITIES: FIREARMS AND DEVICES PROGRAMS)
  • SQ-407 (RANGE AND TARGET ACTIVITIES PROGRAM STAFF)

These standards changes went into effect on September 1st, 2024.

If you have involvement in range & target related activities (at any level in Scouting), please take time to download and review these two very important documents and share them with others in Scouting who may need this important information.

Aquatics

After careful consideration and evaluation, Scouting America will transition away from the BSA Lifeguard certification program effective December 31, 2024. Over the last decade, training lifeguards across the entire aquatics industry has continued to evolve. While our partnership with the American Red Cross remains strong, the Red Cross materials will no longer be available to be used jointly for instruction of the BSA Lifeguard program. In addition, Scouting America does not possess the scientific and other resources required to develop and update a Scouting America specific lifeguard training curriculum that meets the industry standards mandated through state and federal regulations.   

Moving forward, we believe that partnering with well-established certifying agencies such as the American Red Cross, YMCA, StarGuard Elite, and Ellis & Associates will still allow us to offer local councils access to top-tier lifeguard training. We are confident that this approach will provide Scouting with quality training while also meeting industry standards. Our primary focus is on ensuring that every council has the support it needs to certify lifeguards for both summer camp and year-round aquatic activities.  

We will provide further updates in the coming weeks to local councils and currently certified BSA Lifeguard Instructors/Aquatics Instructors to ensure everyone is well-informed about the next steps.  

Finally, individuals currently certified as BSA Lifeguards may continue to use their certification until it reaches its expiration date. Individuals who are certified as BSA Lifeguard Instructors will receive additional information on how to potentially transition to an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor.    

We appreciate your understanding and collaboration as we make this transition, and we are committed to working closely with each council to maintain the high levels of safety and preparedness that our Scouts and leaders expect and supporting local council lifeguard certification programs for summer camp and year-round aquatics programs. Additional information will be posted on this website as plans progress during this transition period. 

Camping

Promoting attendance for Scout camp in 2025 requires a multi-faceted approach that speaks directly to the key decision makers: parents, Scouts, and unit leaders. Or to use 2025 vernacular these are the “influencers”.  

Tailoring promotional strategies to the unique interests and concerns of each group will help your council and camp leadership spark excitement, ease concerns, and generate enthusiasm. Whether through engaging social media campaigns, informative parent outreach, or incentives for unit leaders, these 50 ideas offer a variety of creative ways to ensure Scouts experience the adventure, growth, and fun that Scout camp has to offer. Here’s a list of strategies to help boost your camp’s attendance and create lasting memories for Scouts in 2025. Have another idea to add to the list? Suggest it in the comments! 

Promoting to Parents: 

  1. Parent Camp Tours: Offer open house days for parents to visit the camp and see the facilities. Be intentional about marketing this open house direct to parents. 
  2. Camp Testimonials: Share stories from parents whose children benefited you’re your Scout camp in previous years. ]
  3. Safety Information Sessions: Host webinars or meetings addressing parents’ concerns about camp safety. Many new parents do not know about HOW we build safe camp programs. Think of it – NCAP is a sales tool! 
  4. Parent-Specific Emails: Send tailored emails focusing on what parents care about—safety, skill-building, leadership and character development. Remember that data we presented last fall? If not – check out that recording here 
  5. Cost-Benefit Highlight: Create clear comparisons of camp costs versus the personal growth and value gained by their child. Talk about the value of some of the merit badges your camp offers as a part of their child’s camp experience ROI.  
  6. Scholarship/Financial Aid Info: Provide details about available financial aid or camperships to help alleviate cost concerns. Not every unit shares this information directly with the parents in their unit.  
  7. Progress Updates: Share stories or photos of campers’ achievements throughout the camp experience. We are constantly selling camp – even during camp! 
  8. Family Discounts: Offer incentives for multiple children from the same family attending. As a mother of twin Scouts BSA boys myself, even just $10-$20 off, makes a difference. 
  9. Camp Packing Guides: Offer simple and helpful guides for preparing for camp, reducing the stress for parents. A “Leader’s Guide” is great for unit leaders but can overwhelm a parent. Consider an appendix that is all the information a parent needs to know that their unit leader can share with them directly and/or post it on your camp’s website. 
  10. Engaging Social Media Content: Post videos on social media showcasing the fun, adventurous aspects of camp that appeal to parents. 
  11. Parent Camp Webinars: Run virtual Q&A sessions with camp directors for parents. People want to put a name and a face on the people responsible for their children. 
  12. Parent Alumni Networks: Encourage parents who are former campers to share their own positive experiences with new parents. Hey there’s even an NCAP experience about camp alumni (see NCAP RP-161).