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Outdoor Ethics/Leave No Trace
September 12-14, 2024
🌲 Unleash your adventurous spirit at the 2024 BSA National Outdoor Ethics & Conservation Conference! 🏕️ Mark your calendars for September 12th-14th at stunning Camp Tracy, just east of Salt Lake City, UT. But wait, there’s more! Dive into a week of pre-conference offerings from September 9th-12th, expanding your knowledge and expertise.
🔍 Explore the theme that will set us on a course for the future as we lean on our Outdoor Ethics and Conservation legacy: “Guiding Our Youth Into The Future ~ 70 Years Of The Outdoor Code.” Get ready for an unforgettable experience as we celebrate seven decades of the Outdoor Code and chart a course for the future.
📅 It’s never too early to save the dates – so lock them in NOW! Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for exciting updates about the conference. This isn’t just a conference; it’s a journey into the heart of BSA Outdoor Ethics & Conservation. See you there! 🌿 #AdventureAwaits #OutdoorEthics2024
COPE/Climbing
What is a Level 2 COPE or Climbing Instructor? A Level 2 COPE or Climbing Instructor is an instructor over 21 who has taken a course from a Program Manager or Program Trainer to be able to be the primary instructor of climbing or COPE events, depending on their training on that particular facility. They are assisted by another level 2 instructor or a level 1 instructor over age 18. They are capable of training Level 1 instructors to assist with COPE and Climbing events. A 6:1 ratio is necessary for participants actively participating with rope. Two instructors are required to run any event or program, so they can supervise up to 12 participants. Another instructor must be added for every 6 participants. The Level 2 instructor is proficient in the foundation skills of both COPE and Climbing, still up to date on their level 1 skills, and have taken a course in COPE or Climbing to expand their skills to Level 2 Instructor to those specific programs.
A Level 2 COPE or Climbing Instructor and his assisting level 2s or Level 1s can run a summer camp program if their Council and its Program Manager or Program Trainer wish to train summer camp staff. The Program Manager or Program Trainer is available to advise those who he or she trains and is responsible for vetting and monitoring the quality of that instructor’s operation; such that a Program Manager or Trainer’s training abilities can be reviewed or revoked if sub par training is discovered.
Many COPE and Climbing instructors both take a tower class. Some COPE instructors take a course from a council that may only have low COPE and then maybe a tower and a zip line. Some Climbing instructors may only take people climbing on local rock faces. Others may only operate their council’s indoor climbing wall. There are a variety of combinations, so in most councils (or at some times, collaborations of councils) that have a Program Manager or Program Trainer who teaches Level 2 instructors to run the programs for the facilities or rock in their council (or collaboration of councils) only.
This summer, we may see some councils for temporary or long standing collaborations with councils that have Program Managers or Program Trainers who teach on similar facilities due to the lack of availability of National Camping School courses because of Covid 19.
In this subcommittee chair’s opinion, becoming a COPE or Climbing Director at National Camping School often affords the Director the interaction with more than one out of council NCS Instructors, yielding a perspective possibly not available in a local council program, to his or her benefit, though I have seen many very strong Program Managers and Program Trainers’ training. To this end, councils that exclusively use the Program Manager or Program Trainer Program to train Level 2 COPE or Climbing Instructors have been informed of the new 2020 NCAP standard in SQ 409 that says as Program Manager’s cards expire, all who wish to continue to teach or develop Level 2 training programs within their councils will send someone back to National Camping School to get a COPE or Climbing Director card before they can take the Program Trainer card to train Level 2 Instructors; thus yielding the perspective of a return to National Camping School at least every 5 years to the Program Trainer who will pass his or her insight on to his Instructor candidates. Level 2 Instructors will no longer be allowed to become Program Trainers.
And as always, this sub-committee’s passion is to spread a love of climbing and challenge activities among units and the youth in them. Unit leaders who become Level 2 COPE or Climbing instructors will take youth climbing and out on challenge courses. They will foster growth, team building and challenging experiences for youth in many different types of units. Whether the unit leader or youth got his or her passion to teach or participate in climbing and COPE from attending a summer camp, or the unit members chose to further their instruction through a merit badge or instructor class at summer camp because they came from a troop who climbed, the Level 2 instructor trained by a Program Manager or Program Trainer can be the point where these passions begin to grow and expand. We love to see Units who take the Level 2 Instructor course who take youth climbing who grow up to be leaders who become Instructors to take youth climbing.
Continue to train safely.
NCAP
The Boy Scouts of America introduced the National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) in 2013, setting standards to ensure that all camp facilities and programs align with Scouting values while providing a safe experience for Scouts and Scouters. If you’re passionate about contributing to the safety and success of Scouting adventures, becoming an NCAP assessor is a valuable role worth considering!
NCAP assessors play a crucial part in maintaining the Scouting brand and enhancing safety standards. Every camp program undergoes assessment to evaluate its safety and effectiveness. Some assessments are conducted by local council members, while others require an external team of national council camp assessors. Training is essential for all assessors to understand what to observe and why it matters. Specialized courses are available to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge. Training is updated annually to reflect updates in NCAP standards and other best practices. Understanding the NCAP standards and how the apply to camps and their programs is a key part of serving as a trained NCAP assessor. Participating in NCAP assessor training will help you “be prepared” to serve in this important role effectively.
For long-term camps, an external national council assigned assessment team must assess the camp. Over 2,000 dedicated volunteers from across the country participate in these assessments each year. These volunteers witness and assess programs offered by various councils. As assessors, they commit to addressing challenges they observe while also praising top-quality programs and staff.
If you’re interested in becoming a long-term camp assessor, reach out to your local council leadership and volunteers. Training is a prerequisite for participation, with two available courses – one online and the other conducted by the assessment coordinator or their team. The online course, accessible to anyone, provides comprehensive insights into the National Camp Accreditation Program. This training is available online at my.Scouting.org.
Short-term camp and day camp assessments are assessed by their local council. Short term camps are assessed by short-term camp administrators and day camps are assessed by assigned local council trained volunteers. To get involved, contact your local council leadership, and express your willingness to get trained and contribute to the assessment process.
For more information on the National Camp Accreditation Program, visit http://www.scouting.org/ncap, or reach out to ncap@scouting.org. Becoming an NCAP assessor is a meaningful way to play a vital role in safeguarding Scouting adventures for future generations.
NCAP
Planning a short-term camp within the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) framework requires meticulous attention to safety considerations. The BSA’s National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) provides a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure the well-being of participants. While NCAP offers valuable standards that help create a safer environment, short-term camp administrators and event organizers must still be proactive in addressing safety concerns. This article briefly introduces ten critical aspects of safety planning when organizing a council-sponsored short-term camp under NCAP guidelines (scouting.org/ncap).
Site Assessment:
Before anything else, organizers must conduct a thorough risk assessment of the event location. Using the NCAP Site Appraisal Form is a great start, especially if your short-term camp is not held at a BSA NCAP accredited property. Identifying potential hazards such as uneven terrain, wildlife encounters, or proximity to bodies of water is crucial. Addressing these risks in advance allows for effective mitigation strategies to be put in place. Check out NCAP Standard SA-002 for details on assessing your site location.
Staff Training:
A well-trained staff is the backbone of a safe camp. Organizers must ensure that all staff members are proficient in first aid, emergency response, and BSA safety protocols. Regular training sessions and drills contribute to a quick and effective response in case of emergencies. Ensure you have thoroughly reviewed the training required for each position and the programs you will offer. The Staff Qualification “400” series standards are a critical place to start. Be sure to view the verification section for each standard so you know what training verifications specifically to look for.
Health and Medical Considerations:
Accurate health records of all participants, including dietary restrictions and medical conditions, should be collected during registration. Having qualified medical personnel on-site is required, and an emergency medical plan must be in place, including having a copy of the current medical policies for your council. Touch base with your local council health supervisor to be sure you have the most current copy. Check out the HS “500” series standards, especially HS-503, HS-505 and more. For detailed requirements for your camp health officer for your location, review SQ-405.
Transportation Safety:
If the camp involves transportation, adherence to BSA transportation policies is paramount. This includes driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and seatbelt usage. Additionally, organizers should have a contingency plan for unexpected travel-related issues. In 2024 information was included in NCAP standard PS-216 to also include additional youth protection considerations as well.
Campsite Security:
Ensuring the security of the campsite is critical for the well-being of participants. Adequate lighting, secure sleeping arrangements, and surveillance measures should be in place. Event organizers should collaborate with local law enforcement to address any security concerns in the surrounding area. When is the last time your camper security plan was updated for your specific short-term camp location? This would be a great project for your local council enterprise risk management committee. Visit NCAP standard AO-804 for details on camper security.
Aquatics Safety:
If the camp involves water activities, event organizers must strictly adhere to BSA aquatics guidelines. Ensuring proper supervision, life jacket usage, and emergency response plans for water-related incidents are essential components of a safe short-term camp. The 2024 NCAP standards and the Guide to Safe Scouting “Safe Swim Defense and “Safety Afloat” policies will help you plan for aquatics activities at your short-term camp.
Fire Safety:
Camps often involve campfires, cooking, and other fire-related activities. Compliance with BSA fire safety guidelines, including supervision during cooking, and appropriate fire extinguishing equipment, is crucial to prevent accidents. Review NCAP standards FA-703,705,706 as you plan your short-term camp.
Weather Preparedness:
Unpredictable weather conditions pose a significant threat to camp safety. Monitoring weather forecasts, having an emergency shelter plan, and educating staff and participants about weather-related risks are essential components of safety planning. NCAP standard AO-805 helps each of us prepare for all types of emergencies, including weather. These emergencies may vary based on the time of year you are hosting your short-term camp.
Communication Protocols:
Establishing effective communication channels within the camp is vital. Whether through two-way radios, designated meeting points, or other means, clear communication ensures a rapid response to emergencies and facilitates coordination among staff members. NCAP standard AO-807 has details on how you can be prepared to communicate effectively.
Emergency Evacuation Plan:
Every camp must have a well-defined emergency evacuation plan. This plan should account for various scenarios, including natural disasters or medical emergencies. Regular drills should be conducted to familiarize staff and participants with evacuation procedures. A full list of emergencies you must have a plan for are included in NCAP standard AO-805. This list should also be reviewed by your local council enterprise risk management committee to determine if any other plans should be developed for your specific event and location.
Organizing a short-term camp under the standards set forth in the National Camp Accreditation Program requires a comprehensive approach to safety planning. Each short-term camp must have a currently certified Short-term camp administrator as well. By addressing risk factors, prioritizing staff training, and implementing robust safety protocols, event organizers can create an environment where participants can enjoy enriching experiences while minimizing potential hazards. Ultimately, the goal is to uphold the aims of the Boy Scouts of America while emphasizing the safety of all involved in the camping experience. It’s a new year so be sure you use the newest standards – 2024. These standards and other critical resources are available online at www.scouting.org/ncap.
Additional resources:
National Camp Accreditation Program – 2024 Standards
Guide to Safe Scouting
Standards at a Glance (Short-term Camp)
Scouting.org Short-term Camp webpage
Aquatics
As we look toward the warmer months, it’s time to gear up for a splash of excitement and safety awareness. May is National Water Safety Month, and as proud members of the Scouting community, it’s our responsibility to champion safety while embracing aquatic adventures. From thrilling campouts to refreshing swims, let’s make a splash in promoting water safety across all units and camps.
- Understanding Safe Swim Defense: A Fundamental Principle
Safe Swim Defense is the key to unlocking a world of aquatic exploration without compromising safety. Safe Swim Defense helps reinforce the importance of the buddy system, qualified supervision, and appropriate swim ability and more. Each of us should familiarize ourselves with the Safe Swim Defense guidelines and ensure that all aquatic activities adhere to these fundamental principles. Reminder you must take Safe Swim Defense every two years and it can be done online or even from your mobile device! Camps can also offer in-person Safe Swim Defense courses and your local Scout Executive has access to the current in-person training materials.
- Safety Afloat: Navigating Waters Responsibly
For those venturing into the realm of boating and watercraft adventures, Safety Afloat guidelines are paramount. Safety Afloat reinforces rigorous training for leaders and participants which ensures a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. Life jackets, weather awareness, skill proficiency and proper supervision are the cornerstones of Safety Afloat. Remember you must take Safety Afloat every two years and it can be done online or even from your mobile device! Camps can also offer in-person Safety Afloat courses and your local Scout Executive has access to the current in-person training materials.
- Dive into Awareness: 7 Ideas to Promote National Water Safety Month
- Host Training: Arrange to teach Paddle Craft Safety or Swimming & Water Rescue locally.
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- Training for BSA Swimming & Water Rescue provides BSA leaders with information and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to swimming emergencies during unit swimming activities. It expands the awareness instruction provided by Safe Swim Defense training.
- BSA Paddle Craft Safety expands Safety Afloat training to include the skills and knowledge needed for a unit leader to confidently supervise canoeing or kayaking excursions on flat water with additional modules for moving water.
- Organize a Swim Classification Test Event: Get prepared for your Scouting water-based adventure by offering a swim classification test event. Details about the swim classification test can be found in Aquatics Supervision.
- Community Outreach: Partner with local organizations to spread awareness about water safety. Offer free swim tests or demonstrations to the community, emphasizing the importance of learning to swim.
- Safety Poster Contest: Host a poster contest focused on water safety. Engage Scouts in creating eye-catching posters that highlight the key principles of Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat.
- Boating Adventure Day: Arrange a day dedicated to boating adventures, incorporating Safety Afloat guidelines. From kayaks to canoes, let Scouts experience the thrill of watercraft under safe supervision. And don’t forget Friday, May 17th is “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day”.
- Merit Badge Focus: If your unit or camp has a water-related merit badge program, make May the month to dive into those activities. It’s a perfect way to merge skill-building with safety awareness. You can encourage Scouts coming to camp to sign up for a water related merit badge this summer.
- CPR and First Aid Training: Equip leaders and older Scouts with CPR and first aid skills specific to water-related emergencies and host local courses. This additional layer of preparedness can be a lifesaver in critical situations.
As we celebrate National Water Safety Month this May, let’s champion a culture of safety that ensures every Scout can dive into aquatic adventures with confidence. By embracing Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat, we not only safeguard our Scouts but also nurture a love for water activities that will last a lifetime. Let the waves of safety awareness ripple through our units and camps, creating a sea of knowledge that keeps everyone afloat. Happy Water Safety Month, Scouts!
NCAP
BSA summer camps serve as the ultimate playground for our Scout adventurers, fostering growth and unforgettable experiences. But behind every thrilling moment lies a team of dedicated staff. So, how do we ensure we assemble the best staff while ticking all the legal boxes? Let’s delve into the hiring process, including some of the vital legal considerations and savvy practices, and discover a fantastic platform for job postings: Scout Life Jobs.
The Role of Legal Considerations in Hiring Staff
Before diving into the hiring process, let’s address the legal side:
- Equal Opportunity Employment: Ensuring fair treatment for all applicants, regardless of race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics, is vital. Review your hiring practices to ensure they are in compliance.
- Background Checks: To guarantee the safety of our Scouts, conducting thorough background checks for all potential staff members is a must. NCAP Standard SQ-401 requires every staff member of long-term camp and many day camp staff be registered in the specific camp staff code for their age. Doing so ensures an annual criminal background check and screening takes place.
- Compliance with Documentation: Completing all necessary employment paperwork diligently, including contracts, agreements, and required certifications, is crucial to maintain legal compliance. Review your documentation practices with your local HR attorney and double check your processes for each step. Certain states require additional documentation so be sure you are up to speed on state requirements. Looking for a resource? Check out the ACA’s State Laws and Regulations website.
- Know who you are hiring: There are specific requirements for youth to work along with job limitations based on age. Be sure to visit the department of labor website https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/youthrules/young-workers for more information.
Best Practices for Hiring Staff
- Start NOW and expand your search area: Initiating the hiring process in advance and leveraging various channels such as local Scout troops, universities, and online platforms widens the pool of potential candidates. Consider using online job postings. Make sure to include “summer job” page on your local council website. (Hint: use “Summer Job” vs the camp name and job title gets you better search results.)
- Thorough Screening and Interviews: Conducting comprehensive interviews to assess a candidate’s skills, experiences, and alignment with Scouting principles is essential.
- Embrace Diversity and Clarity: Striving for diversity in the staff team and ensuring clear communication about camp expectations and responsibilities fosters an inclusive and committed environment.
Leveraging Scout Life Jobs for Job Postings
For an excellent platform to post job opportunities within the Scouting community, consider using Scout Life Jobs:
- Targeted Audience Reach: This platform attracts candidates who are passionate about Scouting and the outdoors, ensuring a higher likelihood of finding individuals who resonate with your camp’s mission.
- User-friendly Interface: Both job seekers and recruiters benefit from its user-friendly layout, making the process seamless and accessible.
- Aligning with Scout Values: By using Scout Life Jobs, we reach individuals who understand and value the core principles of Scouting, fostering a team dedicated to upholding these values. Visit the Scout Life Jobs website and start posting your open positions today!
In Conclusion
In the realm of BSA summer camps, a stellar staff team is the bedrock of memorable experiences. By aligning our hiring practices with legal obligations, adopting smart strategies, and utilizing platforms like Scout Life Jobs, we can build a team passionate about creating enriching and safe experiences for our Scouts.
NCAP
The Short-term Camp Administrator plays a crucial role in the Boy Scouts of America National Camp Accreditation Program, ensuring that short-term camps meet the organization’s high standards for safety, program quality, and overall experience. This role involves overseeing the accreditation process for council-sponsored camps with one, two or three nights of camping involved. The administrator serves as a liaison between the camp and the national organization, working closely with camp leaders and staff to ensure compliance with established guidelines.
The Short-term Camp Administrator also serves as a resource for event committees, offering guidance on best practices, risk management, and program enhancement. This role plays a vital part in maintaining the high standards associated with the Boy Scouts of America, ensuring that short-term camps contribute positively to the overall Scouting experience.
These courses will be facilitated via Zoom through the National Service Center and consist of several modules designed to prepare participants to manage short-term camps including planning, program development, staff recruitment and assessment. Upon registration, participants will receive a link to log into the online training room.
FIRST TIME CERTIFICATION COURSES ($75):
This training is for individuals who have not previously been certified as Short-term Camp Administrators or those whose training has been expired for more than 60 days. Training will last about 8.5 hours with interactions and discussions designed to help meet the needs of the participants while conveying strategies to serve in this role. Course materials will be made available electronically.
• February 20, 22, 27, 29, 2024 – This is a weeknight course, held from 7 pm to 9 pm Central Time. Must attend all four sessions to be certified.
• March 23rd, 2024 – 9 AM Central Time
• April 20th, 2024 – 9 AM Central Time
• May 18th, 2024 – 9 AM Central Time
RECERTIFICATION COURSES ($65):
Individuals who have previously completed Short-Term Camp Administrator training may be eligible for recertification. Your Short-Term Camp Administrator training cannot be expired for more than 60 days at the start of the class. Please refer to the certification card you were issued to determine when your training expires or email NCS@Scouting.org for confirmation. Short-term Camp Administrator recertification training is approximately 4 hours.
• February 20, 22, 2024 – This is a weeknight course, held from 7 pm to 9 pm Central Time. Must attend both sessions to be certified.
• March 23rd, 2024 – 9 AM Central Time
• April 20th, 2024 – 9 AM Central Time
• May 18th, 2024 – 9 AM Central Time
READY TO REGISTER? CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE ONLINE REGISTRATION PORTAL.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW
For more information about Short-term Camp Administrator NCS, please email NCS@scouting.org.
Aquatics
Did you know that the largest percentage of fatal drownings in the United States in kids 19 and younger occur in open water, such as lakes, oceans, and rivers? To get an idea of just how quiet and undramatic from the surface drowning can be, consider this: It is the No. 2 cause of accidental death in children ages 15 and under, just behind vehicle accidents.
Some drownings occur because people do not recognize the signs it is happening. No yelling, no waving. Just a silent gasping for air and 20 to 60 seconds later, submersion. And someone has drowned, maybe in plain sight.
Since the inception of Scouting, learning to swim and engaging in aquatics activities have been core to the program. More than 1.5 million aquatics-related merit badges have been earned by Scouts BSA since 2009. The BSA has also been a leader in promoting and providing training in aquatics safety. For at least 80 years, checklists have been in place to make sure those aquatic experiences are positive ones.
Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat govern BSA swimming and boating activities. These programs help provide leaders, Scouts and parents with the tools they need to be prepared to participate in aquatics activities. These programs are the BSA way to conduct a safe and fun aquatics program.
Be prepared for your aquatics adventures this summer!
Properties
Maintaining a Scout camp property involves various challenges that can affect the bottom line of the camp and your local council. Here are three common myths about maintenance that can hurt your camp and council’s financial health:
Myth 1: Maintenance Is Only Necessary When Something Breaks
Reality: Waiting for things to break can lead to costly repairs and downtime. Preventive maintenance, such as regular inspections and servicing, can help identify and address issues before they become major problems. This approach can save your camp money in the long run by reducing the need for extensive repairs and ensuring that facilities are safe and functional. This is one of the reasons the NCAP standards include a pre and post camp inspection – so you can proactively prepare for camp.
Myth 2: Outsourcing Maintenance Is Always More Expensive
Reality: While outsourcing maintenance may seem more costly upfront, it can save money in the long term. Professional maintenance providers often have specialized knowledge and equipment that can lead to more efficient and effective repairs. Additionally, outsourcing allows your camp staff to focus on their core responsibilities, leading to increased productivity and potentially reducing overall costs. It is important to budget for additional maintenance support to supplement the knowledge and skillset of your on-site camp ranger. Your camp ranger(s) has many responsibilities and may need additional help to prepare camp to open.
Myth 3: Cutting Maintenance Costs Is a Good Way to Save Money
Reality: While cutting maintenance costs may seem like a quick way to save money, it can end up costing your camp more in the long run. Neglecting maintenance can lead to equipment failures, safety hazards, and a decrease in property value. Investing in regular maintenance can help your camp avoid costly repairs and ensure that facilities remain in good condition for years to come. Owning a camp (or multiple camps!) is not easy and funding maintenance is critical to managing these assets. Ensure that your maintenance budget reflects the needs of your specific camp(s). Start by estimating the annual costs for routine maintenance tasks such as groundskeeping, building repairs, and equipment servicing. Consider factors such as the age and condition of your facilities, as well as any upcoming maintenance projects. It’s also wise to budget for unexpected repairs or emergencies. Leverage the NCAP tools (such as the CFET and CCIP) to help you predict and plan for maintenance costs. Finally, utilizing the FIIX software can help you plan for your annual maintenance costs accurately. For details on FIIX, email andrea.watson@scouting.org.
In conclusion, maintaining a Scout camp property is essential for its long-term success. By dispelling these maintenance myths and investing in regular upkeep, your camp can save money, ensure safety, and provide a positive experience for campers and staff alike.
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