Fiscal Management Fiscal Management (FM) is designed to give council staff and volunteers a greater understanding of the fiscal management and administrative processes of a local council. The greatest benefits from this course occur when the Scout executive and accounting specialist attend together, as well as the council treasurer or other finance volunteers. Due to […]

Overview To recognize Scouts BSA members and Venturers age 15 and older, and adult volunteers who have successfully completed the BSA Lifeguard course and demonstrated the ability to perform each of the skills taught in the course. Who Can Earn This Certification? Earned by any youth age 15 and older, and by any adult. How […]

Guidelines Safety Safety must be the first consideration in all situations involving hot-air balloons. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations are specific regarding the safe performance of any aircraft, and the judgment of a qualified pilot is vital to ensure the safe operation of a hot-air balloon. Tethered balloon events must comply with all […]

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 […]

Resource Material Aquatics Supervision is the primary resource for aquatics at the unit level. Aquatics activities at district and council day and short-term/long-term (overnight, resident) camps must follow appropriate National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) standards. Aquatics Leadership Training Programs Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training programs are available online at my.scouting.org and may also […]

The Boy Scouts of America has established the following guidelines for a safe and quality camping experience. Fundamental guiding principles for camping: Supervision of camping activities must include qualified, registered, adult leadership. At a minimum, one leader present is current in Hazardous WeatherTraining for all unit types. It is recommended that all leaders completethis training […]

We hope to provide you insight into the program possibilities with JOTA success stories. The two stories featured here are from the Heart of Virginia Council and several troops and packs from Vermont. You can also find success stories at the K2BSA website. One recent example is the K2BSA/7 Dad and Lad Event in the […]

Scuba BSA PDF With Application Scuba BSA introduces qualified Scouts BSA, Venturing, and registered adult participants to to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with scuba diving. Scuba BSA Scuba BSA introduces qualified Scouts BSA, Venturing, and registered adult participants to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with scuba diving; encourages […]

Standards Standards at a Glance Authorization Scoresheets Resources/Circulars Purpose of the National Camp Accreditation Program The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America’s National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) is to help councils elevate camps to new levels of excellence in delivering Scouting’s promise to youth. Councils will engage in a rigorous review of camps and […]

Instagram #escapeindoors Contest 2020 Official Rules Boy Scouts of America Instagram Contest Official Rules NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER Eligibility: Entrants must be legal residents of the United States to enter the Instagram Contest” (“Contest”). Entrants must be 13 years of age or older at the time of entering. Employees of Boy Scouts of America […]

Fiscal Management I (FM I) is designed to give council staff and volunteers a greater understanding of the fiscal management and administrative processes of a local council. The greatest benefits from this course occur when the Scout executive and accounting specialist attend together as well as the council treasurer or other finance volunteers. Due to […]

SUMMARY On average, 36,000 injuries related to bunk beds occur in the United States each year, according to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The head and neck are most prone to injuries due to falls from bunk beds. Our Scouting family is not immune to this risk. GENERAL INFORMATION What can […]

SUMMARY Food-borne illnesses peak during the summer months due to a variety of factors, including warmer temperatures and improper food handling. Keep your meals and your Scouts safe while participating in hikes, campouts, and other outdoor activities with careful menu planning and by following safe food handling practices. Remember the three “C’s” to keep your […]

SUMMARY So you want to take your first shot at an indoor bodyflight facility? If you’re not prepared, you might be at risk for more injuries than you think. Bodyflight requires trained professionals to help you have the best experience possible in their facility, so it is recommended that you look up the activity requirements […]

SUMMARY Have you ever been told that your insurance is dependent upon wearing your field uniform (which is a myth, by the way)? Well, get ready, because we’re going to talk about what types of insurance coverage are available and where to find more information on coverage for Scouts, registered volunteer Scouters, and chartered organizations […]

SUMMARY So you want to launch a water bottle rocket. These pressurized rockets use pressurized air and water and can fly at 100 mph. Unfortunately, used improperly or carelessly, they have been known to burst, strike spectators, or launch into the face of a participant. And yes, this has really happened. The rockets have also […]

SUMMARY Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common inflammation or infection of the lining of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. Conjunctivitis can occur in both adults and youth; it may be highly contagious and can be spread easily to others. GENERAL INFORMATION Conjunctivitis presents as a redness or pinkness in the […]

Adult Audience Only   SUMMARY On November 5, 2016, Jack Rose, an 11-year-old member of a local troop, was on an overnight backpacking trip with his father as well as with adult leaders and Scouts from his troop. The group was in the backcountry portion of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The unit camped at […]

Additional FAQ’s: General Health and Safety,  Annual Health and Medical Record, Shooting Sports program, Family Scouting Information These FAQs are provided to explain the “why” behind the updates to the prohibited activities list. Please do not put participants or yourself at risk by permitting any of these activities in the name of Scouting. Q. What changes have […]

SUMMARY According to the U.S. Forest Service, our nation’s forests are experiencing declining health conditions. Broken tops, widow-makers (broken or hanging limbs), and root rot in many tree species along with insect infestations, lightning, wind events, drought, and abundant moisture have led to the creation of abnormally high numbers of “hazard trees.” Hazard trees include […]

BSA Participation in Carijam2020 Caribbean Jamboree hosted by the Scout Association of Trinidad and Tobago Carijam has been postponed until 2021by the event organizers Scouts and Leaders from the BSA are invited to participate in Carijam, a Caribbean jamboree hosted by the Scout Association of Trinidad & Tobago. Event will be held in 2021 – […]

SUMMARY A concussion, also known as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), is an injury that results from a blow to the head causing an alteration of brain function. Concussions may also be due to falls or blows to the body that cause the brain to move quickly back and forth. GENERAL INFORMATION Concussions are difficult […]

Trek 608 AA was scheduled to come to philmont last summer. However, due to the Ute Canyon fire. This year their troop leaders got them on a trek scheduled for the same week their last trek was suppose to leave. amazingly, every original participant made it too philmont.

When compared to the cost of sports and many other activities, there is no doubt that Scouting delivers great value to its members!  Costs include BSA membership fees, uniform costs, and nominal activity fees that may be charged locally. Of course, these costs may be offset by unit fundraising and other available scholarship funds. Please […]

The pack meeting brings all of the dens in the pack together for the purposes of recognizing the achievements of the Cub Scouts, communicating information about upcoming events, and providing a program that enriches the Cub Scouting experience.  It helps the Cubs realize their den is part of a larger organization.  A good pack meeting […]

The Pack Committee supports the den leaders and Cubmaster of the pack so they can focus on working directly with the yout in the pack.  A pack committee is an opportunity to involve all parents and adults in the family. Your time volunteering in Cub Scouting will be rewarding and fun, and the information here […]

Lion Badge of Rank Overview Video Literature Cub Scout Lion Kit Your time volunteering in Cub Scouting will be rewarding and fun, and the information here will help you get off to the right start.     This brochure is designed to help new families understand the basics of Cub Scouting when they first join. […]

Wolf Badge of Rank Overview Video https://vimeo.com/349944600 The Wolf Handbook is available at your local Scout Shop or click on the image to order it on-line.  Wolf Cub Scout Handbook Wolf Den Leader Guide – Free PDF Version Wolf Den Leader Guide Your time volunteering in Cub Scouting will be rewarding and fun, and the […]

Bear Badge of Rank Overview Literature The Bear Handbook is available at your local Scout Shop or click on the image to order it on-line.  Bear Cub Scout Handbook Bear Den Leader Guide – Free PDF Version Bear Den Leader Guide Your time volunteering in Cub Scouting will be rewarding and fun, and the information […]