Serving Scouts With Disabilities

Yes! There are many options for an individual with disabilities to join a Scouting unit, work with different local units (Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Troops, Venturing Crews, Exploring Post and Sea Scout Ships) to figure out what will be the best option for your family.

Yes, all scouts can attend our camping programs following the Scouting Safely SAFE Checklist. Scouting America has piloted a program certifying camps throughout the nation where they assure that they are “Special Needs Prepared”. Get with the camp to see what different accommodations they will have for your scout. Parents and guardians are always welcome to attend camp with their scout’s unit, provided they are registered with the unit and follow the SAFE Checklist.

Youth and adults tent separately in the Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, and Venturing programs. Youth who have a special need or disability who may require a parent or legal guardian to tent with them must develop a written plan in conjunction with their local council Scout Executive to address their specific needs. Learn more.

Taking prescription medication is the responsibility of the individual taking the medication and/or that individual’s parent or guardian. A leader, after obtaining all the necessary information, can agree to accept the responsibility of making sure a youth takes the necessary medication at the appropriate time, but Scouting America does not mandate or necessarily encourage the leader to do so. Learn more.

Standards and policies regarding administration of medication may be in place at Scouting America camps. If state laws are more limiting than camp policies, they must be followed. The AHMR also allows for a parent or guardian to authorize the administration of nonprescription medication to a youth by a camp health officer or unit leader, including any noted exceptions.

Every willing Scout should have the opportunity to get into the water and have fun. Many swimming area hours get dedicated to advancement-related activities like merit badges, Cub adventures, and special award opportunities like snorkel, scuba, and mile swim. However, opportunities for recreational time in the water are especially important for Scouts with disabilities so they can enjoy camp, try new things, and cool off on hot days. For Scouts BSA swimming related advancement requirements, please refer to the most recent Guide to Advancement Section 10 on accommodations and modifications to rank requirements. Learn more.

A Scout that has had a serious allergy reaction will usually have been evaluated by an allergist to identify which allergens present a health risk. In these situations, the leader, the Scout, and the family need to develop a plan to take into account what allergens might be present at any particular camping location at that particular time of year. Preparing an allergy/anaphylaxis emergency care plan is part of this process. Learn more.

We're committed to making scouting accessible for your child by tailoring activities and providing support as needed, all while keeping safety our top priority using the SAFE Checklist. This ensures we create a safe, fun, and engaging experience for your child. Our advancement approach follows the Guide to Advancement, section 10, and covers the different programs in Scouting America.

Reach out to the local scouting unit to discuss your child's specific needs. They will work with you to create an inclusive experience and address any concerns. Learn more.

Because Scouting is run by volunteers, there are minimum required trainings for all leaders that focus on safety and scouting skills. While there are many recommended, optional trainings available to help volunteers support youth with disabilities, these are not required. Many volunteers, however, already have backgrounds in supporting children with special needs. We recommend you reach out to local units to discuss your child's specific needs and learn more about how they can be accommodated. Learn more.

Your child will be able to participate in most scouting activities, but with important considerations, following the Scouting America SAFE Checklist. For advancement always follow the most current version of the Guide to Advancement.

Scouting is designed for all Scouts to be able to achieve some advancement as it is one of the 8 methods of Scouting America. Open minded flexibility, Accommodations and even Modifications are allowed in Advancement following the Guide to Advancement Section 10. Learn more.