Safety

Holiday Festivities Done Right: Ensuring SAFE and Fun Hayrides and Parades for Scouts

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.

Transportation to and from the parade or hayride site is not allowed on the truck or trailer.
Those persons riding, whether seated or standing, must be able to hold on to something stationary.
Legs must not hang over the side.
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.

Make sure no one can hang their legs over the side.
Ensure that there is something stationary for everyone to hold onto even if seated.
Keep an eye out for weather as the fall season changes rapidly. Make alternate plans if there is inclement weather forecast.
Ensure that the trailer is properly secured to the tow vehicle. This could include proper sized tow hitch, chains and other safety measures.
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.

Safety

The Role of a Council Health Supervisor in Supporting Local Scout Councils

The Council Health Supervisor (CHS) is a pivotal figure within Scouting America, dedicated to safeguarding the health and safety of Scouts, leaders, and volunteers. While the position is often confused with the Camp Health Officer, this article shares the responsibilities, qualifications, and contributions of this essential role, shedding light on how the CHS ensures a safe and supportive environment for local councils.

Who is a Council Health Supervisor?

The CHS is a licensed physician who serves as the local council’s primary medical advisor, providing expertise and guidance on all health-related matters. This individual is also a registered Scouter trained in Youth Protection, ensuring a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by the Scouting community.

Qualifications of a Council Health Supervisor

To fulfill their responsibilities effectively, the CHS must:

Be licensed to practice medicine in the state(s) where the council operates.
Hold expertise relevant to camp and youth health and safety.
Collaborate with other medical professionals when council programs span multiple states.

Core Responsibilities

The Council Health Supervisor plays a multifaceted role, encompassing oversight, education, and strategic input. Some key responsibilities include:

Health Oversight and Risk Management
- Serves on the council’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) or Health and Safety Committee.
- Oversees camp health lodge operations and ensures compliance with national camp standards.
- Assists with reviewing the Council Medical Care Policies Manual each year (NCAP HS-505).
- Writes and approves the camp’s on-site treatment procedures or standing orders (NCAP HS-506).
- Reviews camp First Aid Logs and provides actionable feedback to improve care practices.
Incident Reporting and Policy Approval
- Works with the council’s ERM committee to ensure health and safety incidents are properly reported.
- Reviews and approves medication processes and standing orders required by camp standards.
Education and Training
- Assists in training and orienting health lodge staff.
- Provides health education on topics such as first aid, CPR/AED, and wilderness first aid to Scouts and leaders.
Medical Guidance and Criteria Development
- Advise on medical guidelines for high-adventure activities and other programs where participant health may pose risks.
- Reviews medical records for participants attending national events to ensure compliance with health standards.
Local Council Support
- Convenes and leads meetings on communicable disease management.
- Assists in interpreting and implementing national health guidelines as they relate to the local council.
- Develops medical communications for leaders, parents, and media as needed.

The CHS’s Impact on Scouting

By providing expert medical guidance, the Council Health Supervisor enhances the safety and preparedness of local councils. Their work helps to mitigate risks, ensure compliance with national standards, and foster a culture of health awareness within Scouting.

Through their collaboration with council leaders, the CHS plays a crucial role in shaping policies that protect Scouts, leaders, and volunteers, ensuring that every participant can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

The Council Health Supervisor is more than a medical advisor; they are a cornerstone of the Scouting community’s commitment to health and safety. Their expertise and dedication ensure that local councils can deliver transformative experiences to youth while upholding the highest standards of care.

Safety

Mental health resources released for camp staff training

As camp leaders, it’s imperative to recognize the growing mental health challenges faced by young adults, particularly those aged 18 to 25 – the demographic that comprises a significant portion of our camp staff. Recent data from the JED Foundation indicates that 36.2% of individuals in this age group have experienced a mental, behavioral, or emotional health issue in the past year, a notable increase from previous years.

In response to this pressing concern, Scouting America’s health and safety team, working alongside the Outdoor Programs team, has developed Mental, Emotional, and Social Health (MESH) training materials for camp staff. These resources are specifically designed to equip camp staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to support both peers and campers effectively within their skillset. The training teaches the U-S-A Model to help our staff Understand the behaviors to watch for, Speak to Scouts and provide Support and to Act and Advocate for Scouts. The session is written so that it is easily delivered by the Camp Director or Camp Program Director or Health Officer.

Implementing this training may be a part of your plan to meet the National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) standard RP-551, which emphasizes the importance of council committees providing support to camp staff.

You can find these materials on the Camp Director Resource Page. By integrating this training into your staff development programs, you not only enhance the well-being of your team but also foster a safer, more supportive environment for all camp participants.

Prioritizing mental health is an important part of our support of Scouts and staff. By proactively addressing these challenges through dedicated training and support, we can make a profound difference in the lives of those we serve.

Safety

Join Scouting America in observing National Safety Month

Every June, communities across the country come together to focus on a shared mission: preventing injuries and saving lives. Since 1996, the National Safety Council (NSC) has led the charge with National Safety Month (NSM)—a month-long observance dedicated to reducing the leading causes of preventable injury and death, both on and off the job. This year, Scouting America is proud to stand with the NSC in promoting safety awareness that reaches from the workplace to the outdoors, and everywhere in between.

Stay Safe at Work and Beyond

Preventable injuries remain one of the leading causes of death in the United States. As Scouts, leaders, volunteers, and families, we understand the value of preparation and care. By participating in National Safety Month, we’re making a commitment—to ourselves and our communities—to create safer environments for everyone.

This June, let’s embrace the principles of the Scout Oath and Law by taking action that protects lives and promotes well-being. Whether we’re organizing troop outings, running day camps, or simply going about our daily routines, safety starts with awareness and smart decision-making.

2025 Weekly Safety Topics

The NSC will offer free downloadable materials throughout June, focusing on a new safety theme each week. These resources are perfect for Scout meetings, safety merit badge discussions, and community outreach:

Week 1: Safety Engagement
Learn how to involve everyone in creating safer spaces—at camp, at home, and in your community.

Week 2: Roadway Safety
Discover key tips for staying safe on the road—whether you’re behind the wheel or on a bike.

Week 3: Risk Reduction
Identify and mitigate risks in your surroundings, from campsite hazards to common household dangers.

Week 4: Slips, Trips and Falls
Understand how to prevent these common yet serious accidents, especially in active outdoor environments.

Sign Up for Free Safety Resources

Get ready for a safer summer! Sign up today with the National Safety Council to receive alerts as soon as your free 2025 safety materials are available. These tools are designed to empower Scouts, leaders, and families with practical knowledge to stay safe during National Safety Month—and all year long.

Let’s work together to live out the Scout Motto—Be Prepared—by making safety a top priority in everything we do.

https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/

https://www.nsc.org/faforms/national-safety-month-materials