Youth Protection

“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” 

— Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa

Our Troop follows the BSA’s Youth Protection policies and the Guide to Safe Scouting to protect your daughter and others involved in Scouting. In addition, the Scouts have developed programs targeting two of today’s most important issues – Cyber Safety & Bullying. Each girl will be required to earn the Cyber Chip and complete the How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide exercises to earn their first rank, Scout.

Cyber Chip

Today’s youth are spending more time than ever using digital media for education, research, socializing, and fun. To help families and volunteers keep youth safe while online, the Boy Scouts of America introduces the Cyber Chip. Content is age appropriate and topics include cyberbullying, cell phone use, texting, blogging, gaming, and identity theft.

Bullying Awareness

The idea that a Scout should treat others as he or she wants to be treated—a Scout is kind—is woven throughout the programs and literature of the Boy Scouts of America. When a Scout follows the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, bullying and hazing situations should never occur. The challenge for kids is to find the courage to speak up if your the victim and having the courage to step in if someone else is being bullied.

Youth Protection Policies

Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers and is a joining requirement. Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. Our Troop Committee and the Scoutmaster Staff follow mandatory practices summarized below:

  • Two Leaders on Outings.  A minimum of two registered and Youth Protection trained BSA leaders or the combination of one registered BSA leader and the parent of a participating Scout must be present.  Both persons must be at least 21 years old and at least one of these people must be a female.
  • Two Leaders on Cyber Communication.  There are no one-on-one online or digital activity or electronic communications.  Two Troop Leaders and a parent or guardian are always included in any electronic communication with a youth member, ensuring no one-on-one contact exists in text, social media, or other forms of online or digital communication.  The “Scoutbook” web and app system (discussed below) generates these copies and is our exclusive means of cyber communication with youth members and families.
  • No One-On-One Contact is allowed between Youth and Adults.  When a situation requires a personal conference, the meeting is conducted with knowledge and in the view of other adults and youth.
  • Separate Accommodations for Youth and Adults.  No youth is allowed to sleep in a tent with an adult other than her own parent or guardian.  Separate shower and bathroom facilities are used for adults, youth and girls. The only exception is when separate facilities are not available and scheduled and posted times are used to separate adults from youth and males from females.
  • Buddy System.  Self-selected groups of 2 or 3 girls assure girls are never alone on Scouting activities.
  • Privacy is Maintained.  Girls and adults respect privacy in situations like changing clothes or taking showers.  Adults are not allowed into such areas unless a health or safety issue requires it. In such cases two adults are required.
  • No Inappropriate Digital Use.  No use of digital devices is allowed in circumstances where privacy is expected or requested.
  • No Secret Organizations.  These are prohibited in the BSA and in our Troop.
  • No Hazing or Bullying is permitted.
  • Girl leaders are carefully advised.  We monitor and advise our girl leaders to assure safety and compliance with BSA policies.
  • Discipline.  This is always positive and constructive.  No corporal or negative activities are allowed.
  • Appropriate Clothing Required.  Bathing suits are required and no revealing clothing is allowed.
  • Mandatory Reporting.  All Troop Leaders are required by law, BSA to report youth protection-related incidents.  Any good-faith suspicion or belief that a child has been abused or exposed to any form of exploitation or obscenity is required by law to be reported to local law enforcement.  We will also notify our local professional BSA Scout Executive.
  • Parent Reporting.  Any parent who has reason to believe that BSA youth protection policies are not being followed should notify our local professional BSA Scout Executive.  Instances of actual abuse should be reported directly to law enforcement, as well as the BSA Scout Executive.