Adult Leaders

Outing Leadership

Boy Scout camping activities center on the Patrol, where boys learn teamwork, leadership, and most camping skills. While the ranking Adult Leader should encourage Scout participation in camp planning before the trip, once the camp begins the Youth Leaders should be â€œin chargeâ€. It is important that Adult Leaders not be in the middle of Patrol activities such as site selection, tent pitching, meal preparation, and anything else where boys get to practice decision-making. If the SPL (or ASPL) attends the camp, then he should be the Camp Leader.Â If the SPL or ASPL is not attending then the ranking Adult Leader and SPL should select an acting SPL for the camp.Â Each Camp Patrol should have a Patrol Leader.

However, ensuring safety for the Scouts is the number one responsibility of Adult Leaders on trips and outings. Anything can happen in the wild outdoors, and you should take measures designed to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring. Ask the question: "What would happen if ________ occurred?" Once you have identified possible problems, devise a plan to minimize the risks and to manage a crisis if one occurs. Involve the entire crew in this process so that everyone becomes aware of potential dangers and how to avoid them.

Obviously, the best way to stay safe in the wilderness is to not get into trouble in the first place. This requires planning, leadership, and good judgment. To help be prepared for the challenges of a wilderness trek and camping experience, read Passport to High Adventure, No. 4310.

In addition to following Youth Protection Policy, Leaders should follow these requirements to ensure a safe outing.

Transportation

A common departure site and a daily destination point are a must. If you cannot provide two Adults for each vehicle, the minimum required is one Adult and two or more Youth members.

During transportation to and from planned Scout outings:

Meet for departure at a designated area.
Prearrange a schedule for periodic checkpoint stops as a group.
Plan a daily destination point.

Buddy System

Reinforce the buddy system every chance you get; it is easier to spot two missing Scouts than one lone Scout. Also, always make sure the Patrol Leader does a head count of the Patrol before moving out to or from an activity.

Safety Rule of Four

No fewer than four individuals (always with the minimum of two Adults) go on any backcountry expedition or campout. If an accident occurs, one person stays with the injured, and two go for help. Additional Adult Leadership requirements must reflect an awareness of such factors as size and skill level of the group, anticipated environmental conditions, and overall degree of challenge.

Fire

Watch Scouts around fire, boys are attracted to fire like moths, and just like moths, they can get burned.

Knives and Axes

Watch out for Scouts walking/running with knives and hand axes. Also, watch to make sure the axes are being used properly with plenty of space roped off for safety. The Scout must have a valid Totinâ€™ Chip in his possession when using any knives or hand axes. Unsafe activities will result in corners of the Totinâ€™ Chip being removed.

Trail Safety

Trail safety is a matter of common sense. The response of individual members of a group in doing the right thing is important. When they understand the reason for rules of safety, they obey them more willingly.

All backcountry treks must be supervised by a mature, conscientious adult at least 21 years of age who understands the potential risks associated with the trek. This person knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of the youth in his or her care. This adult supervisor is trained in and committed to compliance with the seven points of the BSA's Trek Safely procedure. One additional adult who is at least 18 years of age must also accompany the unit.

Alertness and care in all that is done on the trail and performing within the group's known capabilities are among the best preventive measures against accidents. Most common outdoor injuries are blisters, cuts, sprains, strains, bruises, and fractures. Hikers also may become lost or get caught in storms, and they often panic as a result. Avoidable tragedies may occur if Scouts and Leaders lack the skills and knowledge to deal with the problems encountered. Leaders must alert youth members to the dangers of unusual environment with proper instructions on fire safety, orienteering, and safe travel.

Leaders must instruct those in their groups to stay together on well-established trails, avoid loose rocks (especially on descent), and avoid dangerous ledges, cliffs, and areas where a fall might occur. Accidents can occur when hikers kick and roll boulders down steep hills. Wilderness trails have no caution signs for loose rocks, nor do they have guardrails on cliffs.

It is strongly recommended that at least one person in the group be currently certified in first aid through the American Red Cross or any recognized agency.

Swimming Activities

Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one Adult Leader must complete Safe Swim Defense training, have a commitment card (No. 34243) with them, and agree to use the eight defenses in this plan.

Water Activities

Before a BSA group may engage in an excursion, expedition, or trip on the water (canoe, raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, tube, or other craft), Adult Leaders for such activity must complete Safety Afloat Training, No. 34159C, have a commitment card, No. 34242A, with them, and dedicated to full compliance with all nine points of Safety Afloat.