Adult Training- Youth Protection
Effective June 1, 2010, Youth Protection Training is REQUIRED for all registered volunteers.
New leaders are required to take Youth Protection Training BEFORE they submit their application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training MUST be submitted at the time application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins. Further, Youth Protection Training must be completed every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection Training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered.
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous leadership selection and procedural policies.
The Boy Scouts of America takes great pride in the quality of our adult leadership. Being a leader in the BSA is a privilege, not a right. The quality of the program and the safety of our youth members call for high-quality adult leaders. We work closely with our chartered organization to help recruit the best possible leaders for their units.
The adult application requests background information that should be checked by the unit committee or the chartered organization before accepting an applicant for unit leadership. While no current screening techniques exist that can identify every potential child molester, we can reduce the risk of accepting a child molester by learning all we can about an applicant for a leadership position—his or her experience with children, why he or she wants to be a Scout leader, and what discipline techniques he or she would use.
- Two-deep leadership. Two registered adult leaders or one registered leader and a parent of a participant, or other adult, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required on all trips and outings. The chartered organization is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities.
- No one-on-one contact. One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. In situations that require personal conferences, such as a Scoutmaster’s conference, the meeting is to be conducted in view of other adults and youths.
- Respect of privacy. Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp, and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations.
- Separate accommodations. When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his own parent or guardian. Councils are strongly encouraged to have separate shower and latrine facilities for females. When separate facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted for showers.
- Proper preparation for high-adventure activities. Activities with elements of risk should never be undertaken without proper preparation, equipment, clothing, supervision, and safety measures.
- No secret organizations. The Boy Scouts of America does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.
- Appropriate attire. Proper clothing for activities is required. For example, skinny-dipping is not appropriate as part of Scouting.
- Constructive discipline. Discipline used in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting’s values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.
- Hazing prohibited. Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity.
- Junior leader training and supervision. Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by junior leaders and ensure that BSA policies are followed.
- Member responsibilities. All members of the Boy Scouts of America are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles set forth in the Scout Oath and Law. Physical violence, hazing, bullying, theft, verbal insults, drugs, and alcohol have no place in the Scouting program and may result in the revocation of a Scout’s membership in the unit.
- Unit responsibilities. The head of the chartered organization or chartered organization representative and the local council must approve the registration of the unit’s adult leader. Adult leaders of Scouting units are responsible for monitoring the behavior of youth members and interceding when necessary. Parents of youth members who misbehave should be informed and asked for assistance in dealing with it.
SUMMARY OF ADULT LEADER TRAINING
The table below summarizes the primary training programs available to Scout leaders, from Youth Protection Training, through Fast Start and This Is Scouting, and Basic (Leader Specific) Training. Beyond that, Advanced Training programs are identified.
Cub Scouts | Boy Scouts | Varsity Scouts | Venturing |
Youth Protection Training | Youth Protection Training for Venturing | ||
Fast Start Cubmaster Tiger Cub Leader Wolf/Bear Den Leader Webelos Den Leader Pack Committee COR | Fast Start Boy Scout Leader Troop Committee Challenge COR | Fast Start Varsity Leader Troop Committee Challenge COR | Fast Start Venturing Leader COR |
This Is Scouting | |||
Leader Specific Cub Scout | Leader Specific Boy Scout Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills Varsity Coach Leader Specific | Leader Specific Venturing | |
Above: When Completed, Leaders Are Considered Trained for their Position – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Listed Below: Advanced Training | |||
Wood Badge | |||