Keeping our Youth and Volunteers Safe
Scouting has guidelines for the appropropriateness of various
activities at all levels of program and has a multi-layered approach to
safety and youth protection. These are some of the key items you should
expect as a parent.
The National Guide to Safe Scouting.
Scout leaders
are responsible for the physical and mental well-being of everyone
under their supervision. The Guide to Safe Scouting is on online
document that helps parents and leaders understand age-appropriate
guidelines for Scouting activities. It has current policies and
procedures every registered adult Scouting should be aware of,
including restricted activities.
Youth Protection in Scouting. In
order to be trained, each registered adult leader must take youth
protection training. We also encourage annual youth level protection
training for new members. Parents can take the online youth protection
training module too. Learn more at
http://www.northernstar.org/youth-protection
Scouting has adopted the following policies for the safety and
well-being of its members.
- Two-deep adult leadership on all outings required.
- One-on-one contact between adults and Scouts prohibited (even
outside of Scouting activities).
- Separate accommodations for adults and Scouts required.
- Privacy of youth respected.
- Inappropriate use of camera, imaging, or digital devices
prohibited.
- No secret organizations.
- No hazing.
- No bullying.
- Youth leadership monitored by adult leaders.
- Discipline must be constructive.
- Appropriate attire for all activities.
- Members are responsible for acting in accordance with the Scout
Oath and Scout Law.
- Scouting units (pack, troop, crew, ship) are responsible for
enforcing Youth Protection polices.
Steps to Report Child Abuse
- Ensure the child is in a safe environment
- In cases of child abuse or medical emergencies, call 911 or law
enforcement immediately.
- Notify the Scout Executive or his/her designee at 612-261-2300.
Emergency contacts are Scout Executive, John Andrews cell 651-485-1711.
Deputy Scout Executive/Field, Colleen Brazier cell 612-261-2327. Deputy
Scout Executive/Support, John Overland cell 651-260-8556.
Northern Star Youth Protection Tipline 1-888-213-0364
Tour and Activity Plans.
Every Scout leader should consider
some basic planning tips when it comes to preparing for a Scout
outing or trip. A great resource for health and safety is this
page of the National BSA website:
https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/ which includes
comprehensive information to help you "Be Prepared" for a trip.
Consulting the Guide to Safe Scouting and following the Sweet 16 of BSA
Safety as a start will help plan for a safe trip or outing. You can
also review Northern Star Scouting's Scout Unit Trip Planning Tips by
going the "guidelines-for-doing-stuff-safely" website listed below.
Northern Star Scouting has a Guidelines for Doing Stuff Safely page
of our website with links to local and national Scouting resources
http://www.northernstar.org/guidelines-for-doing-stuff-safely