Sweet Sixteen of Safety

A Campout – Are you Enthused about: Having Fun Learn new skills Spending Time as a troop Focus of troop meetings (preparation and reflection) Enjoying the outdoors Getting away from home

Oh no, a Campout!

Concerns: No clue what to do? Someone will get hurt! Terrible Experience Rain, Mud, Cold, Insects, homesickness …. Not enough adults will drive How will we carry all this gear

Key Resources to Develop Your Skills BSA training opportunities Leader specific training Roundtable Woodbadge Supportive adults - ASK! BSA outdoor-related literature Internet

Troop Leader Guidebook Volume 1 – New leaders Volume 2 – Experienced leaders Appendix Troop and Patrol Gear Personal Overnight Camping Gear Scoutmasters Campsite Quick Checklist

1) Qualified supervision Don’t Assume other adults present are paying attention. Have a meeting and make sure that all adults realize that they are all responsible for the safety of all participants. Have properly trained adults for the activity Make sure all adults have an opportunity to review the Guide to Safe Scouting

2) Physical fitness Don’t just account for the required medical forms, review them and be aware of situations which could be a problem. Boys with a medical notation, review this with the parent. If you are not comfortable, get more information. Insist if you have too! Be aware of the capabilities of the boys, in particular the younger scouts. It should be fun, not an ordeal. Insist on clearly written instructions for prescriptions with times and doses. Assign a responsible adult to dispense the medications.

3) Buddy system The buddy system works Stress the importance of the buddy system and challenge lone boys who have “misplaced” their buddy!

4) Safe area or course Common Sense ! Swimming Watercraft Follow the guidelines Watercraft Follow the guidelines QUALIFIED, SUPERVISION

5) Equipment selection and maintenance Appropriate for the activity Check equipment before, during and after use. Remind the boys to take care of the equipment so it’s available and in good shape for future activities.

6) Personal safety equipment Watercraft Life Jackets (Set the example !) Climbing Activities Proper equipment and supervision Common Sense ! If it does not feel right, check it out!

7) Safety procedures and policies Follow the procedures outlined in the “Guide to Safe Scouting” Use Common Sense ! Think through the possible problems before and during the activity. You can be safe without being paranoid.

8) Skill level limits Not every boy can participate in every activity The “swim test” is an excellent example. Several nights backpacking with a heavy pack might be beyond the ability of a first year scout. Make provisions for those boys who might otherwise be “left out”

9) Weather check Freezing temperatures Severe Thunderstorms Rain Flooding Be prepared (Do boys have gear they need) A weather radio is a great asset Abort the campout if necessary but don’t wimp out! Online Weather training

10) Planning What are you going to do if : Someone gets sick A scout gets lost A scout is injured Do you know how to: Find a nearby hospital Reach the authorities (Your cell-phone might not work!) Do you have a parent at home standing by with a phone list who can help when things go wrong?

11) Communications Planning Enough adults available to assist Keep up with the boys during the activity, detect problems early

12) Permits and notices Tour and Activity Plan - Recommended Two deep leadership Youth Protection Trained Every boy buckled in! Reservations No room for you to camp! Public campgrounds often fill up. Consider an advance crew. Comply with all regulations fully, Don’t wing it, Set the Example !

13) First aid resources Golden hour First Aid Kit consistent with the activity, there are tons of resources to guide you on this. Backcountry Treks require more consideration. Know your boys and be prepared to act.

14) Applicable laws Comply with the laws For example, fishing licenses for adults. Ignorance of the law is not a defense ! Don’t Trespass ! Set the proper example !

15) CPR resource You’re the one who is most likely to need it! AED

16) Discipline You must be able to control the boys for a safe activity. If you can’t control a boy, he must be removed from the activity. (don’t give up too easily and involve the parent in the process)

Additional Safety Resources Guide to Safe Scouting Safe Swim Defense Safety Afloat Climb On Safely Weather Safety

Happy Camping!