1. Varsity Scout Safety LDS Varsity Teams PTC Training Conference October 20, 2012

2. Online Resources Church Site – lds.org General Church Safety – safety.lds.org Scouting Safety – lds.org/callings/aaronic-priesthood/leader- resources/scouting – Safety Letter from the First Presidency – Safety E-Learning Resources – Tour Plan and FAQs – Guide to Safe Scouting – The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Saf ety BSA Safety – scouting.org/scoutsource/outdoorprogram/safety.aspx

3. Letter from the First Presidency REAFFIRMING SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR ACTIVITIES – Following are general guidelines for planning activities for members, especially children, youth, and young single adults. Additional guidelines and policies are found in chapter 13, “Activities,” of Handbook 2: Administering the Church and at safety.lds.org. General Guidelines – Plan activities that are safe and have minimal risk of injury or illness. Activities that pose greater risk, such as white-water rafting or rock climbing, should not be undertaken unless led by trained or certified guides, or in conjunction with Scout- sponsored camps or High Adventure bases. – Activities should be appropriate for the participants’ ages and maturity. Instruct participants in safety practices unique to the activity before starting, and observe safety precautions at all times during the activity. – Be prepared for emergencies that may occur. Know in advance how to contact law enforcement and emergency services. Leaders who plan, conduct, and supervise activities should be knowledgeable about Church Activity Medical Assistance (CAMA) and insurance guidelines. For more details, see Handbook 2 (13.6.9) or visit www.dmba.com/churchactivity. – Use the Parental or Guardian Permission and Medical Release form (33810) and the Activity Plan form (33809) for all out-of- area and overnight travel. These forms are available at LDS.org or through Church distribution. – Activities normally should not require long-distance travel. In the case of approved long-distance travel, use commercial transportation whenever feasible. Commercial transportation should be licensed and protected by liability insurance. – When using private passenger vehicles, instruct drivers in safe driving practices before each outing. Ensure that each vehicle is in safe operating condition and properly insured and that each person in the vehicle uses a seat belt. Each driver should be a licensed, responsible adult. – Ensure that at least two adult supervisors are present at every activity. The number of adult supervisors will vary depending on the type of activity and the maturity and number of participants. – Notify the bishop and stake president promptly if an accident, illness, or injury occurs on Church property or during a Church-sponsored activity. If the accident involves serious injury, notify the Risk Management Division at Church headquarters (telephone 1-801-240- 4049 or 1-800-453-3860, extension 2-4049).

4. BSA’s Sweet Sixteen for Safety http://www.lds.org/callings/aaronic-priesthood/leader-resources/scouting FROM THE BSA: These 16 points, which embody good judgment and common sense, are applicable to all activities. 1.QUALIFIED SUPERVISION - Every BSA activity should be supervised by a conscientious adult who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of the children and youth in his or her care. The supervisor should be sufficiently trained, experienced, and skilled in the activity to be confident of his/her ability to lead and to teach the necessary skills and to respond effectively in the event of an emergency. Field knowledge of all applicable BSA standards and a commitment to implement and follow BSA policies and procedures are essential parts of the supervisor's qualifications. 2.PHYSICAL FITNESS - For youth participants in any potentially strenuous activity, the supervisor should receive a complete health history from a health-care professional, parent, or guardian. Adult participants and youth involved in higher-risk activity (e.g., scuba) may require professional evaluation in addition to the health history. The supervisor should adjust all supervision, discipline, and protection to anticipate potential risks associated with individual health conditions. Neither youth nor adults should participate in activities for which they are unfit. To do so would place both the individual and others at risk. 3.BUDDY SYSTEM - The long history of the buddy system in Scouting has shown that it is always best to have at least one other person with you and aware at all times as to your circumstances and what you are doing in any outdoor or strenuous activity. 4.SAFE AREA OR COURSE - A key part of the supervisor's responsibility is to know the area or course for the activity and to determine that it is well-suited and free of hazards. 5.EQUIPMENT SELECTION AND MAINTENANCE - Most activity requires some specialized equipment. The equipment should be selected to suit the participant and the activity and to include appropriate safety and program features. The supervisor should also check equipment to determine that it is in good condition for the activity and is properly maintained while in use. 6.PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT - The supervisor must ensure that every participant has and uses the appropriate personal safety equipment. For example, activity afloat requires a life jacket properly worn by each participant; bikers, horseback riders, and whitewater kayakers need helmets for certain activities; skaters may need protective gear; and all need to be dressed for warmth and utility depending on the circumstances.

5. BSA’s Sweet Sixteen (cont’d) 7.SAFETY PROCEDURES AND POLICIES - For most activities, there are common-sense procedures and standards that can greatly reduce the risk. These should be known and appreciated by all participants, and the supervisor must ensure compliance. 8.SKILL LEVEL LIMITS - There is a minimum skill level requirement for every activity, and the supervisor must identify and recognize this minimum skill level and be sure that no participants are put at risk by attempting an activity beyond their ability. A good example of skill levels in Scouting is the venerable swim test, which defines conditions for safe swimming based on individual ability. 9.WEATHER CHECK - The risk factors in many outdoor activities vary substantially with weather conditions. These variables and the appropriate response should be understood and anticipated. 10.PLANNING - Safe activity follows a plan that has been conscientiously developed by the experienced supervisor or other competent source. Good planning minimizes risks and also anticipates contingencies that may require emergency response or a change of plan. 11.COMMUNICATIONS - The supervisor needs to be able to communicate effectively with participants as needed during the activity. Emergency communications also need to be considered in advance for any foreseeable contingencies. 12.PLANS AND NOTICES - BSA tour and activity plans, council office registration, government or landowner authorization, and any similar formalities are the supervisor's responsibility when such are required. Appropriate notification should be directed to parents, enforcement authorities, landowners, and others as needed, before and after the activity. 13.FIRST-AID RESOURCES - The supervisor should determine what first-aid supplies to include among the activity equipment. The level of first-aid training and skill appropriate for the activity should also be considered. An extended trek over remote terrain obviously may require more first-aid resources and capabilities than an afternoon activity in the local community. Whatever is determined to be needed should be available.

6. BSA’s Sweet Sixteen (cont’d) 9.APPLICABLE LAWS - BSA safety policies generally run parallel or go beyond legal mandates, but the supervisor should confirm and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations or statutes. 10.CPR RESOURCE - Any strenuous activity or remote trek could present a cardiac emergency. Aquatics programs may involve cardiopulmonary emergencies. The BSA strongly recommends that a CPR-trained person (preferably an adult) be part of the leadership for any BSA program. Such a resource should be available for strenuous outdoor activity. 11.DISCIPLINE - No supervisor is effective if he or she cannot control the activity and the individual participants. Youth must respect their leader and follow his or her direction. In addition to these general rules, safety concerns in certain BSA activities, including most of the aquatics programs, have been specifically addressed in more detailed guidelines. All leaders should review and comply with such guidelines in the respective activities. Examples can be found in publications such as the Guide to Safe Scouting, Chemical Fuel and Equipment Policies, Safe Swim Defense, etc. Guide to Safe Scouting, Chemical Fuel and Equipment Policies, Safe Swim Defense, etc.

7. BSA - Unauthorized and Restricted Activities 1.All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are banned from program use. The exception is council-approved ATV programs. They are not approved for unit use. ATVs are defined as motorized recreational cycles with three or four large, soft tires, designed for off-road use on a variety of terrains. 2.Boxing, karate, and related martial arts—except judo, aikido, and Tai Chi—are not authorized activities. 3.Chainsaws and mechanical log splitters may be authorized for use only by trained individuals over the age of 18, using proper protective gear in accordance with local laws. 4.Exploration of abandoned mines is an unauthorized activity. 5.Varsity football teams and interscholastic or club football competition and activities are unauthorized activities. 6.Fireworks secured, used, or displayed in conjunction with program and activities is unauthorized except where the fireworks display is conducted under the auspices of a certified or licensed fireworks control expert. 7.The selling of fireworks as a fund-raising or moneyearning activity by any group acting for or on behalf of members, units, or districts may not be authorized by councils. 8.Flying in hang gliders, ultralights, experimental aircraft, or hot-air balloons (nontethered); parachuting; and flying in aircraft as part of a search and rescue mission are unauthorized activities. Tethered hot-air balloon flights are authorized, and a flying plan must be submitted. 9.Motorized go-carts and motorbike activities are unauthorized for Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs. Go- carting conducted at a commercial facility that provides equipment and supervision of cart operation is authorized upon submittal of a completed tour and activity plan. Participating in motorized speed events, including motorcycles, boats, drag racing, demolition, derbies, and related events are not authorized activities for any program level. 10.Participation in amateur or professional rodeo events and council or district sponsorship of rodeos are not authorized.

8. BSA - Unauthorized and Restricted Activities (cont’d ) 11.Pointing any type of firearm or simulated firearm at any individual is unauthorized. Scout units may plan or participate in paintball, laser tag or similar events where participants shoot at targets that are neither living nor human representations…… The use of paintball guns, laser guns or similar devices may be utilized in target shooting events with council approval and following the Sweet 16 of BSA Safety…… 12.Hunting is not an authorized Cub Scout or Boy Scout activity, although hunting safety is part of the program curriculum. (Venturing crews and hunt in certain circumstances with the right training and approvals) 13.Motorized personal watercraft (PWC), such as Jet-Skis®, are not authorized for use in Scouting aquatics, and their use should not be permitted in or near BSA program areas. The exception is council-approved PWC programs. They are not approved for unit use. 14.…….firearms should not be in the possession of any person engaged in camping, hiking, backpacking, or any other Scouting activity other than those specifically planned for target shooting under the supervision of a certified firearms instructor. (Among the purposes of this policy is to prohibit adult leaders from bringing firearms on BSA camping and hiking activities or to unit meetings.) 15.Parasailing, or any activity in which a person is carried aloft by a parachute, parasail, kite, or other device towed by a motorboat, including a tube, or by any other means, is unauthorized. 16.All activities related to bungee cord jumping (sometimes called shock cord jumping). 17.Technical tree-climbing with ropes or harnesses is not authorized as an activity. 18.Water chugging and related activities are not authorized for any program level.

9. Varsity/Teacher Mapping www.ldsbsa.org Resources/Traditional Scouting/Varsity Scouting Tabs

11. Varsity Scout Program Features Varsity Scouting is a values-based program. Young men become interested in Scouting for many reasons including: -High adventure -Participation in sports activities The Varsity Scouting program answers by offering a yearly calendar filled with great program features. Adventure and activities are enriched to provide its members with the widest opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership. Every Varsity Scout team consistently uses five fields of emphasis. They are equal to one another in importance. They should be balanced in the team’s program offerings.

12. Varsity Scout – 5 Fields of Emphasis 1.Advancement Varsity Scouts utilize the same advancement program as Boy Scouts and may continue to work on the requirements for rank and merit badges as they progress towards the Eagle Scout rank. They may also receive recognition offered through the 50-Miler Award, Mile Swim, and other BSA recognitions. Awards available only for Varsity Scouts include the Varsity Scout Letter and the Denali Award. 2.High Adventure/Sports Varsity Scout teams plan and take part in challenging physical and mental activities. These endeavors are as wide ranging as snow camping, whitewater rafting, backpacking, swimming, and roller hockey. 3.Personal Development Varsity Scouting stresses personal development through spiritual growth, leadership, citizenship, social, cultural, and physical fitness activities. Varsity Scouts may also take part in opportunities emphasizing conservation, academics, and scholarship. 4.Service Team members carry out service projects that benefit their chartered organization, their com- munity, the environment, and needy individuals. 5.Special Programs and Events Varsity Scouts can take part in special programs and events on the district, council, regional, and national levels. They are eligible to attend national and world jamborees.

13. Team Organization An important feature of Varsity Scouting is that it offers leadership opportunities to virtually every team member. Teams – The team is an entire Varsity Scout unit with youth members and adult leaders. The team captain (typically the Teachers Quorum President) conducts meetings and works with adult leaders (the team Coach, assistant Coach and Committee members) to develop and carry out an effective program. Squads – Larger teams may be divided into squads, or groups similar to Boy Scout patrols. Squads function most efficiently when they have five to seven members, a good size to take maximum advantage of a variety of activities and have plenty of opportunities for members to serve as leaders.

14. Priesthood/Varsity Positions Priesthood PositionVarsity Position Teachers Quorum PresidentTeam Captain Teachers Quorum CounselorsCo-Captain, Squad Leaders or Program Managers YM Presidency 1st Counselor (adult)Varsity Coach Teachers Quorum Advisor (adult)Varsity Assistant Coach

16. Conduct team meetings under the guidance of the Coach Preside at team leadership meetings Select and appoint program managers with the approval of the Coach. The captain may also serve as a program manager on a small team. Coordinate activities with program managers Maintain the spirit of the team in all activities Set a good example of the ideals of Scouting Encourage team members to advance along the Eagle trail Wear the Scout uniform correctly Live by the Scout Oath and Law Show Scout spirit Position Description: Team Captain

17. Program Planning Team members discuss and select program features that they want to accomplish during the following year at an annual program planning clinic. Varsity Scout teams plan program features and then devote their energies to them for a three-month period. Each high- adventure feature leads to an ultimate adventure, such as an extended backpacking trek. It is suggested that (youth) leaders have regular planning meetings with adult (shadow) leaders attending the meetings. These are called chalk talks. Youth leaders will assign specific tasks in the five fields of emphasis regarding areas of interest for the programs that have been selected. There are no requirements for specific Varsity programs. Team leaders will select requirements specific to the needs of their team members. In the BSA’s Varsity Guide Book they show examples of eight of 27 potential programs and how they apply to the five fields of emphasis (Item No. 34827, pages 30-37). Teams may also design and carry out their own programs based on the needs of the members of their team using the 5 fields of emphasis. There is no time limit for a specific program. Different programs may be run simultaneously.

18. Mapping Your Varsity Program to Mutual/Priesthood Programs Monthly ActivitiesActivity Advancement High Adventure/Sp orts Personal DevelopmentService Special Programs Week 1Joint ActivityXXXX Week 2ServiceXXX? Week 3Mid/Long Project Planning XXXX? Week 4Duty to GodXX? 1 X per month CampingXXXXX

20. Fulfilling My Duty to God

21. Purpose of the DTG Program Strengthen your testimony and your relationship with God Learn and Fulfill your priesthood duties Apply standards from For The Strength of Youth

22. Focus on Who They are Becoming Learn Act Share

23. Teacher Focus Areas Spiritual Strength – Pray and study the scriptures – Live worthily – Understand doctrine Priesthood duties – Administer priesthood ordinances – Serve others – Invite all to Come unto Christ Education – Create a project from the section titled “Education” in For the Strength of Youth

24. Appendix

25. Youth Leadership Positions An important feature of Varsity Scouting is that it offers leadership opportunities to virtually every team member. A Varsity Scout should never receive leadership responsibilities without the training he needs to succeed. Each youth leadership position should have an adult counterpart on the team com- mittee who works with the youth leader in a partner- ship similar to what an athlete and a coach enjoy. With training and coaching, every Varsity Scout will do his best in succeeding as a leader. The primary leadership positions in a Varsity Scout team are: captain may either be appointed by adult leaders or elected by team members. A team captain typically serves a term of six to 12 months. This individual must have an understanding of Varsity Scouting and should take advantage of training opportunities from the Coach, team committee, district, and council. The captain seeks out and relies upon the guidance of the Team Coach. He serves as an example for other team members by adhering to the ideals of the scout oath, law, motto and slogan. He must maintain a positive attitude and encourage others to fulfill their commitments to the team. He strives to be a team builder and recognizes the strengths and weak- nesses of each team member. Position Description: Team Captain Conduct team meetings under the guidance of the Coach Preside at team leadership meetings Select and appoint program managers with the approval of the Coach. The captain may also serve as a program manager on a small team. Coordinate activities with program managers Maintain the spirit of the team in all activities Set a good example of the ideals of Scouting Encourage team members to advance along the Eagle trail Wear the Scout uniform correctly Live by the Scout Oath and Law Show Scout spirit

26. Team Cocaptain The Cocaptain of a team may be appointed by the team Coach or elected by team members. He should have the same qualifications as the team captain, and be ready to fill in for the captain whenever the captain is not able to fulfill his responsibilities. To ensure the smooth operation of the team and the best experience for all Varsity Scouts, the team captain and Coach may assign certain responsibilities to the Cocaptain. Position Description: Team Cocaptain Preside at meetings when the team Team captain Team cocaptain (optional) Squad leaders Program managers Team Captain The youth leader of a Varsity Scout team is the captain. Depending on the traditions of the team, the Page 6 captain is absent Assume special assignments made by the coach and captain Set a good example of the ideals of Scouting Wear the Scout uniform correctly Live by the scout oath and law Show Scout spirit

27. Squad Leader When a Varsity Scout team is divided into squads, each squad elects one of its members to serve as its leader. A Varsity Scout squad leader conducts squad meetings similar to a patrol leader in a scout troop. This individual ensures participation of the squad at all team activities, and represents the squad at team leadership meetings. Position Description: Squad Leader Conduct squad meetings Represent the squad at team leader meetings Lead the squad during team activities Maintain the spirit of the team in all activities Set a good example of the ideals of Scouting Encourage squad members to advance along the Eagle trail Wear the Scout uniform correctly. Live by the Scout Oath and Law. Show Scout spirit.

28. Program Managers Every Varsity Scout team has five program manag- ers – one Varsity Scout in charge of each field of emphasis. Each program manager works closely with an adult program adviser who is also a mem- ber of the team committee. With the adviser’s help, the program manager plans, organizes, and leads the activities of his field of emphasis. He reports to the team captain regarding his activities, plans, and concerns. The program manager’s greatest challenge is to see that every Varsity Scout is involved in his particular field of emphasis. Other Youth Positions The following Varsity Scout leadership positions can be filled as needed. The team captain makes these appointments with the Coach’s approval. Scribe Librarian Historian Quartermaster Order of the Arrow team representative Bugler Chaplain aide Instructor Den Chief

29. Adult Leadership Positions A Varsity Scout team is designed to put youth mem- bers in leadership roles. An adult counterpart then supports each of those roles. For instance, the Coach supports the captain, and the adult program adviser for advancement supports the young man serving as program advancement manager. The ideal adults for team leadership positions are parents or guardians of team members and/or mem- bers of the chartered organization. A strong team will involve as many adults as possible in its leader- ship. If a team is small, adults may hold more than one adult team leadership position. Varsity Scout Coach The key adult leader of a Varsity Scout team is the Coach. Sometimes in the middle of activities but more often from the sidelines, the Coach tries very hard to make it possible for Varsity Scouts to work together as effective team players who live accord- ing to the principles of Scouting. The chartered organization must give careful thought to the re- sponsibilities of a Varsity Scout Coach and select a candidate who will do his or her best to fulfill these obligations. Position Description: Varsity Scout Coach Become trained for your position Train and guide Varsity Scout youth leaders to run their teams Involve the parents of team members to maximize the effectiveness of Varsity Scouting Attend all team meetings and activities Guide team leaders in planning the program Conduct Coaches conferences for rank advancement with each Varsity Scout Meet and work with the team committee Help recruit assistant team Coaches Take advantage of available training opportunities Page 7 Attend roundtables to share ideas with other Coaches in the district and council Maintain the principles and rules of the Boy Scouts of America Wear the Scout uniform correctly

30. Assistant Varsity Scout Coaches A team may have as many assistant Coaches as it deems necessary. Assistant Coaches often possess special skills that enhance the team’s activities, and they can serve as valuable resources in carrying out the Varsity Scout program. The chartered organization must give the same care to choosing assistant Coaches as it does to selecting a Varsity Scout Coach. Position Description: Assistant Varsity Scout Coach Coaches and assistant Coaches of other teams in the district and council Train squad leaders Meet and work with the team committee Fill in for the Coach when the Coach is absent Maintain the principles and rules of the Boy Scouts of America Wear the Scout uniform correctly Become trained for your position Position Description: Program Adviser Serve on the team committee Guide and mentor a youth program manager of a specific field of emphasis Complete all training that is available for the adult Varsity Scout leader Set an example for youth members by maintaining the principles and rules of the Boy Scouts of America Become trained for your position Assume duties assigned by the Coach Take advantage of available training opportunities Attend roundtables to share ideas with

31. Varsity Team Committee Member A team may have as many committee members as it deems necessary. A good functioning committee of qualified adults takes the burden of running the Varsity team off of the Varsity Coach and Assistant Coaches. Committee members should be trained and willing to attend district round tables and team functions and activities.