Youth Protection

Youth Protection Guidelines

In 1988, the National Council, Boy Scouts of America established Youth Protection Guidelines to address the problem of potential child-abuse situations within the program.  In Camp, the following procedures have been established to comply with Youth Protection Guidelines:

   Two-Deep Leadership –

           At all times, there must be two (2) adult leaders in camp in each campsite.  One of these adults must be over the age of 21 and a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America.  The other may be a parent of a Scout in the Unit.

           At no time should there be one-on-one contact between an adult and youth member.  Any one-on-one contacts (Scoutmaster Conferences, counseling, etc.) should be done in sight and with knowledge of at least one additional Adult Leader.

   Scout’s Right to Privacy – It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that Adults respect the privacy of Youth in regards to changing clothes, showering, sleeping arrangements, and vice-versa.

   Showers – We have separate shower and changing areas for youth and adults in camp.  Except in an emergency situation, adults should not enter the camper shower room.  In the event that it is necessary to do so (injury, fight, etc.) you should enter with another adult, if possible. 

   Sleeping arrangements – Youth and adults are not permitted to share tents in camp.  Youth must bunk with other youth, and                                                      adults with other adults.  In the situation where your Unit has an odd number of adults and youth, we will provide additional tents as needed.

   Hazing and Initiation – Initiations and Hazing, in any form, are not permitted in the Boy Scouts of America or in Camp.  Such activities do not promote the Aims and Purposes of the Boy Scouts of America and are considered to be abuse.

   Discipline – At no time should physical discipline, in any form, be used.  This includes having Scouts run laps, do push-ups, etc. as punishment.

   As Adult role models to the Scouts we serve, we must always be mindful that our words can sometimes hurt.  Emotional and psychological abuse has no place in Scouting, as well.