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A Must Know for Leaders – Guide for Safe Scouting Effective September 1, 2023

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What is the Guide to Safe Scouting?

Guide to Safe Scouting is, is the BSA’s resource for leaders that contains policies and guidelines for Scouting activities created to keep the youth in the program safe. Find this document at https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/gss/. It is important to only use the online version to get the most current version of the resource. 

Updated Guidelines, Effective September 1, 2023

Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including all meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth or female adult program participants.   

Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.   

All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered in an adult fee required position as listed or as an adult program participant. Limited exception below for Cub Scout overnight Programs.    

See FAQ for list of adult fee-required positions.  Registration as a Merit Badge Counselor does not meet this requirement.  

Cub Scout Programs – Overnight Exception: Cub Scout parents or legal guardians taking part in an overnight Cub Scout program with their own child or legal ward are not required to register as leaders. All adults must review the “How to Protect your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” that can be found in the front of each Cub Scout Handbook. In addition, the parent or legal guardian must be accompanied by a registered leader at any time they are with youth members other than their own child/ward.  All other overnight adults must be currently registered in an adult fee-required position.  

How to Become a Registered Adult Leader in the Alamo Area Council

The BSA is open to all who meet the requirements, and leaders are selected based on individual merit. Adult leaders must possess the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the BSA deems necessary for positive leadership to youth. Before submitting their completed application packet to their unit leadership, adult applicants must also: 

  • Abide by the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Scouter Code of Conduct. The Scouter Code of Conduct can be found at www.scouting.org/health-andsafety/gss/bsa-scouter-code-of-conduct/ 
  • Subscribe to the precepts of the Declaration of Religious Principle. 
  • Reside within the USA or a U.S. territory, or be a U.S. citizen residing outside the USA. 
  • Be 21 years of age or older for primary leadership positions. 
  • Be 18 years of age or older for assistant leadership positions. 
  • Complete online Youth Protection training (YPT) and Leader Specific Training by going to my.scouting.org and creating an account. 
  • Completed application.

Your completed application packet to your unit leaders for further processing. Items must include:

    • Completed adult application: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/524-501.pdf
    • Completed and signed Background Check Authorization form. 
    • A printed copy of your Youth Protection Training certificate.
    • A printed copy of your position-specific training certificate. 
    • Registration fees.

A Must Know for Cub Scout Leaders – Guide for Safe Scouting Update 2023

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The Boy Scouts of America has issued some clarifications for Cub Scout Camping that our units need to be aware of. If you have questions about these, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Adventure@alamoareabsa.org Clarifications are bolded below but be sure to be knowledgeable about the entire document.

For those who might be unaware of what the Guide to Safe Scouting is, it is the BSA’s resource for leaders that contains policies and guidelines for Scouting activities. It’s always a good idea to reacquaint yourself with this important document, after all, the Guide to Safe Scouting is just that – a document created to keep the youth in the program safe.

Additional Guidelines Specifically for Cub Scout Unit-Coordinated Camping

  • Cub Scout camping is limited to their council’s designated locations with appropriate facilities.
    • Councils use Pack Overnight Campout Site Appraisal Form (www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/430-90218-PackOvernightForm_Fillable.pdf) to review and designate locations.
    • Units can request from their council a site appraisal but cannot do their own appraisal.
  • Cub Scout pack unit coordinated camping is limited to single overnight experiences.
  • Cub Scout camping is a family-centric program.
  • Cub Scout youth may tent with a parent or guardian as outlined in Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse.
  • Cub Scout youth should attend the camping event with their parent(s)/ guardian(s).
    • Lions and Tigers must have their adult partner present to take part.
    • For all other ranks: only in exceptional circumstances, a Cub Scout whose parent or legal guardian cannot attend a unit overnight camping trip may participate under the supervision of another registered adult member of the BSA, a parent of a Cub Scout who is also attending. The unit leader and a parent or legal guardian must agree to the arrangement, and all Youth Protection policies apply. At no time may another adult accept responsibility for more than one additional “non family member” youth.
    • Webelos and Arrow of Light Den Camping: Each Scout should attend with their parent(s) or guardian(s). A Webelos or Arrow of Light Scout whose parent or legal guardian cannot attend a den overnight camping trip may participate under the supervision of at least two registered leaders. The leaders and a parent or legal guardian must agree to the arrangement, and all Youth Protection policies apply.
  • Only Webelos and Arrow of Light dens may conduct den-coordinated campouts. Den camping only includes the Webelos or Arrow of Light youth. As with pack-coordinated campouts, the den must have a BALOO-trained adult leader in attendance and all Youth Protection policies apply.
  • Webelos/Arrow of Light Den Camping may participate and camp at a Scouts BSA troop unit campout. All Cub Scout camping requirements still apply, including the den must have a BALOO-trained adult leader in attendance and all Youth Protection policies apply.
  • Webelos/Arrow of Light Dens may only participate at a Scouts BSA “camporee” as day visitors.

 

Helpful Links to Know

Guide to Safe Scouting link: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/gss/. It is important to only use the online version to get the most current version of the resource. 

Cub Scout Packs who camp, must have a minimum of one BALOO-trained leader at the campout. Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) trainings can be found at the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council’s Training Calendar.

Venturing, and Why You Need To Know About It

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One of the questions I have been asked most frequently since becoming involved with Venture Scouts three years ago, even from those involved with Scouting is, “What is Venturing?” The question tends to make me hesitate, how exactly do I go about describing what our Crew is? My go-to answer is that we are a Scouting unit that focuses more on outdoor activities and high adventure, but it really is so much more than that.

Most people, even those not involved with Scouts, recognize and are at least familiar with the programs of the Boy Scouts of America. They see the khaki uniform and probably think of knot-tying, camping, and earning merit badges. But when someone sees the dark green uniform shirt worn by Venture Scouts, even those involved with Scouts may not be familiar with the program. The Venturing Handbook describes Venturing as an “Adventure with a purpose” and I doubt I could come up with a better description myself. But what does that mean, “Adventure with a purpose”? Our goal as a Venturing Crew is to go out there and try new things, explore new places, and grow as individuals through adventure.

How do we go about that you might ask? The Venture Program is set up to help Scouts achieve this through leadership opportunities, giving back to the community, and personal growth. Unlike the Scouts BSA program, Venture Scouts don’t work on merit badges, but we do have a similar advancement program. Scouts earn a series of awards (the equivalent of ranks in other BSA programs), that have different participation, service hour, leadership, and training requirements. Each level invites the scout to participate in a personal reflection and set and achieve personal goals. The Venture Scouts also have the opportunity to help lead the Crew by running and serving in Crew Officer positions.

One of the main goals of the Venture Program is to give scouts the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Venturing is a youth-lead program. Each and every meeting and activity is planned by the scouts. Though the elected Crew leaders plan and run the meetings, every member of the Crew takes turns planning campouts and activities outside of our meetings.

Over the past three years, I have had the pleasure and the privilege of watching our youth grow and take on leadership roles that they normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to. Last summer one of our Crew members planned our road trip up to Colorado where we went to High Adventure camp at Camp Alexander. Not only did she plan the route we would take, but she planned our stops along the way, booked our hotel rooms, and came up with a budget for the drive. While we were there I was able to watch the girls encourage and push each other to try new things. I watched as they struggled up the side of the mountain at much higher altitudes than they were used to and make it to the top. They were able to climb up a rock face and overcome their fear of heights, raft down a river and experience the thrill of the rapids. They built new friendships and had new experiences they wouldn’t have been able to without the Venturing Program.

So to answer that commonly asked question, “What is Venturing?” I would say that the program is an opportunity for youth to learn and practice their leadership skills while pushing themselves to try new things, as well as, give back to the community through service along the way. That is what the Venturing Program is, Adventure with a purpose.

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Guest author:  Rachael Storms, joyful Woodbadge graduate, and Advisor for Crew 1779 of the Roadrunner District. Interested in finding out more about Venturing? Contact your District Executive or visit BeAScout.org to find one meeting near you.

We want to learn more about your stories of Adventures in Scouting! Send us your story and pictures at Scouting@AlamoAreaBSA.org.

An Eagle Scout Project 8,000 Miles from Home Connects a Scout with his Heritage

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My name is Jaedon, I am a tenth grader in San Antonio, Texas. I have been a Scout since I was 7 years old. Over the years I have graduated from a Cub Scout to a Scouts BSA. It has been a wonderful journey, Scouting gave me an opportunity for outdoor adventures like rock climbing, kayaking, Caving, Camping, and many more things. The life skills I have learned along the way are invaluable. A combination of merit badges, meetings, and campouts has given me these necessary skills. For me, the most memorable part of scouting was the comradery it created between us Scouts as we went through the ranks together.

As part of my Eagle Project requirement, I was required to do a service project. I have been looking forward to a project that would be beneficial to society and at the same time use the skills I have learned along the way. I wanted the project to challenge me and extend beyond my comfort zone. Why don’t I do my project in India? India is a country that is still developing economically and needs a lot of help in its educational sector. So, I decided that was the direction I wanted to go in. Since my parents are from India, I also thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more about my culture, and language, and spend some time making a stronger bond with my grandparents.

The Plan

The way I chose my project was quite a long road. I first got contacts to the Transatlantic Scout Organization from my counselor, Joseph Skop. They then gave me contacts to Asia Scouts, who then gave me contacts to the South Asia Scouts, and they gave me the Kerala Scout contact (southernmost state of India). Once I had that contact, they gave me contacts to local Scouts, and it would turn out by pure coincidence that their Scoutmaster was an ex-school teacher. So, he was able to link us with his school that could use some help.

The way it first started was with meetings with the school’s headmaster and finding out what the school needed and what we could reasonably do for it. Once we decided on that, we started with the details and logistics of each part. So we went back and forth between the headmaster and contractors, getting prices, dates, and any other information. We were able to do this because the timing of this project was perfect since it was during my summer vacation, This gave me the flexibility to make India calls that matched their convenience. India is almost 11 hours ahead of CST.

After we got everything set up, it was time to start fundraising. This was quite difficult for me, mainly because we were asking friends and family. I managed to get through this by an idea from my dad, which was to make a script and stick to it. I also sent a brochure with sufficient project information for them to peruse, before my calls. With this, I managed to raise more money than my initial goal.

Now everything was set, and the time had come to be there at the project location to execute. With the best fair we could secure, our travel itinerary called for 2 days in each direction. We went from San Antonio to Chicago to New York to Doha to Kerala. The round trip was three thousand per ticket. For such an expensive flight you would expect to get a premium trip experience. But no, it was a long and tiring journey with packed flights. On our return trip, there was a 20-hour layover at Doha. Even though it was challenging we still found a way to make it a memorable experience. Two of my dad’s classmates were living in Doha. We contacted them and requested to show us around the city and they graciously obliged.

On the Ground

Upon landing in Doha, we tried to get an exit visa, which usually should have been easy for an American citizen. However, since it was covid time, we had to go back and forth between immigration and the medical unit, to get our permit. Finally, the chief of airport security passed us through, and we were able to leave the airport. As promised, my dad’s friends picked us up, and showed us various sights in Doha including world cup soccer stadiums. Qatar is hosting the World Cup this year. The city looked much cleaner, and buildings were architecturally more interesting than that of New York. In the morning one of my dad’s friend showed us the FIFA command center, which was a state-of-the-art facility. It turned out that, he is the CIO of Qatar FIFA.

So, back to the project, over the last three months we had been talking with the headmaster, so I had become quite acquainted and close with him through our regular zoom calls. However, I had not met any one of them or the place in person prior to this. By then, I had all my plans ready, all contracts for material and labor were in place. I also had students, Scouts, and staff commitments to help with the project. As part of project preparation, I taught myself flooring the tiles, painting, electrical testing (India runs on 220 V electricity), building desk and bench models etc. We had scheduled some of the materials like sand, cement, and other supplies to be purchased and brought to the site prior to our arrival.

In India, buses, autos, taxis, and motorbikes are the most common modes of transportation. Not many people own cars. Our auto driver was a very helpful and resourceful man, if we ever needed something from town he would know where to get it. He would be like our personal chauffeur to the school, where he would drop us off and help us with any errands.

Getting Started

We arrived at the school on a Monday morning. The school was on a hill with a breathtaking view. The headmaster gave us a tour of the facility and introduced us to other staff and students. I got swarmed by the little kids asking questions, and one even wanted me to do their English homework! It was quite an interesting day. The original plan that we settled on with the headmaster was to renovate the cafeteria with A) a Drop ceiling B) Painting C) 10 Desks and benches D) Installing Windows panes with the extended goal of E) flooring and F) lights and fans. Our Plan was to finish the project in 2 weeks with an additional week for unforeseen delays and for any scope increases. We had collected funds more than we had planned for, even with the extended goal. On my tour of the school, I saw so many things that could help the school, so l included a few more to the projects like G) building 3 courts (Soccer, Volleyball, and Badminton) and H) Curtains for the school auditorium. The strong dollar (better exchange rate) during this time, also help me to take [on] these additional work [projects]. Each of these (A through H) formed mini projects and milestones.

When we arrived, some of the materials were already in place and students were ready to start the work. I gave a brief introduction of myself and laid out my plans for each of the sub-projects in detail with tasks, assigned team members, materials needed, corresponding contractor names, and when each item will be arriving. Each Project consists of multiple students from different classes so that they could take turns to help us during their free period. This allowed us to run the project continuously. Some of the tools were in school, some were brought from my home and some power tools were rented for the project.

We worked from 9 – 5 with a 1-hour lunch break and two, 15 minutes snack breaks. During break times we would do various things. I taught them sports, and they would show me what they do in India for fun, like what their favorite songs are. During lunch, we ordered nutritious and tasty local foods that the kids loved. We had first aid on site and sufficient water brought over from our grandparent’s home well. Every morning, we started our day by reviewing what was completed from the prior day (issues, pending work, and what went well), then we discussed what needs to be done for that day. At the end of the day, we paid contractors (once the work is completed or in increments) and any daily laborers we used. An entry was made into the accounting book, as soon as payment was made.

Every other day, we had a project review with the headmaster (Mr. Reji Pulickal), reviewing the progress, discussing the fund usage and balance, and adjusting the plans. In some of the discussions, members of the school management were also present. Once the cafeteria was fully furnished, we envisioned that it could double as a breakroom for board games and reading. We bought a few board games and 20+ books. At the end, we had a celebratory luncheon for the students and an inauguration attended by teachers, staff, students, management, local government officials, and parents without their help and support this would not have been successful.

During my project, we didn’t work on weekends. One weekend we decided to visit some family in Mumbai. I met my uncle, aunt, and my two cousins. We explored the city and visited so many cool places, like the Taj Mahal palace hotel and the gateway of India. I would definitely recommend going on a trip to Mumbai. Over my time there, I observed a few cultural differences. The way I would normally act in America is different in India. For instance, instead of “Mr. Blank,” you would say “Sir.” Shorts are not worn in a public setting. An Indian diet predominantly consists of vegetarian food and most people prepare food at home.

Reflections of the Project

I have been told that every good project has its challenges and problems. I didn’t believe this. I believed that if you plan thoroughly nothing can go wrong. I was sorely mistaken. My first problem occurred when the brother of the guy who was supposed to deliver the sand passed away, and because of that, he wasn’t able to deliver. However, we were able to quickly find another supplier at a lower cost with the relationship I had built by then. The next thing to go wrong was that the electricians called in sick, so we had to extend the project by a day. Another thing that went wrong happened when I got back from Mumbai. We found out that students were having tests and were not available for the next 2 days. Fortunately, I had a contingency plan, and I was able to re-sequence and brought in the Ceiling framers. So ya, no matter how hard you try to account for obstacles, there will still be unforeseen ones that sneak by and you have to be resourceful and quick thinking.

During my trip, I learned many new skills like accounting, detail planning, contract negotiation, project scheduling & coordination, team motivation, effective communication, and leadership skills. My father taught me how to keep records of expenses, and how to make contracts with workers. Before I went on the trip, I wanted to be able to speak a little better Malayalam (the native language of the state of Kerala), so I could communicate better. I took a two-week crash course before I went. I believe that having to adjust to a new culture, and being with people of a different language made me better at understanding and solving problems with different types of people and be more culturally tolerant.

Overall, this project planning took around eight weeks, and the execution, around 3 weeks. We had planned to raise $4,500, but thanks to many generous donors, we were able to raise $5,000. With detailed planning, careful accounting, creative negotiation, and the support of the donors, suppliers, staff, and students, I was able to deliver much more than the initial scope with budget and in time!

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We want to learn more about your stories of Adventures in Scouting! Send us your story and pictures at Scouting@AlamoAreaBSA.org.

Backup Belay is Required in All BSA COPE & Climbing Programs  

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Backup belay is required for all COPE and climbing programs that utilize a belay system. Recently, the BSA has seen an increase in incidents and near misses that were the result of either no backup belayer present or an inattentive backup belayer. Backup belayers are a key part of our climbing safety. In the event the belayer becomes unable to fulfill their responsibility, a backup belayer can take over the belay responsibility by applying tension on the friction device, which can prevent a fall.

In rare, natural-area instances where there is not enough space for a backup belayer, using trained belayers to belay with an assisted braking device or hitch is allowed. (Artificial climbing surfaces or elements that do not allow for a backup belay should be redesigned or have their operating procedures modified to meet this requirement.) In addition, an auto belay device (properly certified and inspected) can also be used.

Please review the Guide to Safe Scouting, NCAP Standard PS-206 and the Belay On Manual to review this critical requirement and share this information with your camp directors and COPE & Climbing council committees.

Questions? Email Andrea.Watson@Scouting.org.

 

You can make a HUGE impact in just 10-minutes

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 “A Scout carries out suggestions the more wholeheartedly when he understands their aim.” – Sir Robert Baden-Powell. 

We’ve all seen the statistics about the impact of Scouting among youth, but have you ever wondered how studies on the benefits of Scouting collect their data? They gather it from everyday folks like you and me by way of surveys. The Alamo Area Council captures information with Excel Beyond the Bell, whose focus is narrowed to youth who participate in after-school activities “Beyond the Bell.”

Nationally, data is often used by non-profit organizations like the BSA to advocate for increased access to developmental programs. Locally, the Beyond the Bell survey gives Bexar County youth access to programs they need to succeed – like Scouting. That’s where you come: As the parent or guardian of a child involved in Scouts, the Council humbly requests you take a few minutes to participate in the survey at Beyond the Bell.

How does this impact the Alamo Area Council and Scouting in San Antonio? 

When foundations and companies consider where to spend their charitable funds, they’ll turn to third-party researchers, like Beyond the Bell, for nonbiased data to ensure their donations are making the biggest impact within their communities. The Council needs a large sample size to illustrate a true representation of its impact. That’s why your participation is so critical!

Ok, I’ll help, but how? 

It’s easy. The first step is to obtain your child’s Student ID number. If you don’t know it already, you can request the information from your child’s school. Once you have that, go to Beyond the Bell and complete the survey for each child in your household.

Why does Beyond the Bell need my child’s Student ID number? 

The ID number ensures that the data collected is as accurate as possible. Utilizing the assigned number keeps the incoming data pure, and free of duplicates or inaccurate statistics – which is why donors trust the data provided by Beyond the Bell. For participants like us, the number provides an extra layer of autonomy, protecting any specific details about our family from outside parties.

Degression, and protection of information 

All collected information will go directly to Excel Beyond the Bell. It will NOT be shared with any persons or entity other than Excel Beyond the Bell – not even with us as a participating organization. Each year Excel Beyond the Bell publishes the results of its cumulative findings online. See the sample of what researchers see on the image to the right.

 

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