Alamo Area Council

 
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BSA’s SAFE Checklist for Units

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Scouts and their parents expect all Boy Scouts of America activities to be conducted safely. To ensure the safety of participants, the Boy Scouts of America expects leaders to use the four points of SAFE when delivering the Scouting program.

 

SUPERVISION

  • Accepting responsibility for the well-being and safety of youth under their care.
  • Ensuring that adults are adequately trained, experienced, and skilled to lead the activity, including the ability to prevent and respond to likely problems and
    potential emergencies.
  • Knowing and delivering the program of the Boy Scouts of America with integrity.
  • Using qualified instructors, guides, or safety personnel as needed to provide additional guidance.
  • Maintaining engagement with participants during activities to ensure compliance with established rules and procedures.

 

  • Predetermining what guidance and standards are typically applied to the activity, including those specific to the Boy Scouts of America program.
  • Planning for safe travel to and from the activity site.
  • Validating the activity is age appropriate for the Boy Scouts of America program level.
  • Determining whether the unit has sufficient training, resources, and experience to meet the identified standards, and if not, modifying the activity accordingly.
  • Developing contingency plans for changes in weather and environment and arranging for communication with participants, parents, and emergency services.
  • Confirming the activity is right for the age, maturity, and physical abilities of participants.
  • Considering as risk factors temporary or chronic health conditions of participants.
  • Validating minimum skill requirements identified during planning and ensuring participants stay within the limits of their abilities.
  • Providing training to participants with limited skills and assessing their skills before they attempt more advanced skills.

 

EQUIPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT

Safe and appropriately sized equipment, courses, camps, campsites, trails, or playing fields are used properly. Leaders periodically check gear use and the environment for changing conditions that could affect safety.

Confirming participants’ clothing is appropriate for expected temperatures, sun exposure, weather events, and terrain.
Providing equipment that is appropriately sized for participants, is in good repair, and is used properly.
Ensuring personal and group safety equipment is available, properly fitted, and used consistently and in accordance with training.
Reviewing the activity area for suitability during planning and immediately before use, and monitoring the area during the activity through supervision.
Adjusting the activity for changing conditions or ending it if safety cannot be maintained.

Download a copy of this form for your Leader Resourses

 

Council Led Activities and Camps – Keeping You Updated

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Many of you may have already noticed that we have canceled some Cub Scout programming in April and removed Session 3 from the Bear Creek Summer Camp page and are wondering why? We are adjusting our focus from quantity to quality and redesigning the Adventures that we offer.

Why are we doing this? Membership in the BSA as a whole had a very large decline during the pandemic and we are still recovering.  National BSA membership dropped from over 2 million scouts to just over 700,000 scouts.  We have grown to over a million scouts since then but getting us back to our pre-pandemic numbers is going to take time. We are thankful for the many leaders and parents out there working with us locally and nationally to help the BSA grow so that we can continue to reach as many youth as possible. Many other councils are considering making the same tough decisions we are making now. (CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP)

What does this mean for Bear Creek Scouts BSA Summer Camp? We have made the choice to remove Session 3 and run 2 full weeks of camp this year. We are working very hard to ensure that we have a full summer camp staff this year to be able to provide the quality program that we promise to each and every one of our scouts and leaders. We have been pushing this all year (I’m sure you have seen the emails or you talked to us at CWC at our in person recruitment table). If we run more weeks with low attendance numbers, we have to start trimming down our staff and that means cutting the number of classes we offer or limiting our programs.  Is running a week with less program and staff doable?  Yes, absolutely, but is it the best use of our resources?  Not necessarily. For one, it creates tired staff that is stretched thin trying to provide the same quality of program that we could provide with a full staff. We believe having the full program and the full staff and a full camp for 2 weeks is the better choice.

What does this mean for Akela Adventure Camp? We are committed to running two full sessions of Akela Adventure Camp! Please note that this camp has been moved from our regular time slot in July to being our first camp in June. Our staff and camp is ready to host you this summer! Session 1 Session 2

What does this mean for Cub Scout Day Camp? We are running 3 full weeks at McGimsey Scout Park (2 day camps and 1 twilight camp), our Boerne Day Camp, our Canyon Lake Day Camp, our Tiger Day Camp and our Lion Welcome Event in 2023.  We will be reviewing these events to see if they should continue into the 2024 schedule or if we should consider redesigning them.

What does this mean for events going forward? As we said above, our focus this year and in 2024 for the AAC Outdoor Adventures is “Quality over Quantity”. Meaning that we are going to decrease the number of smaller events we run and we are going to focus on running larger events very well.  When we say decrease, we don’t mean we are removing any of the program that we have run before – we plan to combine them into larger events where more programming options are available for you to choose from. Our goal is to be smart with our resources. When we mention the word “resources” many people automatically think of financial resources. As a “Volunteer Led Organization that is Professionally Advised” we are talking about our adult leaders and professional staff. When our youth membership dropped so did our adult membership, ultimately affecting the number of volunteers available to provide Council level program. Did we stop running that program? No, we just asked a number of volunteers to help out with more than they were doing before, stretching them more than necessary.  By combining these smaller events into larger ones we are combining committees and groups of volunteers into a larger force to help.

We hope that you can understand the direction we are moving in and will continue to support us.  We are always looking for help and ideas. If you want to be a part of where the Alamo Area Council Outdoor Adventures is going in 2023 and 2024, please reach out to us at Adventure@AlamoAreaBSA.org

We encourage you to register to attend Cub Scout Day Camp, Akela Adventure Camp (WEBELOS Resident Camp) or the 2 weeks of Scouts BSA Summer Camp that our camp staff has been working very hard to prepare for you.  Our Campmaster Corps, Rangers, Properties Committee, NCAP Committee, and even some of our youth and adult unit volunteers have been up at Bear Creek and at McGimsey Scout Park working to prepare the camps for you. We are ready for the most exciting year of camp in 2023, are you?!!!

Thank You Pack 102, Troop 323, Troop 405, Troop 471, Campmasters and BCSC Ranger For a Successful Bear Creek Bash March 2023!

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The Bear Creek Bash is a bi-annual service day held at BCSC, Hunt, Texas.  Local scout units are invited to attend and help with various conservation and maintenance projects needing to be done to improve and maintain the camp.  One weekend is scheduled in the Spring and a second event is held in the Fall.  Units may come for the day or camp over the weekend. Projects are directed by the Alamo Area Council, camp ranger and with the input of the Campmaster Corps.

The Bear Creek Bash volunteer service event held Saturday, March 25, 2023.

We expected to handle a variety of projects over the weekend including painting, brush pile removal, brush cutting, power washing, handrail repair, debris removal.  Our results far exceeded our expectations.

We had the following units supplying approximately 102 scouts and scouters, Pack 102, Troop 323, Troop 405 and Troop 471.  In addition, the various crews attending the Bear Creek Adventure backpacking excursion donated an hour of service per attendee, adding about 40 more man hours.  In all an estimated 536 man-hours were dedicated to camp service over the weekend.  The units are to be commended for an incredible weekend of dedicated service!

The following are the items that were completed over the weekend.

 

  • John Deere tractor was repaired. Tire had been driven off of it.
  • Tree debris was removed from the front of the Goodman ring.
  • Rebar was repaired at the river crossing and caliche was placed over the exposed area.
  • Green, Red and Blue gates were painted.
  • Dining hall loading dock was power washed, sealed and painted (1 more coat needed).
  • Brush/tree debris in camp sites was moved to roadside for future mulching. (04/29/23).
  • Painted last exterior wall of handicraft building (90% complete).
  • Cleared large brush pile by third crossing.
  • Cleared more ash juniper by third crossing.
  • Approximately 40 trailer loads of brush was removed.
  • Cleared five trailer loads of construction debris from behind valley restrooms.
  • Cleared deadfall from water line on Rickenbacker hillside, allowing ranger to complete repair.
  • Dug out broken sewage line at Starlight restrooms, allowing ranger to complete repair.
  • Handrail on staff trail was surveyed for supply needs.
  • Refrigeration units at conference center were surveyed for repair needs.
  • White suburban was inspected and worked on. 

The next Campmaster workday will be April 29, 2023, when we hope to have a mulcher rented to address piles of brush by the campsites.  In addition, we plan to address the handrail on staff trail.

Yours in Scouting,

The Campmaster Corps

In addition to this day of service, more volunteer work has been happening before this at Bear Creek in order to prepare the camp for Summer Camp.  The following are items that have been completed:

  • Purchased a new Kiln for the Handicrafts and rewired the Handicrafts building.
  • Painted portions of Handicrafts building and replaced the broken window.
  • Installed a new sink and vanity in both bathrooms at Handicrafts.
  • Repaired the Truss in the pool area.
  • Repaired the main water leak in the lower valley.
  • Repaired the main water leak in the upper valley from the Rickenbacker side.
  • Installed valve at the bottom of the hill near the commissioners area, making it easier to shut down areas of water as needed instead of the whole side of the camp.

Our ranger staff is working on repairing and working on changing the flow of the water at the camp so that it is easier to repair when breaks happen.

 

If you are interested in helping with projects at Bear Creek Scout Camp and you are a member of the Order of the Arrow – Please register to attend the May Induction Weekend where service to the camp will be provided. If you are not a member of the Order of the Arrow but would like to provide service to the camp – Please email us at BearCreek@AlamoAreaBSA.org and we will get you connected with the group.

Press Release: Alamo Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America Distributes over $95,000 Worth of Popcorn to Local Military Organizations

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/23/23

Alamo Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America Distributes over $95,000
Worth of Popcorn to Local Military Organizations

San Antonio, TX – The Alamo Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is pleased to announce that it has distributed more than $95,000 worth of popcorn products to local heroes and military organizations including the USO and Fisher House. The Pecatonica River popcorn products were generously donated by patrons during the BSA’s annual popcorn sale, which raises funds for various scouting activities.

The BSA’s popcorn sale is an annual fundraising event that enables Scouts of all ages to raise support for their units, summer camp, equipment and supplies, and fees. Each year, patrons have the option to donate their purchases to military and community heroes, and with their help and the support of our popcorn vendor, Pecatonica River, the BSA was able to provide a significant amount of support to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving others.

Scouts are proud to have a long history of supporting military personnel, and this year’s distribution is a testament to the commitment of our local community in sharing that support with those who need it most. The USO and Fisher House are both well-known military organizations that provide valuable services and resources to military families and veterans.

The Fisher House is a residential facility that offers a comfortable, supportive environment for military families to stay while their veterans receive care in VA hospitals. The USO, on the other hand, offers various services and programs that aim to uplift and support the morale and welfare of service members and their families. Both organizations are vital to the well-being of military personnel, and the Alamo Area Council is honored to be able to contribute to their efforts.

The Boy Scouts of America is grateful to everyone who donated to this year’s popcorn sale, and would like to thank the USO and Fisher House for their continued dedication to supporting our military families and veterans.

Photos are available below, or you can visit our Flickr account at https://www.flickr.com/photos/alamoareabsa/albums/72177720306887032
Video clips of the distribution at https://youtu.be/Ym31lYJzeC4

Contact:
Jennifer Arntson, Publicist
Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council, Inc
(210) 394-9915
Jennifer.Arntson@Scouting.org

        

About Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council, Inc.: Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the Alamo Area Council serves a 13-county area imparting the Scouting program to over 16,000 youth and 2,400 volunteer adults in South Texas. The Boy Scouts of America continue to prepare young people for life by providing the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, utilizing outdoor activity, citizenship, and fitness. The Alamo Area Council manages over 1,500 acres of outdoor adventure for boys and girls from 5-20 years of age at three premier camps – Bear Creek Scout Reservation, Mays Family Scout Ranch, and McGimsey Scout Park. Learn more at www.AlamoAreaBSA.org.

 

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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.

Scouting Adventures