The BSA’s Commitment to Safety
We want you to know that the safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees is an important part of the Scouting experience. Youth develop traits of citizenship, character, fitness, and leadership during age-appropriate events when challenged to move beyond their normal comfort level, and discover their abilities. This is appropriate when risks are identified and mitigated.
The Scouting program, as contained in our handbooks and literature, integrates many safety features. However, no policy or procedure will replace the review and vigilance of trusted adults and leaders at the point of program execution.
Commit yourself to creating a safe and healthy environment by:
- Knowing and executing the BSA program as contained in our publications
- Planning tours, activities, and events with vigilance using the tools provided
- Setting the example for safe behavior and equipment use during program
- Engaging and educating all participants in discussions about hazards and risks
- Reporting incidents in a timely manner
Thank you for being part of the Scouting movement and creating an exciting and safe experience for every participant.
Safety Moments are exactly what the name implies: opportunities to prepare for an activity, review safety measures, and report incidents correctly. Topics of this new series include incident reporting helps, safe use of medication in Scouting, weather-related safety, winter activity, and winter sports.
Annual Health and Medical Record
Aquatics Safety—the Boy Scout Way
One of the benefits of reporting incidents is so they can be used to help prevent similar occurrences. While rare, serious and even fatal incidents have impacted the Scouting family. Each incident described in this incident review series has actually occurred. Please help us prevent future occurrences by having a discussion about these incidents and how you can execute the Scouting program safely as designed.
Annual Health and Medical Record
Updated in November 2019, the Annual Health and Medical Record is completed at least annually by all participants in any Scouting activity. Please discontinue use of all previous versions.
Safety Alerts
The BSA Health and Safety and Risk Management teams periodically issue alerts on important issues.
Incident Reporting
Timely and complete incident reports support analysis that is critical to identifying needed improvement of BSA programs.
General Health and Safety Q&A
If you have questions about anything ranging from Scouts on zip lines and pets at campouts to the Annual Health and Medical Record and insurance coverage, please review this page
Wilderness First Aid Training
Learn about the new practices that go way beyond what Scouting leaders may already know as “first aid.” Wilderness First Aid training is here, helping you cope with medical emergencies in the wild and, perhaps more importantly, to be a more effective manager in any crisis.
The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety
In the continuing effort to protect participants in Scout activity, the BSA National Health and Safety Committee has developed 16 points that embody good judgment and common sense for all activities