Let’s start at the very basics! Do you know where to find up-to-the-minute safety information for Scouts and Scouters? The scouting.org website. Take time to become familiar with all the safety information under Scouting Safely to help all of us keep Scouts safe.    

GENERAL INFORMATION –  Check out these sections of the Scouting Safely page: 

• Scouting Safely Alerts—Keep up on the latest safety information and advice, from insurance issues to firearms and rocket safety.   

• Guide to Safe Scouting—The Guide to Safe Scouting is an overview of Scouting policies and procedures gleaned from a variety of sources. For some items, there are complete policy statements. This is a valuable resource for unit leaders to review prior to conducting activities.   

• The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety—In a continuing effort to protect participants in Scouting activities, the BSA’s National Health and Safety Committee has developed 16 points that embody good judgment and common sense for all activities.   

• Annual Health and Medical Record—The Annual Health and Medical Record is completed at least annually by all participants in any Scouting activity. Scouting adventures, camping trips, high-adventure excursions, and having fun are important to everyone in Scouting—and so is your safety and well-being. Completing the Annual Health and Medical Record is the first step in making sure you have a great Scouting experience. Find out what forms you need for which activities.   

• Incident Reporting—Timely and complete incident reports support analysis that is critical to identifying needed improvement of BSA programs. This section also includes incident reviews for your use.   

• Answers to Your General Health and Safety Questions—Review this page for answers to frequently asked questions about anything ranging from Scouts on zip lines and pets at campouts to the Annual Health and Medical Record and insurance coverage.   

• Wilderness First Aid Training—Learn about practices that go way beyond what Scouting leaders may already know as “first aid.” Wilderness first-aid training can help you cope with medical emergencies in the wild and, perhaps more importantly, to be a more effective manager in any crisis.    

• Safety Moments—Safety Moments are exactly what the name implies: opportunities to prepare for an activity, review safety measures, and report incidents correctly. Topics in this series include incident reporting helps, weather-related safety, winter activities, and winter sports…all good topics to know this winter season!