SAFE Scouting

Scouts and their parents expect all Scout activities to be conducted safely. To ensure the safety of participants, we use the four points of SAFE when delivering the Scouting program. Understanding and following the guidelines contained in program materials and the Guide to Safe Scouting helps keep all youth safer in our programs. 

S = Supervision: Both Youth and Adult leaders are always supervised. Youth are supervised by qualified and trustworthy adults who set the example for safety. Adults and Adult leaders are supervised through systems and Scouting policies like two-deep leadership and the buddy system. A = Assessment: Activities are assessed for risks during planning. Leaders have reviewed applicable program guidance or standards and have verified the activity is not prohibited. Risk avoidance or mitigation is incorporated into the activity. F = Fitness and Skill: Participants’ Annual Health and Medical Records are reviewed, and leaders have confirmed that prerequisite fitness and skill levels exist for participants (both youth and adults) to take part safely. Fitness is an aim of Scouting. Knowing who can and should participate in a particular activity — by having the necessary fitness and skill to do so — keeps youth and adults SAFE. E = 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. “Be Prepared” is not just a motto but a method to follow to be safe. Using the right equipment for the right activity and in the proper location keeps Scouting SAFE.

INTERVENTION AND REPORTING FOR BULLYING, HARASSMENT, AND OTHER UNCIVIL BEHAVIOR

The safety of your scout is the number one priority of the BSA. The BSA Youth Protection Guidelines and barriers to abuse are proven to keep young people safe in Scouting. Every Scout, parent, and volunteer, should be protected from bullying, harassment, improper touching and all other negative behaviors. No one should be threatened, harassed or abused, either verbally or physically in any way. Everyone in Scouting is expected to act in accordance with the Scout Oath & Law at all times. Read more about the Prevention of Bullying in Scouting . The Boy Scouts of America and the Lincoln Heritage Council want to assure that there is a safe and protected way to report any of the above negative activities where all involved are treated with dignity and in confidence to the level allowed by law. All Violations of the BSA youth Protection Guidelines should be reported to the Scout Executive, Jason Pierce, immediately at Jason.Pierce@Scouting.org. If you are being subjected to negative behaviors by anyone, please click let us know. We promise to take fast action to protect you and correct the behavior. Also, it is ok to report to us if you think this might be happening to a fellow Scout or Scouter. We will handle the report carefully with respect to everyone involved. View Additional Bullying Resources or our Bullying Prevention Guide.