Non-negotiable
Scouting Safely
In Scouting we will not compromise the safety of our youth, volunteers, and employees. This page is the short version of what that means in Troop 394.
Our safety commitment
These are not troop preferences. They are Scouting America's Barriers to Abuse, and they are enforced here without exception.
Every adult is trained and screened
Youth Protection Training and a criminal background check are required before any adult is registered, and YPT is renewed every two years, no exceptions.
Two-deep leadership, always
At least two registered adult leaders, one of them 21 or older, are present at every meeting, campout, and activity. One-on-one contact between an adult and a Scout is prohibited.
Separate accommodations
Adults and youth sleep in separate tents. Scouts tent with a Scout of similar age. Separate shower and restroom facilities are used at all times.
Parents may attend anything
There are no closed activities. A parent or guardian may observe any Troop 394 meeting or activity at any time, unannounced.
Digital contact stays in the open
Adult–Scout communication happens in group channels with another adult present. No private messaging between an adult and a Scout.
Trained for the activity
Swim and boating activities follow Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat. Climbing follows Climb On Safely. Trek leaders carry current Wilderness First Aid and CPR.
Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection Training is required for every registered adult in Troop 394. Scoutmasters, committee members, merit badge counselors, and anyone driving to a campout or staying overnight.
It takes about ninety minutes, it is free, and it is done online at my.scouting.org. Certification expires after two years.
Parents are strongly encouraged to take it even if they never register. It is the clearest explanation you will find of what to watch for and what to do.
Two-deep leadership
- Two registered adult leaders at every activity, one aged 21 or over
- One-on-one contact between adults and Scouts is prohibited, in person, online, and by phone
- All adults present at a Scouting activity must be registered and YPT-current
- At least one adult of the same gender as the Scouts is present on overnight activities
- Adults and Scouts use separate sleeping and restroom facilities
- Any adult may, and must, intervene if a rule is being broken
Health forms
The Annual Health and Medical Record is required for every Scout and every adult. No form, no campout. This one is not flexible.
Everyone, annually
Parts A & B
Informed consent and a health history. Required for every Scout and adult, every year, for any activity.
Summer camp & high adventure
Part C
A physical exam signed by a licensed health-care provider. Required for any event longer than 72 hours, summer camp, treks, and jamborees.
Turn in before the trip
Where it goes
Give the completed form to the Advancement Chair or bring it to a Tuesday meeting. The troop keeps copies in a locked box that travels with the trailer.
Report a concern
If you see or suspect abuse or a violation of Youth Protection policy, you are required to act. Do not investigate it yourself, and do not wait to be sure.
Immediate danger
911
Call local law enforcement first, always.
Scouts First Helpline
1-844-SCOUTS1Staffed 24/7 by Scouting America. Call for any youth safety concern.
Read the Guide to Safe Scouting
Every activity Troop 394 runs is governed by it. It is worth twenty minutes of any Scout parent's time.