5th Brooklyn Scouts
53 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn, NY 11218
[email protected]
www.5thbrooklynscouts.org
Welcome,
I would like to welcome you to the 5th Brooklyn Scouts Group. We are about to
embark on an exciting, fun filled adventure. Thank you for taking the first step in our
Scouting Movement. In the next couple of months we will be learning what it means
to be a Scout and what being a Scout means to our community. We will learn many
new skills specific to woodcraft and camping such as knot tying, emergency preparedness as well as orienteering among many other things. We will accomplish
this with an exciting environment where all children and adults can benefit from this
fun, family centered education that will prove to be beneficial in the growth and
character of our youth.
By utilizing the Patrol Method, we will educate our Scouts and teach them valuable
leadership skills through character building games, crafts, activities and the advancement though ranks by obtaining proficiency badges.
I’m very excited that you chose to partake in the 5th Brooklyn Scouts. I make it my
priority that your child has a positive, adventurous and educational experience that
will contribute to their growth has an individual, as well as an influence in our community.
Yours in Traditional Scouting,
Todd Schweikert
Group Scoutmaster
5th Brooklyn Scouts B-PSA US
5th Brooklyn Scout Group
Scout/Adult Uniform Order Form
Scout's Name:
Contact Name:
Contact Phone/Email:
Scout Section:
Otters (ages 5-7)
Timberwolves (ages 8-11)
Pathfinders (ages 12-17)
Rovers (ages 18+)
Adult Leader
Shirt Size:
Extra Small
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large
For Adult Shirts, use the sizing chart below
Baden-Powell Service Association US
Youth Emergency Information, Medical Release and Liability Waiver
Scout's Name:_________________________________________________ DOB: ____/____/____
Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________ Email: _________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________
(# and Street Name) (City) (State) (Zip)
Emergency Contact: ______________________________________ Phone: ___________________
Emergency Contact: ______________________________________ Phone: ___________________
Physician Name: _________________________________________ Phone: ___________________
Physician Address: _________________________________________________________________
(# and Street Name) (City) (State) (Zip)
Special Medical Information/Restricted Activities: _________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Allergies: ______________________________ Immunizations Up-to-date? Yes "
No
Date of Last Tetanus: _____/_____/_____
Is he/she taking any medications? Yes "
No
Specify: ________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
B-PSA US - Youth Emergency Info, Medical Release & Liability Waiver Form, revision 2, (c) 2011
Terms and Conditions: For purposes of this agreement (also referred to as Contract), the following
applies throughout the document in consideration of the use of property, facilities, programs and/or
services of the parties covered in this agreement. The parties covered by this contract applies to the
releases, indemnifications and liability waivers in this contract. To the degree any provision in this
contract is unenforceable for any reason, all other contract provisions shall remain in effect. The parties
covered by this agreement include the below stated companies, programs and organizations as well as
ALL PERSONS involved with these entities including, but not limited to, all other participants, volunteers,
employees, leaders, officers and agents. The parties covered by this agreement (also referred to as
Releasees) include: the Baden-Powell Service Association of the US (BPSA-US) and the BPSA-US Scout
Group/Crew/Troop/Pack _________________________________. This contract is legally binding. The
undersigned agrees as follows:
Medical Release : I (we) the undersigned parent, parents or legal guardian(s) of
____________________________________ , a minor, do hereby request that (s)he be permitted to
participate in the aforementioned Releasees programs during this year _________ and should the need
arise, do hereby authorize and consent to an x-ray examination, anesthetic, medical or surgical diagnosis
rendered under general or special supervision of any member of the medical staff and emergency room
staff licensed under the provisions of the Medicine Practice Act or a dentist licensed under the provisions
of the Dental Practice Act and on the staff of any general hospital holding a current license to operate a
hospital. It is understood that this authorization is given in advance of any specific diagnosis, treatment of
hospital care being required but is given to provide authority and power to render care which the
aforementioned physician in the exercise of his/her best judgement may deem advisable. It is understood
that effort shall be made to contact the undersigned prior to rendering treatment to the patient, but that
any of the above mentioned treatments will not be withheld if the undersigned cannot be reached. I will
not hold liable the parties covered by this agreement for medical aid rendered and will reimburse any
person or organization for medical expenses incurred in the care of my son/daughter. I will also provide
my health insurance coverage information below, which I give permission to be given to the above
mentioned immediate supervision of any member of the medical staff and/or emergency room staff.
Insurance Carrier: _______________________________ Valid Through: ____/____/______
Policy Number:" _______________________________ Group Number: ________________
INITIAL ____________
Liability Waiver : I (we) the undersigned parent, parents or legal guardian(s) of
____________________________________, a minor, do hereby consent to the aforementioned minor's
B-PSA US - Youth Emergency Info, Medical Release & Liability Waiver Form, revision 2, (c) 2011
participation in the activities sponsored by or associated with the parties covered by the agreement. I
UNDERSTAND THAT SUCH PARTICIPATION CAN INCLUDE HAZARDOUS ACTIVITIES WHICH MAY
EXPOSE HIM/HER TO CERTAIN RISKS OF INJURY SUCH AS LACERATIONS, PULLS AND STRAINS,
FRACTURES, CONCUSSIONS, LOSS OF LIMB, DROWNING OR EVEN DEATH. I AM FREELY AND
VOLUNTARILY ALLOWING MY SON/DAUGHTER TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE ACTIVITIES WITH THE
KNOWLEDGE OF THE DANGER INVOLVED AND HEREBY AGREE TO ASSUME AND ACCEPT ANY
AND ALL RISKS OF INJURY AND DEATH. INITIAL ____________
In consideration of this consent to participate in said programs and activities, I hereby agree, on behalf of
said minor and his/her assigns and heirs, to release, defend and hold harmless the parties to this
agreement from and against any and all actions, claims, damages (including attorney's fees) of liability
arising or resulting from his/her participation in the activities sponsored by the parties covered by this
agreement including without limitation, damage to or destruction of any property or injury or death to any
person. BPSA-US and the BPSA-US Scout Group/Crew/Troop/Pack _______________________________
reserve the right to photograph participants for publicity purposes.
INITIAL ___________
I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE SAFETY RULES, MEDICAL RELEASE AND THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THEIR CONTENT. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS A RELEASE
OF LIABILITY AND A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE RELEASEES AND MYSELF AND SIGN IT OF MY
OWN FREEWILL ON BEHALF OF SAID MINOR.
______________________________________
Print Name _____________________________________" "
Signature "
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
B-PSA US - Youth Emergency Info, Medical Release & Liability Waiver Form, revision 2, (c) 2011
____/____/____
Date
Introduction to Traditional Scouting
Baden-Powell Service Association, US
Produced by BPSA-US, 2012
This document is intended as a resource for training new leaders in Scout Groups within the
BPSA. This document may be copied, modified and used for any Scouting purposes
Preface
Thank you for the interest you have shown in taking responsibility as a leader in the BadenPowell Service Association. There can be no better investment made than that investment of
our time and interest to encourage our young people to take their rightful place in American
society.
This document is an accompaniment to a new leader training course for Section Leaders,
Group Scoutmasters and other Leaders involved with a Scout Group under the BPSA. It can
also be used as an informational manual for those new to Traditional Scouting.
This course is designed to explain to you the responsibilities of leadership, some of our key
policies, and our aims and objectives. This course will enhance your Scouting skill set so that
you, and your youth, will receive the maximum benefit of the Traditional Scouting program
and have fun doing it. Keep this handbook, as you will find yourself referring to it often.
With the admission of girls into the Association, the masculine gender should be read as the
feminine gender as appropriate.
Good Luck and Good Scouting!
What is Traditional Scouting
The term “Traditional Scouting” has a different meaning outside the United States, where it
refers to a “back to basics” movement that rejects the world-wide trend to “modernize”
Scouting in order to appeal to imagined wider slices of fleeting popular and commercial
youth cultures, and returns Scouting to a scheme intentionally based on Baden-Powell’s own
model of Scouting.
Traditional Scouting is not historical re-enactment, but for the most part an attempt to
present Scouting as the game that was played prior to the 1960s. For all practical purposes in
most of the former British Empire (with minor national variations due to climate and the
influence of native cultures), this was how it had been played by Scouting’s inventor, Lord
Robert Baden-Powell, while he was still alive. In Traditional Scouting, the only changes in the
program are for reasons of advances in a) health and safety practices, b) environmental
concerns, and c) light weight camping technologies.
The Scouting movement began “modernizing” starting in the 1960’s with the British Boy
Scout Association, which commissioned a number of studies to determine how best to appeal
to an imagined wider demographic and changing youth culture. This series of studies was
picked up by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in 1970, which began the introduction of the
new and improved Scouting Program in America in 1972. These changes saw a removal of
most of the scoutcraft and woodcraft skills and requirements in the handbook and a
complete move away form the patrol method and other Scouting methods which were part
of Baden-Powell’s original program.
For these reasons, among many other changes to the Scouting program not mentioned here,
traditional scouting programs began forming in the early 1970’s, starting with the BadenPowell Scouting Association in the UK in 1971. Other traditional scouting programs on or
affiliated with the BPSA-UK now exist in Canada, Australia, Ireland and many other countries.
In the United States, Baden-Powell Scouting started in 2006, founded by members of the US
Rover’s and other interested scouters. In 2008, B-P Scouting was renamed and incorporated
as the Baden-Powell Service Association.
About the Baden-Powell Service Association
BPSA perpetuates the principles and practices of Scouting laid down by Robert Baden-Powell
in 1907, which had been developed and refined in Boy Scout Associations around the world
for over 99 years. These principles are so fundamentally sound and the practices so adaptable
that traditional scouting goes on developing and can never be dated or unsuited to any
community. Our aim is to promote good citizenship, discipline, self-reliance, loyalty, and
useful skills.
BPSA is totally independent of, and not affiliated with, the Boys Scouts of America or the Girl
Scouts of the USA. We are members of the World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS);
and as such are not in competition with other American Scouting Associations, we are only
their brothers and sisters. We work closely with the Baden-Powell Scouts’ Association of
England and the Baden-Powell Service Association in Canada.
The training scheme devised by Baden-Powell is based on using the natural desires of young
people as a guide to the activities which will attract and hold them. The appeal of true
scouting has always been to that element of the vagabond, pioneer and explorer which is
part of our nature; and is at its most evident in youth. Hence the significance of the opening
sequence of B-P’s “Explanation of Scouting” in “Scouting for Boys”:
“By the term ‘scouting’ is meant the work and attributes of backwoodsmen,
explorers and frontiersmen.”
BPSA believes that everyone deserves a chance to participate in the movement which BadenPowell started, and with that, we have crafted our policy of inclusion:
Baden-Powell Service Association (BPSA) offers a choice for those with
curiosity, energy and independence of spirit. We are committed to
providing an appropriate alternative and community-oriented Scouting
experience. BPSA welcomes everyone. Our mission is to provide a
positive learning environment within the context of democratic
participation and social justice. We foster the development of Scouts in
an environment of mutual respect and co-operation.
Membership is open to both boys and girls, men and women. There are three membership
options for sections: All male, All female and Co-ed.
We have a full range of training and proficiency badges for all sections. Our highest award at
the Explorer level is the George Washington Scout Award; and at the Rover level, the B-P
Award.
We have no full-time or part-time paid staff. This allows us to keep costs down to a minimum.
Training handbooks are available, along with support material.
We have affiliated associations in Canada, as well as overseas. A range of international
opportunities exist for our members through the World Federation of Independent Scouts.
See http://www.wfis-worldwide.org for more information on WFIS.
Visit http://bpsa-us.org for more info and resources on BPSA.
Our Scouting Family
The following Sections are available in each Scout Group.
Age Group
5 – 7 Years Old
Section Name
Otters
Description
Our junior section has a motto of “Busy and Bright”.
They follow a program of games and training
designed to get them accustomed to social
integration, leading to constructive use of leisure
time, raises their awareness of concern for others,
and stimulates an initial interest in Scouting
activities.
The Otter section is provisional at this time and
optional for Scout Groups.
8 – 10 1/2 Years Old *
11 – 17 Years Old
18+
Timberwolves
Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” still forms the
basis of this section with the motto “Do Your Best”.
Timberwolves operate in Packs, divided into Sixes
with Akela in charge. There are 17 special interest
badges that can be earned. The unique feature is the
Wolf Cub Promise and Law, which provide an ethical
and personal code for young Americans to live up to.
Pathfinders
Based upon B-P’s book “Scouting for Boys” this
section has stood the test of time with its ethical
code embodied in the Promise and Law and the
proverbial Scout “Good Turn”. Basic training in
campcraft and out-of-doors activities. The top award
is the George Washington Scout Award.
Rovers
Rovers manage their own program and activities,
still guided by the Promise and Law. Like the knights
of old they fulfill their motto of “Service” both within
our movement and to others in their communities.
Aims and Methods of Traditional Scouting
“The aim of Scout training is to improve the standard of the future citizenhood, especially in
Character and Health; to replace Self with Service, to make the lads individually efficient,
morally and physically, with the object of using that efficiency for service for their fellow-men.”
Lord Baden-Powell
From Aids to Scoutmastership
The aim of our Association is to develop good citizenship among young people by forming
character-training them in the habits of observation, obedience and self-reliance – inculcating
loyalty and thoughtfulness for others – teaching them services useful to the public, and
handicrafts useful to themselves – promoting their physical, mental, and social development.
These aims are delivered through our Scouting programs based upon our worldwide
fraternity and a respect and love for the out-of-doors. Our programs should encourage selfdiscipline, leadership training, respect, service to others, and co-operation with peers. This is
our challenge.
Our programs and values are underwritten by our Promise and Law which spell out the
agenda of what a good Scout should be.
Below is our Promise and Law, as devised by Lord Baden-Powell, our Founder, members may
choose either version.
The Scout Promise
On my honor I promise that I will do my best –
To do my duty to God1 and my Country,
To help other people at all times and
To obey the Scout Law
The Outlander Scout’s Promise
On my honor, I promise to do my best,
to render service to my country
to help other people at all times
and to obey the Scout Law
The Scout Law
1.
A Scout’s honor is to be trusted.
2.
A Scout is loyal to his country, his Scouters, his parents, his employers, and those
under him.
3.
A Scout’s duty is to be useful and to help others.
4.
A Scout is a friend to all and a brother (sister) to every other Scout.
5.
A Scout is courteous.
6.
A Scout is a friend to animals.
7.
A Scout obeys the orders of his parents, Patrol Leader, and Scouter without
question.
8.
A Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties.
9.
A Scout is thrifty.
10. A Scout is clean in word, thought, and deed.
1
A Scout may substitute “my conscience” in place of the word “God”, or they may choose to make the
Outlander Scout Promise instead.
Control and Discipline
The best form of discipline is self-discipline – but that is what we are trying to develop so it
may not be there to begin with.
Leaders need to be firm and fair with young people. Lack of order, and discipline, lead to
chaos, bullying, inattention, and bad behavior. Nobody enjoys himself or herself then. Be firm
and clear with the standards of behavior you will tolerate. We have no need to accept “second
best” or anarchy. Physical restraint and assault, verbal bullying, shouting, and mental torment
are strictly forbidden. So, in cases of bad discipline, exclusion may be your only solution for
the good of the rest. Not everyone wants to be a Scout.
Always insist upon a disciplined start and finish to your meetings (a proper opening and
closing), and give the boys an opportunity to let off some steam through energetic and noisy
games.
Traditional Scouting is a program that is based very much on out-of-doors activities. For the
boys, the attraction of the Traditional Scouting program is the out-of-doors activities.
Camping, hiking, adventure, and skills is why they are here. It is a program, which trains the
boy using the Scout Method and the Patrol System.
The Scout Method
The Scout method is defined as “a system of progressive self-education” through:
• A Promise and Law.
• Learning by doing.
• Membership in small groups (Den, Six and Patrol), involving, under adult guidance,
progressive acceptance of responsibility and training towards self-government directed
towards the development of character, and the acquisition of competence, self-reliance,
dependability and capacities both to co- operate and to lead.
• Progressive and stimulating program of varied activities based on the interests of the
participants, including games, useful skills, and services to the community, taking place
largely in an outdoor setting in contact with nature.
Any member of any Scouting Association that follows a program using the Scout Method is
recognized by our Association, as a brother or sister Scout, pursuant to the 4th Scout Law.
A Promise and Law
The Promise and Law are the basic tools for the formation of the principles of the Scout
Movement. They provide the framework under which all our Scouting activities exist. Through
the Promise and Law, a member makes, of their own free will, before their peers, the
responsibility to be faithful to the given word. The permanent identification with these ethical
values, and the sustained effort to live up to those ideals to the best of their ability (“I will do
my best”) are therefore a most powerful instrument in the development of young people.
Learning by doing
Learning by doing is the means by which instruction in Scouting is kept to a simple level to
start, enough to get the boy going at all, and then letting him learn by observation,
experimentation, and personal activity.
The Patrol System
The Patrol System is best summed up by the words of B-P himself,
“The Patrol System is the one essential feature in which Scout training differs from that of all
other organizations, and where the system is properly applied, it is absolutely bound to bring
success. It cannot help itself!
The formation of the boys into Patrols of from six to eight and training them as separate units
each under its own responsible leader is the key to a good Troop.
The Patrol is a unit of Scouting always, whether for work or for play, for discipline or duty.
An invaluable step in character training is to put responsibility on to the individual. This is
immediately gained in appointing a Patrol Leader to responsible command of his Patrol. It is
up to him to take hold of and to develop the qualities of each boy in his Patrol. It sounds a big
order, but in practice it works.
Then, through emulation and competition between Patrols, you produce a Patrol spirit, which
is eminently satisfactory, since it raises the tone among boys and develops a higher standard of
efficiency all round. Each boy in the Patrol realizes that he is in himself a responsible unit and
that the honor of his group depends in some degree on his own ability in playing the game.”
Lord Baden-Powell
From Aids to Scoutmastership
The Importance of Proper Uniform
“Smartness in uniform and correctness in detail may seem a small matter, but has its value in the
development of self-respect, and means an immense deal to the reputation of the Movement
among outsiders who judge by what they see.”
Lord Baden-Powell
From Aids to Scoutmastership
Otter Uniform
Timberwolf Uniform
Pathfinder Shirt details
Rover Shirt details
We still wear the uniform that characterizes Boy Scouts worldwide. The most visible aspect of
our Movement is our distinctive Traditional Scout uniform, especially the Stetson, sometimes
called a Campaign Hat. Many Scouting associations throughout the world still wear this
uniform with pride in the heritage it represents. Of all the traditions and customs in Scouting,
our uniform embodies the most. The uniform’s purpose is three-fold. It identifies us as
members of the Scouting Movement; it places all members on an even plane, regardless of
class or social standing; and it gives all members a sense of pride and self-respect.
The uniform will be worn whole and complete, following the PO&R (Policy, Organization and
Rules) from proper head dress to proper footwear. Wearing part of the uniform is
unacceptable, and devalues the Traditional Scouting Movement. Unauthorized badges, pins,
and decorations and variations to the uniform are unacceptable. The uniform shall be worn
for all Scouting activities. It was designed not to be a dress uniform, to be something only
worn for ceremonies and official functions, but rather a Scouting uniform. Its free and easy fit
makes it the ideal clothing for Scouting activities.
When you finish opening your meeting, do not have the members take off their uniforms and
throw them in a pile until the closing ceremony, this is disrespectful towards the uniform, and
defeats its true purpose. It is important that the uniform is worn neat, clean, and properly.
Remember to “Bush-Roll” your sleeves. As the Founder taught us, it shows that you are ready
to fulfill your motto and are ready to pitch-in and help.
Lord Baden-Powell said that if the boys dressed like Scouts, they would act like Scouts...and
you will see that it is true! As a Scouter, you set the example for your boys. Set a good
example...they look up to you!
Group Organization And Structure
Pathfinder Troop
The Scout Group
The Group Scoutmaster (GSM), and the Group Council run the Scouting Group. All uniformed
Leaders belong to the group Council. The Group Council should meet once a month, separate
from the Group Auxiliary, to report on their Sections progress and activities, and to discuss
future plans.
The Group Auxiliary is formed by the Group Scoutmaster (GSM) who appoints and retires all
members, in consultation with the sponsoring authority, if appropriate, subject to the
approval of the District Commissioner.
The Group Auxiliary is to be comprised of parents from each training section, former
Pathfinders, well-wishers, and representatives of the sponsoring authority and others
interested in the well being of the Group. Size may vary, but it should not be too large. Six to
eight persons is the average size.
The GSM is also a member of the Group Auxiliary. The other leaders in the Group should not
be involved with the Group Auxiliary at all. Leaders are there to operate their sections
efficiently, and are not to get involved in the logistical support side of the association.
Function
The Group Auxiliary is responsible to the Association for Group property and equipment. It
assists the GSM with finance, publicity, finding appropriate accommodation, camping
grounds, and leaders for the Group. They need to act as “missionaries” among friends,
colleagues, and peers to promote the Group and its activities.
The Group Auxiliary is not concerned with the actual training of the scouts in the Group. This
is the responsibility of the warranted leaders of the Group.
A well run Group Auxiliary secures the financial well being of the Group and is an inspiration
and a help to the leaders who deliver the program to the youth every week. Most of the
Group fund raising is under the direction of the Group Auxiliary.
Relationships with any sponsoring authority must be maintained on a friendly, co-operative
basis and wider relationships and links should be encouraged with other organizations.
Organization
The GSM should not be the chair of the Group Auxiliary. A separate person needs to be found
of standing in the community who can conduct meetings with an efficient and friendly style
and who has useful contacts with others. The GSM needs to be able to co-operate and work
well with this person.
The Group Auxiliary also needs: a Secretary to draw up the agenda for the meetings, in
consultation with the GSM and the Group Auxiliary Chairman, to handle correspondence, to
maintain a minute book of meetings and to notify members of Meetings called; and a
Treasurer to keep books of account and maintain Group bank accounts (operated over at least
3 signatories).
The GSM should be consulted on drawing up a realistic annual budget for the Group and the
Group Auxiliary. The GSM needs to ensure that they have sufficient funds to cover payments
for annual registration, extra insurance, accommodation, and equipment.
Meetings
Meetings of the Group Council and the Group Auxiliary should be held monthly. Scouting is a
worldwide family linked in friendship and the meeting should be conducted within that spirit
with all sections being fairly treated in access to Group resources.
The Group Auxiliary may form sub-committees, if they wish, for such things as planning large
events. These sub-committees should only be temporary or a long-term rivalry could develop,
leading to division and dissent.
It should be noted that the Group is run by the GSM, NOT the Group Auxiliary. The Group
Auxiliary is a support arm only.
Fund Raising
Groups with sponsoring authorities should ensure that any fund raising event does not cause
them offense. For example, some churches disapprove of gambling, even in the form of
raffles.
Our Association policy is that fund raising methods must be legal, and morally acceptable to
an Association committed to training young Americans in good citizenship. We do not allow,
under any circumstance, door to door selling.
We expect funds to be raised, rather than solicited, but Groups are permitted to apply for
grants from lottery funds, etc.
Publicity
Every opportunity needs to be taken to secure favorable local publicity in support of our
work, and Groups should make use of local newspapers and radio and TV stations with
regular reports on their activities. Try to generate newsworthy, photogenic opportunities that
could be beneficial to your Group. Support local community events like Veterans Day,
Memorial Day, Christmas Food Banks, and be seen as an active, positive force in your
community.
Make sure your Group letterhead looks modern and tidy and uses our Association logo.
Ideas and Support
At times, we all wonder about the way forward and how we can solve the problems we face.
Your Group is part of a Scouting family and we do our best to support and help.
Look for ideas what others are successfully doing locally. Find ideas, and tell us about yours.
We can offer you the combined experience of all our Groups through the Association, and we
do our best to keep you up-to- date with news.
Two-Deep Leadership
Unfortunately today, risk of immoral and unwanted abuse of boys and girls is prevalent in
society. We must do all that we can to prevent this from happening to the scouts we are
responsible for. BPSA has a policy of “Two- deep Leadership”.
Two-deep Leadership means that when we are with youth members, there are always to be
two Leaders present. This provides a safe environment for both the youth membership and
the adult membership.
All registered adult members must be aware of, and understand, the Associations Abuse
Policy, and what their personal responsibilities are. These are detailed in our Code of Ethics &
Youth Protection Policy.
Advancement by Progressive Training
Through Scoutcraft
“The best progress is made in those Troops where power and responsibility are really put into
the hands of the Patrol Leaders. This is the secret of success in Scout training.”
Lord Baden-Powell
From Aids to Scoutmastership
The focus of the Traditional Scout program is the individual Sections, and the advancement of
scouts in each Section by the progressive training of Scoutcraft skills. The various handbooks
that guide the scout through their training are there to help both scouts and Leaders.
There are many proficiency badges for the scouts to earn. With the exception of some badges,
which are required to show Scoutcraft proficiency advancement, the purpose of the
proficiency badges is to expose the youth to various vocations and hobbies. For this reason,
only a limited number of badges are permitted to be worn, depending upon the current level
of Scoutcraft proficiency held by the member.
As you have noticed, these badges are named proficiency badges. This means that the badge
a member earns indicates they are proficient in the skills that badge represents. A badge is
only awarded when the member completes all of the requirements of the badge to the fullest.
This means the member completes all the requirements for the badge, not a “best effort” of
the requirements.
Once a qualified examiner has tested the member2 , the badge may be awarded. Some badges
are more difficult than others to earn. Awarding a badge to a member who has not properly
completed the requirements, but you hope will make them feel better is wrong. By allowing
the partial or “best effort” for earning a badge, you have demeaned and cheapened the efforts
of all the members before who have earned the badge, and those that will afterwards.
Unlike mainstream Scouting, the object is not to have the uniform covered in badges. The
average member, upon completing the program, will probably hold about a dozen
proficiency badges. It is up to you to hold the Traditional Scout program to the highest
standard. By doing this, you ensure that the badges mean something and provide a true
sense of accomplishment for those members who earn the badge.
It should be noted that lone scouts that are not part of a Scout Group should do their best to find qualified
examiners for each of the badges; but exceptions can be requested due to circumstances via BPSA Headquarters.
2
Baden-Powell Service Association, US
Code of Ethics
&
Youth Protection Guidelines
B-PSA US Code of Ethics/Youth Protection Guidelines !
2
Introduction
Scouting has held a valued place in society since its inception over a century ago. Socialization is
the process whereby a person acquires a social identity, learns appropriate behavior and
conforms to expectations held by members of the group to which s/he belongs or aspires to
belong. The importance of our Movement in socialization has long been recognized. The role of
the Movement in modern society has become increasingly more significant in the social and
cultural life of many countries.
The Scouting Movement has never been of greater importance than it is today, with all of the
pressures and distractions (many less than healthy) calling on the minds and emotions of young
people from an early age. Apart from its important role in socialization, Scouting answers many
needs of today's children and young people, from healthy exercise in the out-of-doors to stress
reduction, from the thrill of achievement to the enhancement of self-confidence and self-esteem.
The contribution of Leaders, who voluntary give of their time to provide such experiences for
young people, is invaluable. Without them Scouting could not flourish. This unique relationship,
whereby adults and young people voluntarily come together to learn and to share values,
deserves all the support and protection that can be provided. This “Code of Ethics and Youth
Protection Guidelines” is aimed at helping to provide such support and protection.
It is in the interest of everyone involved in Scouting that these guidelines will be a living
document, used by all involved in the Association, and acted upon by all those in management
and leadership positions. Time and experience will necessitate revisions and additions to this
guideline, which is integral to the nature of such a document.
This document is adapted from the Baden-Powell Service Association, BC Canada. And is
adopted with the idea of modifying the document for the US association as we move forward and
in keeping with the ideals and goals of providing a consciencious, safe and healthy environment
for the Scouting movement in the US. The introduction above is from the B-PSA BC Training
Committee in 2008 and is reprinted here, as it reflects the same intent and desire of the B-PSA
US as an association as well.
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Core values
The organization of Scouting activities for young people should be guided by a set of values
which provide the foundation for all practice:
Importance of Childhood
The importance of being young must be understood and valued by everyone in Scouting. The
right to happiness while young must be recognized and enhanced at all levels of the Movement.
Needs of the child
All Scouting experiences and contexts must be guided by what is best for young people. This
means that adults must understand the emotional, physical and personal needs of young people.
The stages of development of young people should guide the types of activity provided within
Scouting. All adults should have the ability to respond positively to the individual needs of each
young person.
All adults involved in leadership roles should have a sound understanding of the importance of
enhancing self esteem for young people and should seek to develop positive and healthy
relationships with and between the young people in their care.
Integrity in relationships
Adults interacting with young people in Scouting should do so with integrity and respect for the
young person. There is a danger that some Scouting contexts can be used to exploit or undermine
young people. All adult actions should be guided by what is best for the young person and in the
context of quality, open working relationships. Verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse of any
kind are unacceptable.
Quality atmosphere and ethos
Membership of the Movement should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging
atmosphere. A child centered ethos will help to ensure that competition and specialization are
kept in their appropriate place. Too often competitive demands are placed on young people too
early which results in excessive levels of pressure on them and as a consequence, high levels of
drop-out from the Movement.
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Equality
Young people should be treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of age, ability, sex,
religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion. Young people with disability
should be involved in Scouting in an integrated way, thus allowing them to participate to their
potential alongside other young people.
The important role of Adult Leaders
The role of Leaders, will be promoted and enhanced through the provisions of this Code of
Ethics and Youth Protection Guidelines. The right of Leaders to obtain a healthy sense of
achievement and satisfaction through their involvement in Scouting must be recognized.
The necessity for education and training
Scouting exposes young people to new challenges, some of which occur in environments with
certain risks. Adults who take responsibility for young people in Scouting have a duty to ensure
that they are competent to provide safe and rewarding experiences for those in their care.
Appropriate training and educational opportunities need to be developed for all Leaders in the
Movement.
Self awareness
All Leaders should have a realistic understanding of their level of competence in relevant areas.
This should include an understanding of the reasons for their own involvement in Scouting and
recognition that the main goal of Scouting is to provide positive experiences for young people.
Relationships between Young People
Interaction between young people should be conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and fair play.
Such interaction can be promoted by adults who create an environment in which quality, open
relationships are modeled and valued and where the integrity of each individual is respected.
Benefits of Scouting for Young People
Young people have a lot to gain from Scouting. Their natural sense of fun and spontaneity can
blossom in positive Scouting environments which promote progress in a child centered way.
Scouting provides an excellent medium in which young people can learn new skills, become
more confident and maximize their own unique potential. These benefits will accrue through a
positive and progressive approach to the involvement of young people in Scouting which places
the needs of the young person first and winning and competition second. A child centered and
progressive approach to young people in Scouting will return many benefits in terms of the
health and well being of our future adult population.
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Adult - Youth Relationships
Adult-Youth relationships should be:
1. Entered into by choice.
2. Open, positive and encouraging.
3. Defined by a mutually agreed set of goals and commitments.
4. Respectful of the creativity and autonomy of young people.
5. Defined by an ethical code of conduct relating to interaction, touching and bullying.
6. Carried out in a context where young people are protected and where their rights are
promoted.
7. Free from verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
8. Respectful of the needs and developmental stage of the young person.
9. Aimed at the promotion of enjoyment and individual progress.
10. Respectful of the roles and responsibilities of Leaders.
11. Governed by a “Code of Ethics and Youth Protection Guidelines” in Scouting.
Quality Leadership
Adults have a crucial leadership role to play in the Scout Movement. Whether as parents /
guardians, helpers, instructors, administrators or Leaders they hold positions which can
contribute to creating a positive environment for young people. The unique nature of Scouting
provides Leaders with the opportunity to develop positive and special relationships with young
people. Such relationships have tremendous potential in helping young people to develop and
express themselves in an open and secure way.
Because of the personal input of volunteers the view might be held that they are either beyond
reproach or that the imposition of any additional conditions or training would be unacceptable.
However, given the important and responsible roles which adults play at many different levels in
Scouting, it is essential that their competence and ability to deal with young people in a fair,
empathic and ethical way is ensured.
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Adults involved in Scouting
There are many leadership roles which contribute to the successful development and
organization of the Movement. These are defined below:
Administrator:
Administrators are those people who look after organizational matters but who are not directly
involved in delivering or supervising the activity session itself. (Group Committee, District /
Officers, etc.).
Assistant:
Assistants are those people who provide back-up to any of the roles defined in this section and
often such assistants are involved on an intermittent basis.
Leader:
A Leader is a person who assists the youth member to develop his or her skills and abilities in a
progressive way. Leaders should provide the young person with the opportunity to improve
based on personal goals and standards. Good Leaders will recognize the need to promote fun and
fulfillment for young people and to de-emphasize competition with younger people. Leaders
should have sufficient knowledge and training to enable them to put together safe and
worthwhile activities and to prepare young people for various situations in an ethical and
balanced way, respecting the developmental and individual needs of the young person.
Instructor:
Instructors are involved in the systematic development of specialist skills and abilities of an
activity.
Note: While the definitions indicate a number of discrete roles related to Scouting there is often
overlap between the different categories. For the purposes of this Code, all of the above will be
referred to in a general sense as Leaders.
Adults become involved in Scouting in a number of different capacities. The guiding principle of
such involvement must be: Does the activity respect the dignity of the young person and enhance
his / her personal development?
Parents / Guardians have a primary responsibility for their child's involvement in Scouting. This
involvement should be seen as a positive, happy exercise for the young person. Parents should
know and ensure that those adults who act in leadership roles within the Association are qualified
and competent to teach, supervise and look after young people in their care. Parents should check
that this Code of Ethics and Youth Protection Guidelines has been adopted by Scout Units in
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which their children are involved. In addition, parents should be aware of the nature of the
meetings and activities in which their children participate.
Education and Training
Given the wide and diverse range of involvement by adults, it is essential that suitable training
programs are availed of.
The following areas are included in the training program offered to individuals dealing with
young people in Scouting:
1. Issues of general competence (e.g. Scouting skills, administration)
2. Ethical responsibilities and code of practice.
3. Personal development.
4. Issues relating to young peoples needs.
5. Recognizing and responding to abuse situations.
6. Prevention and reporting of abuse.
It is recommended that a three tier approach to ethics and child protection be taken in order to
ensure that appropriate attitudes and skills are fostered within the Scout Movement.
Implementation of the Code of Ethics and Youth Protection Guidelines
The Code of Ethics and Youth Protection Guidleines should be available, familiar to and
complied with by all those involved in B-PSA Scouting. The Code of Ethics and Youth
Protection Guidelines should be adopted by all B-PSA Groups and be available in buildings or
other venues where Scouting activities take place.
Specific Training in Child Protection
There is a need to ensure that a core of specific training exists in the area of child protection and
child abuse. It is recommended that a specific workshop entitled Child Centered Awareness be
developed for delivery to Groups / Districts etc. and that such a workshop might be delivered by
trained personnel drawn from a B-PSA US Training Team. The development and delivery of the
workshop should be complementary to existing programs in Scouting.
Education as part of the Training Programs for Leaders
Ethical issues and questions relating to the protection of young people from abuse shall be part of
the educational and training programs offered to Leaders. Parent / guardian education might also
be addressed as part of this overall process.
The proposed three tier strategy is summarized below:
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Woodbead Training
Much valuable work is done by Leaders within Scouting. In order to further enhance this
contribution, it is essential that all Leaders attend the appropriate courses within their local
Training Program. This will help the Leader to enhance his / her basic Leadership Skills, and
may be a pre-requisite to being awarded a Warrant of Appointment.
Selection and Screening
Adults volunteers taking up Leadership roles shall undergo a selection and screening process. BPSA US requires, and each Scout Group has a responsibility to ensure, that such selection and
screening occurs. This process shall take into account the following.
1. New leaders shall provide a list of 3-4 personal references. None of whom shall be family
members.
2. New leaders shall undergo a formal interview process by their Group Scoutmaster and
Chairman of the Group Committee (if one exists).
3. Screening will include specific questions and the checking of references relating to suitability
to work with young people and to previous work with young people.
4. New leaders will be required to obtain a Police Record Check from their local Police Office.
Only those new leaders who can provide a clean record check will be accepted as leaders in
the organization.
5. New leaders will undergo a period of probation to be determined by their own association,
but shall not be less than 4 months. This time period is to be used to check if the new leader
is suitable to be a Scouting leader, and to give the GSM suitable time to get to know them
before undergoing training and having a Warrant of Appointment is issued in their name.
Good Practice
Leaders should strive to create a positive environment for the young people in their care. They
have an overall responsibility to take steps necessary to ensure that positive and healthy
experiences are provided.
Leaders should:
1. be competent and qualified;
2. be positive, enthusiastic and cheerful;
3. reinforce the principles of fair play;
4. give feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner;
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5. encourage an active healthy lifestyle;
6. involve parents / guardians as much as possible; and
7. recognize that they themselves are human and will not get it right all the time!
In addition, the Leader is in a unique position of trust and this position must be maintained with
integrity at all times.
Preparation and supervision of activities
1. The Leadership Team should be well prepared for each Scouting activity.
2. The Leadership Team should take all reasonable steps to establish a safe working
environment.
3. All activities should be in recognized venues, not at personal premises.
Behavior of Leaders
Leaders should:
1. Maintain the highest standard of personal conduct at all times.
2. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being. Specifically the Leader should
treat everyone equally regardless of sex, age, ability, ethnic origin, religion or political
persuasion. In this regard, the Leader should ensure that all are given sufficient opportunity
to participate in the activity.
3. Be responsible for setting and monitoring the boundaries between a working relationship and
friendship with participants.
4. Realize that certain situations or friendly actions could be misinterpreted by the participant or
by outsiders and could lead to allegations of sexual misconduct or impropriety.
5. Encourage the participants to adhere to the Scout Law. Furthermore, the Leader must not
encourage or allow participants to violate the Law and should actively seek to discourage
such action.
6. In competitions treat opponents and officials with due respect both in victory and defeat and
insist that participants act in a similar manner.
7. Never exert undue influence over a participant in order to obtain personal benefit or reward.
8. Be watchful of all situations, particularly bullying, which may occur:
a. child to child;
b. group to child; and
c. adult to child.
9. Encourage loyalty to the Group or Section as appropriate.
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10. Have enjoyment of the Scouts as a priority.
11. Encourage two-way communication with participants.
12. Prohibit swearing or other inappropriate language, singing or behavior.
Balanced approach to competitions
A Leader will be concerned primarily with the well being, health and future of the young person
and only secondarily with winning. The Leader should stress the importance of sincere effort and
enjoying the activity rather than winning at all costs.
Context for the conduct of Scout activities
1. The activity undertaken should be suitable for the age, experience and ability of the
participants.
2. Young people with disabilities should be involved in Scouting activities in an integrated way.
However, Leaders must be aware of and informed regarding the special needs of young
people with disabilities. Leaders should also be aware that young people with special needs
may be more vulnerable to abuse.
3. The Leader should respond positively to the wishes and concerns of the participant regarding
his / her participation in the activity.
4. When working with participants, Leaders should always work in an open and approved
environment. Situations where a Leader and an individual participant cannot be observed
should be avoided.
5. Adults should avoid situations where they are alone with young people. Wherever
practicable, there should always be two or more adults present.
6. Adult : youth ratios should reflect the duration, nature and location of the activities, the ages
and characteristics of the young people and any other responsibilities related to the activity.
7. Parents have a key role in ensuring that the context in which their child is participating is
appropriate, as indicated at points 1 - 6 above.
Specialist qualifications
1. The Leader should be competent to deliver the activity in which s/he is engaged as outlined
in the section “Selection and Screening”. The procedures and regulations of B-PSA US
Headquarters Council relating to Leaders and qualifications should be adhered to by Leaders.
2. All Leaders should have a knowledge of First Aid and ideally hold Senior First Aid
qualifications.
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Supervision of Away Trips
1. All youth members, Leaders and accompanying adults traveling away should be carefully
chosen.
2. Adults shall not share accommodation with a child. If young people are sharing
accommodation it should be with those of the same gender and similar age.
3. Adequate adult : child ratios should be observed.
4. Leaders are strongly discouraged from being alone in their car with youth members.
5. Permission of parents / guardians shall be obtained for all away trips.
6. When availing of Home Hospitality special care should be taken by both host and visiting
Units in the selection of homes for overnight stays and where practicable more than one child
should be placed with each host family.
Discipline and the creation of a positive environment
1. With proper leadership, Scouting programs can play a leading role in helping young people
to accept responsibilities, to accept others and to accept themselves. Leaders should ensure
that all participants feel and believe that they all have an equally important contribution to
make to the activity.
2. Discipline should always be positive in focus, providing the structure and rules that allow
participants to learn to set their own goals and strive for them. Young people in Scouting
need to learn to become responsible for themselves and therefore more independent.
3. The main form of discipline should be through praise for:
a. effort; and
b. social skills as well as traditional Scout skills.
4. Young people must be helped to understand the responsibilities and implications of the
freedom to make choices and decisions.
5. Young people should treat others in a respectful manner. Young people should not interfere
with, bully or take unfair advantage of others.
6. There should be no place for fighting, over-aggressive or aggressive behavior.
7. Youth members should treat their Leaders with dignity and respect, recognizing the time and
input which such people contribute to their development.
8. All Leaders should treat young people and fellow Leaders with respect and should behave as
good role models.
9. Parents / guardians should encourage their child to play by the rules of the game. ("Be a brick
and play the game" - B.P.).
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Breaches of discipline and appeals procedures
1. Rules and expectations should be positively stated, agreed and communicated clearly to all
involved in any activity.
2. The Disputes Procedures should be made known to all young people, Leaders and parents /
guardians.
3. The procedure should involve all complaints being fully investigated and the person, about
whom the complaint has been made, being made aware of the complaint as soon as possible.
In the case of an allegation of child sexual abuse or physical abuse, the matter should be
referred immediately to the Child Welfare Authorities as outlined in the section on
“Reporting Procedure for Child Abuse” of this Code.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality must be maintained throughout all stages of dealing with a complaint.
Confidentiality is about managing information in a respectful, professional and purposeful
manner. Only those who need to know about a complaint shall be given information. Informally
revealing information to anyone else should be avoided.
Sanctions
Sanctions are an important element in maintaining discipline. However, Leaders should have a
clear understanding of where and when particular sanctions are appropriate.
1. Any sanctions which may be interpreted as being humiliating or improper should not be
used.
2. Care should be taken not to expose a young person intentionally or unintentionally to
embarrassment or disparagement by use of sarcastic or flippant remarks about the young
person, his / her family etc.
3. Leaders shall never use any form of corporal punishment or physical force on a youth.
Guidelines for the use of sanctions
1. Sanctions should be used in a corrective way designed to help young people improve now
and in the future. Sanctions should not be used to retaliate or to make the Leader feel better.
2. When violations of rules or other misbehaviors occur, sanctions should be applied in an
impersonal way. Proper use of the Court of Honor, Crew Council, or Group Council will
ensure that this happens.
3. Once a good rule has been agreed upon, ensure that young people who violate it experience
the unpleasant consequences of their misbehavior. Sanctions should not be waved
threateningly over the heads of young people. They should be implemented fairly and firmly.
4. One clear warning should be given before delivering sanctions.
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5. Sanctions should be administered in a consistent way.
6. If an appropriate action cannot be devised right away, the young person should be told that
the matter will be dealt with later, at a specified time.
7. Once sanctions have been imposed, it is important to make the young person feel a valued
member of the group again.
8. Sanctions should not be seen by the young person as a rewarding experience for his / her
inappropriate behavior.
9. Young people should not be sanctioned for making genuine errors.
10. Physical activity (e.g. running laps or doing push-ups) shall not be used as sanctions. To do
so only causes young people to resent physical activity, something which they should learn to
enjoy throughout their lives.
11. Sanctions should be used sparingly. Constant sanctioning and criticism cause young people
to turn away from Scouting.
12. Sanctions should be fair and in the case of persistent offenses should be progressively
applied. The following steps are suggested:
a. Statement and agreement of rules
b. Warning if a rule is broken
c. Sanction if the rule is broken a second time (e.g. temporary exclusion from the activity)
d. Individual interview if the rule is broken again
e. Longer term exclusion for continued breaking of rules and involvement of parents /
guardians.
Substance abuse
1. The use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco shall be actively discouraged as being incompatible
with a healthy approach to Scouting activity. No member shall partake of any scouting
activity while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
2. A Scout Leader shall never smoke when taking part in an activity.
3. Districts and Groups should be encouraged to organize receptions and celebrations in a
manner that is suitable for the age group concerned.
4. Officials should ensure that those in their charge are aware of the illegality of proscribed
drugs or other abusive substances.
5. Councils and Groups shall not seek direct sponsorship from the alcohol and tobacco
industries.
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Safety
All activities being undertaken should be suitable for the age, experience and ability of the
participants. Where protective equipment is deemed necessary it shall be used.
1. All Groups / Sections involved in organizing Scouting activities should have First Aid
expertise available for all activities and events. They should have a proper First Aid Kit,
including gloves, for each open wound injury.
2. All injuries, including minor ones, should be recorded, with a note of the action taken.
3. Parents / guardians should be notified of all injuries which their children incur within a
Scouting activity.
4. All venues and activities should be governed by a clear and widely known emergency plan.
5. Persons organizing specialized events must ensure that the activity is conducted in
accordance with the appropriate guidelines / rules. Equipment and facilities must be
appropriate to the maturity of the participants.
6. Young people should be taught the rules of the activity and encouraged to abide by them.
Many rules are there for safety.
7. The participants should have been systematically prepared for the activity being undertaken
and made aware of their personal responsibility in terms of safety. It is important that before
young people are taken on a trip, they have learned and acquired personal safety rules.
8. Parents / guardians have the responsibility for ensuring that their children get to and from
activities safely.
Insurance
1. At this time, B-PSA US does not provide general liability or personal injury coverage to it’s
members or groups. B-PSA Headquarters provides a form, available online, that is required
during registration of each member, to help towards this: “Liability Waiver & Medical
Release Form”. B-PSA US strongly encourages each Scout Group to provide appropriate
and adequate insurance coverage based on the group’s activities.
2. Adults transporting children in their cars should be familiar with the provisions made in their
automobile insurance policy in relation to acceptable numbers and liability. Leaders are
advised to have at least $2 million in personal liability coverage before transporting members
in their private vehicles.
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Abuse
Parents / guardians, care givers (i.e. persons who while not parents / guardians have actual
responsibility for a child) or others can harm children either by direct acts, or by a failure to
provide proper care, or both. Such acts include physical injuries, severe neglect, and sexual or
emotional abuse.
The detection and prevention of child abuse depends on the collaborative effort of everyone
concerned. Central to the success of this effort are the following:
• Knowledge of the behavioral and physical indicators of various forms of abuse.
• Knowledge of the appropriate response and action to be taken where abuse is revealed or
suspected.
• Vigilance, and avoidance of all situations conductive to risk.
• Open, trusting and co-operative relationships within the Group / Section, and with parents /
guardians, Leaders and others concerned with young people's progress or welfare.
5.2. Sources of abuse
The source of abuse of a child involved in Scouting may be within or outside of the organization,
and could include one or more of the following:
• Leaders
• Another child / adolescent in the Group / Association
• Person providing transport or other assistance
• Family member / caregiver
• Person outside of home / organization
5.3. Categories of abuse
Child abuse is generally divided into four categories:
1. Physical abuse. Physical injury to a child, including poisoning, where it is known or
suspected that the injury was deliberately inflicted.
2. Neglect. The persistent or severe neglect of a child, whether willful or unintentional, which
results in serious psychological impairment of the child's health, development or welfare.
3. Emotional abuse. The adverse effect on the behavior and emotional development of a child
caused by persistent or severe emotional ill treatment or rejection, or exposure to ongoing
domestic violence.
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4. Sexual abuse. The use of children by others for sexual gratification. This can take many
forms and includes rape and other sexual assaults, allowing children to view sexual acts or be
exposed to, or involved in, pornography, exhibitionism and other perverse activities.
5.4. Signs of Abuse
There are certain signs of abuse, both in the child's behavior and appearance that should alert
Leaders to the possibility of abuse. Some of these are common to all types of abuse, others are
more specific to certain forms of abuse.
Knowing the indicators of abuse is essential for recognizing a potential or real problem.
However, any one sign of itself can occur in the absence of abuse, and conversely, a young
person who is being abused may show none of the more typical signs, or show conflicting,
confusing signs. Such cases make it difficult to decide which course of action to take, but all
concerns or suspicions should be acted upon according to established guidelines.
5.5. Young People's Rights
Young People have a right to be protected from abuse. The following children's rights should be
upheld at all times:
1. To be safe;
2. To feel safe;
3. To protect their own bodies;
4. To refuse inappropriate touches;
5. To get help against bullies;
6. To not keep secrets;
7. To say no;
8. To tell; and
9. To be believed
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Awareness and Identification of Child
Abuse
Abuse of young people within Scouting or other contexts can be combated if appropriate
preventative measures and awareness exist and if identification and reporting procedures are in
place. Awareness involves a number of components:
• Acceptance by all involved with young people that abuse, whether physical, psychological or
sexual is wrong, severely damages young people and must be addressed.
• Acceptance of responsibility to protect young people from all forms of abuse. This involves:• Knowledge of what constitutes abuse
• Knowing how to identify abuse
• Implementing agreed preventative procedures
• Taking appropriate, agreed-upon steps in response to a report or observation of abuse.
SIGNS AND TYPES OF ABUSE
Behavioral Signs of Abuse
There are certain signs which Leaders should be aware of, which might indicate that a young
person has suffered from abuse or trauma. It is important to note, however, that all of these
indicators can occur in other situations where abuse has not been a factor and that the list which
follows is not exhaustive.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Acting-out, aggressive behavior
Lack of trust
Overly compliant behavior
Regressive behavior
Lack of friends
Excessive attachment to adults
Unusual reluctance to join in normal activities involving the removal of clothing
Reluctance to go home or to interact with a particular individual or group
Depressed appearance
Change in attendance pattern / unexpected dropout
Change in the characteristic way of behaving
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• Signs of familial discord
There are a number of different types of abuse and these include physical abuse; neglect;
psychological / emotional abuse; sexual abuse.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse of a young person involves the intentional non-accidental use of force on the part
of the person interacting with a young person in his / her care aimed at hurting or injuring the
young person, or knowingly not preventing such injury.
Signs of Physical Abuse:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Unexplained bruising in soft tissue areas
Repeated injury
Black eye/s
Injuries to the mouth
Torn or bloodstained clothing
Burns and scalds
Bites
Fractures
Marks from implements
Inconsistent stories / excuses relating to injuries
Behavioral signs (see 6.1 Behavioral Signs of Abuse).
Neglect
Passive abuse or neglect involves the persistent or severe neglect of a young person, whether
willful or unintentional, which results in serious psychological impairment of the young person's
health, development or welfare.
Signs of neglect:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Nutritional deprivation
Persistently dirty / smelly clothing or appearance
Inadequate clothing
Non-healing of injuries / ailments
Signs of parental neglect
Behavioral signs (see the section “Behavioral Signs of Abuse”)
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Psychological / Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse occurs when an individual suffers harm as a result of being intimidated,
emotionally exploited, exposed to constant denigration, ridicule, rejection or verbal attack for
their supposed shortcomings. This is the least recognized form of harm done to children, yet the
long-term psychological consequences may be more traumatic than in the case of simple
physical injury.
Signs of Psychological / Emotional Abuse:
These are largely behavioral (See the section “Behavioral Signs of Abuse”)
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is the involvement of dependent, developmentally immature children and
adolescents in sexual activities that they do not fully comprehend, to which they are unable to
give informed consent or that violate the social taboos of family or carer or which are against the
law. This involves the use of young people by others for sexual gratification and self power and
includes many forms, from e.g. talking in a sexual way, exposure, touching etc., to full sexual
intercourse.
Sexual activities are abuse if one person with greater power whether due to age, physique, status,
understanding or knowledge takes advantage of the vulnerability, fears, weaknesses, lack of
understanding, helplessness or need of another person.
Abuse is also present if mutual consent is absent. For consent to be present, it must be
"informed" and it must be freely given. Young people cannot know the dangers and risks,
whether emotional or physical, of engaging in sexual relationships where they are the vulnerable
partner. In these circumstances they cannot give informed consent. Sexual abuse can involve
older children abusing younger children if the above criteria exist. These cases must also be dealt
with according to the Department of Social Services.
Signs of Sexual Abuse:
• Hints about sexual activity / abuse
• Age-inappropriate understanding of sexual behavior (especially by young children)
• Inappropriate sexual play with other children or toys
• Preoccupation with touching sexual parts of the body
• Bloodstained underclothing
• Reluctance to remove clothing
• Excessive fear or dislike of adults / older children
• Unexpected change in the child's attitude towards Scout activities
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• Other behavioral signs (see 6.1. Behavioral Signs of Abuse)
Reporting Procedure for Child Abuse
It is important to remember that when one is reporting suspected child abuse in good faith it is
not the same as making an accusation of abuse i.e. reporting does not mean accusing.
Reporting procedure for child abuse
Responsibility for investigation of child abuse cases, suspected or otherwise, lies with the Child
Welfare Services and the Police. Responsibility for monitoring and co-ordinating the
management of such cases rests with the Child Welfare Services. It is not appropriate for
individuals, Groups or Districts etc., to carry out internal investigations into cases where child
abuse is suspected.
Child Abuse Reporting Procedure within a Scouting context
Any person who knows or suspects that a child is being harmed or is at risk of harm has a legal
duty to convey his / her concern to the local Child Welfare Authorities & Police immediately.
Once the authorities have been notified, the GSM and DC should be notified and made aware of
the situation.
When matters regarding the safety of other children arise in a Scouting context it will be
necessary for the GSM / District Commissioner to be informed of the allegations made so that
suspension of the Leader or Helper from activities which involve young people may be carried
out until the conclusion of an investigation by the Legal Authorities. It is important to record
carefully all concerns and allegations made.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality must be maintained in respect of all issues and people involved in concerns about
abuse. A guarantee cannot be given to a person providing information relating to concerns about
or knowledge of abuse that the information received will be kept absolutely confidential.
However, all information should be treated in a careful and sensitive manner and should be
discussed only with those who have a need to know.
Responsibilities of Group Leaders and Commissioners
1. It is the responsibility of Commissioners and GSM’s to ensure that all Leaders are aware of
the contents of this Code of Ethics and Youth Protection Guidelines. Leaders should be aware
of this Code and of any additions to the Code which are laid down by the organization.
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2. Following any complaint made against a Leader or Helper, where there are concerns about
the safety of other children, the Leader or Helper must be suspended from participation in
activities involving young people pending the outcome of an investigation which can only be
conducted by Legal Authorities. Confidentiality should be maintained at all stages.
3. In the case of suspension, the Leader or Helper being suspended should be formally notified
by the GSM (in the case of a Section Scouter) or the District Commissioner (in the case of a
District Scouter).
4. A Leader against whom an allegation of abuse has been made should be informed that this is
not an accusation, and that the procedures being undertaken are in accordance with statutory
guidelines. S/he should be assured that within the Group / District all information will be
dealt with in a sensitive and confidential manner.
5. A Leader should be made aware generally of the nature of any allegation made against him /
her and of any allegation being made know to the Legal Authorities. The timing of this
discussion may be a matter to be decided upon in consultation with the Legal Authorities.
The Leader should be afforded the opportunity to present a formal response to the allegation
to senior personnel in the Group / District. From this point on, the matter should only be dealt
with by the Legal Authorities. The quantity of information given about the specific allegation
will vary depending on the precise nature of the complaint. For example, in the case of an
allegation of child sexual abuse, in the interest of confidentiality and child protection, it will
be necessary to withhold the name of the child and precise details of the allegation. The
treatment of this information is a matter for the Legal Authorities.
6. An individual who has been convicted of a child abuse offense should never be permitted to
become involved in any form of Scout activity. The name of the convicted individual should
be passed on to higher HQ in order that other Scouting Associations are made aware of this
individual.
Immediate response to a young person reporting any form of abuse
1. It is important to deal with any allegation of abuse in a sensitive and competent way through
listening to and facilitating the young person to tell about the problem, rather than
interviewing the young person about details of what has happened.
2. It is important to stay calm and not to show any extreme reaction to what the young person is
saying. Listen compassionately, and take what the young person is saying seriously.
3. It should be understood that the young person has decided to tell about something very
important and has taken a risk to do so. The experience of telling should be a positive one so
that the young person will not mind talking to those involved in the investigation.
4. No judgmental statement should be made about the person against whom the allegation is
made.
5. The youth should be reassured that she / he was right to tell, and that she / he will be helped.
However, false promises should not be made, such as saying that no-one else will be told.
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6. The young person should not be questioned unless the nature of what she / he is saying is
unclear. Leading questions should be avoided. Open, non- specific questions should be used
such as "Can you explain to me what you meant by that?"
7. The youth should be given an indication of what should happen next, such as informing
parents, reporting to Legal Authority, etc. It should be kept in mind that the child may have
been threatened and may feel very vulnerable at this stage.
8. It may be appropriate for the person who has received the information to consult with another
adult, and in particular the Youth Affairs Scouter. Such consultation should be entirely
confidential and should not involve investigative procedures. Groups / Districts have no role
in investigating such allegations.
9. A detailed account of any discussion regarding alleged or suspected abuse should be written
as soon as possible after it has taken place.
Conclusion
This Code of Ethics and Youth Protection Guidelines outlines the major issues which need to be
addressed if the Scouting Movement is to develop to the highest standards of quality and respect
for the needs and dignity of young people. Responsibility lies with all individuals to act on the
recommendations which have been included and to work co-operatively in helping to make
membership of the Movement a happy, safe and rewarding experience for all.
B-PSA US
Safe Swim Defense Policy & Guidelines
The following guidelines are “defenses” for providing a safe swimming experience on any BPSA group scout outings. These are adopted from the BSA Safe Swim Defense policies, and are
in general a set of guidelines and recommended practices that each local unit SHOULD follow.
The Safe Swim Defense consists of 8 points to be covered in any swimming situation or
environment.
1. Qualified Supervision
All swimming activity must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult age 21 or older
who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of youth
members in his or her care, who is experienced in the water and confident of his or her ability to
respond in the event of an emergency, and who is trained in and committed to compliance with
the eight points of Safe Swim Defense.
2. Physical Fitness
Require evidence of fitness for swimming activity with a complete health history from
physician, parent, or legal guardian. The adult supervisor should adjust all supervision,
discipline, and protection to anticipate any potential risks associated with individual health
conditions. In the event of any significant health conditions, an examination by a physician
should be required by the adult supervisor.
Those with physical disabilities can enjoy and benefit from aquatics if the disabilities are known
and necessary precautions are taken.
3. Safe Area
When swimming in areas not regularly maintained and used for swimming activity, have
lifeguards and swimmers systematically examine the bottom of the swimming area to determine
varying depths, currents, deep holes, rocks, and stumps. Mark off the area for three groups:
not more than 3 1/2 feet deep for non-swimmers; from shallow water to just over the head