In February 2023, the BSA updated the Guide to Safe Scouting policy to revise the Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse and the Cub Scout Coordinated Camping Sections. The Scouting Barriers to Abuse change directly impacts who is permitted to stay overnight at a Scouting activity.
The following requirements are effective September 1, 2023:
Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including all meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth or female adult program participants.
Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.
All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered in an adult fee required position as listed or as an adult program participant.
See: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss01/
What does this mean for our Troop?
Starting on September 1, any adult participating in overnight events with the Troop must be Registered Adult Leaders in fee-paid leadership positions. (Merit Badge Counselors DO NOT meet this requirement.)
Adults who do not meet these requirements may participate in the events during the day but will NOT be permitted to spend the night.
How to become an Adult Leader
In order to become an adult leader, you will be required to complete a membership application, obtain necessary clearances, and complete the BSA’s Youth Protection training (YPT). Instructions can be found HERE.
Troop leadership will help you determine the correct position based on how you would like to engage with the Troop as this can impact the Troop’s Journey to Excellence (JTE) score.
- Parents who want to play an active committee member or assistant Scoutmaster must take additional training to increase our JTE score.
- Parents who don’t want to play an active role in the troop can be registered as Unit Scouter Reserve. YPT is the only required training.
