Safe Scouting

Medical Forms

It is recommended that all members of the Boy Scouts of America have periodic medical evaluations by a licensed health-care practitioner. In recent years, in an effort to provide better care to those who may become ill or injured and to provide youth members and adult leaders a better understanding of their physical capabilities, the Boy Scouts of America established minimum standards for providing medical information prior to participating in various activities.

Class 1:
Includes any event that does not exceed 72 consecutive hours, where the level of activity is similar to that normally expended at home or at school, and where medical care is readily available. Examples: day camp, day hike, swimming party, or an overnight camp. Medical information required is a current health history signed by parents or guardian.

Class 2:
Includes any event that exceeds 72 consecutive hours, where the level of activity is similar to that normally expended at home or at school, and where medical care is readily available, examples: resident camping, tour camping, and hiking in relatively populated areas. Youth members and adult participants under 40 years of age use this form.

Class 3:
Includes any event involving strenuous activity such as backpacking, high altitude, extreme weather conditions, cold water, exposure, fatigue, athletic competition, adventure challenge, or remote conditions were readily available medical care cannot be assured. Examples: high adventure activities, jamborees, Wood Badge, and extended backpacking trips in remote areas. Medical information required includes current health history supported by a medical evaluation within the past 12 months performed by a licensed health-care practitioner. Adults age 40 or older will use this form for Class 2 and Class 3 activities. Examinations conducted by licensed health-care practitioners, other than physicians, will be recognized for BSA purposes in those states where such practitioners may perform physical examinations within their legally prescribed scope of practice.

High-Adventure Medical Forms

Philmont Scout Ranch, Florida Sea Base, and Northern Tier all require the use of their special medical form by all youth and adults because of the strenuous nature of the activities taking place there.

It is recommended that unit leaders have a complete medical history and permission slip for every participant attending each Scouting activity. The medical history form and permission slip, in most cases, will allow emergency medical treatment to a youth member in case of injury or illness when a parent or guardian cannot be contacted.

Youth Protection

Leadership Requirements for Trips and Outings:
Two-deep leadership
Two registered adult leaders, or one registered adult and a parent of a participating Scout, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips or outings. There are a few instances, such as patrol activities, when no adult leadership is required. For all trips, you must have a common departure site and a daily destination point. If you cannot provide two adults for each vehicle, the minimum required is one adult and two or more youth members—never one on one.

Safety rule of four
No fewer than four individuals—always with the minimum of two adults—can go on any campout. If an accident occurs, one person stays with the injured, and two go for help. Additional adult leadership requirements must reflect an awareness of such factors as size and skill level of the group, anticipated environmental conditions, and overall degree of challenge.

Single-room or dormitory-type accommodations for Scouting units
Adults and youth of the same gender may occupy dormitory or single-room accommodations, provided there is a minimum of two adults and four youth. A minimum of one of the adults is required to be youth protection trained. Adults must establish separation barriers or privacy zones such as a temporary blanket or sheet walls in order to keep their sleeping area and dressing area separated from the youth area.

When staying in tents, no youth will stay in the tent of an adult other than his or her parent or guardian. If separate shower and latrine facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted for showers. The buddy system should be used for latrines by having one person wait outside the entrance, or provide Occupied and Unoccupied signs and/or inside door latches. Adult leaders need to respect the privacy of youth members in situations where the youth are changing clothes or taking showers, and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults also need to protect their own privacy in similar situations.

For all other questions and inquiries, see the Guide to Safe Scouting.

Co-Ed Camping
The relationship between persons on a trip must always follow with the high standards of the Boy Scouts of America. If these guidelines are followed co-ed, camping is allowed. If you have multiple youth genders, you must have at least one adult of each gender. Male and female leaders must have separate sleeping facilities. Married couples may share the same quarters if appropriate facilities are available. Male and female youth participants will not share the same sleeping facility.