The purpose of the Guide to Safe Scouting is
to prepare members of the Boy Scouts of America to conduct Scouting
activities in a safe and prudent manner. The policies and guidelines
have been established because of the real need to protect members from
known hazards that have been identified through 100 years of experience.
Limitations on certain activities should not be viewed as stumbling
blocks; rather, policies and guidelines are best described as
stepping-stones toward safe and enjoyable adventures.
All participants in official Scouting activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting and be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Boy Scouts of America policies and guidelines. The Guide to Safe Scouting provides
an overview of Scouting policies and procedures rather than
comprehensive, standalone documentation. For some items, the policy
statements are complete. Unit leaders are expected to review the
additional reference material cited prior to conducting such activities.
In situations not specifically covered in this guide, activity
planners should evaluate the risk or potential risk of harm, and respond
with action plans based on common sense, community standards, the Boy
Scout motto, and safety policies and practices commonly prescribed for
the activity by experienced providers and practitioners.
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This is the full .pdf version. Please use the online version for the
most up to date information. This was published 03/04/2011.