BSA Guide to Safe Scouting
BSA Guide to Safe Scouting
Section titled “BSA Guide to Safe Scouting”Source: scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/
Scouting America’s comprehensive guide covering safety policies, activity standards, and youth protection requirements for all Scouting programs.
Overview
Section titled “Overview”The Guide to Safe Scouting (GSS) is the authoritative reference for all BSA activity safety standards. Every leader must be familiar with it before planning or running activities.
Key areas covered:
- Youth Protection — two-deep leadership, mandatory reporting, prohibited one-on-one contact
- SAFE Checklist — required before every activity: Supervision, Assessment, Fitness & skill, Equipment
- Prohibited activities — fireworks, firearms without qualified supervision, restricted activities by age
- Transportation — no Scout traveling alone with non-parent/guardian adult
- Camping — health form requirements, swim supervision, liquid fuel restrictions
- Aquatics — Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat requirements
- High Adventure — age restrictions, medical requirements, Part C health form
SAFE Checklist
Section titled “SAFE Checklist”Before every activity, leaders should verify:
- S — Supervision: Appropriate qualified supervision is in place
- A — Assessment: Hazards have been identified and mitigated
- F — Fitness & skill: Participants have the physical and skill level required
- E — Equipment: Proper equipment is available and in good working order
Key Requirements
Section titled “Key Requirements”- Two-deep leadership at all Scouting activities
- No liquid fuels (Coleman fuel, etc.) at Cub Scout events — propane is fine
- No fireworks at any Scouting event
- Health forms (Parts A & B) required for all participants at pack events
- Part C required for events over 72 hours or high adventure
- BALOO-trained adult required on any pack overnight campout
Access the Guide
Section titled “Access the Guide”The full Guide to Safe Scouting is maintained online at BSA’s website:
www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/
The guide is updated regularly — always refer to the online version for current requirements.
Used In
Section titled “Used In”| Resource Used In | Type |
|---|---|
| Committee Chair | Role |
| Cubmaster | Role |
| Program Chair | Role |
Source
Section titled “Source”Source: View Resource