Is rescue possible in the wilderness . . . or is “hope” the only plan?

A summer 2015 Boundary Waters rescue (a church group) confirms that “when you are in the wilderness, you are IN the wilderness”, and absent the ability to self- or group-rescue, the group may be at the mercy of good fortune, and outside

Her sons survived! A parent’’s perspective on risk in the wilderness

Perhaps to bring a bit of personal perspective to risk management in Scouting, below is an excerpt from a blog written by a Scout mother regarding her two sons’ experiences at Philmont and Northern Tier, respectively, reinforcing the fact that it

Are you sufficiently skilled for paddle sport programs?

The August 2014 issue of Boys’ Life contains an article titled “The Wild Wild North”, describing a California troop’s eight day trek through Bowron Lake Provincial Park in British Columbia.  Interestingly, the trek followed a number of interconnected lakes and

Lightning safety in the outdoors

Lightning safety  is a necessary skill for those participating in outdoor program activities. Indeed, it is not difficult to find references on the web to lightning incidents. The lightning risk in Scouting is real. See, “Boy Scouts Accused of Not Taking

The exercise of good judgment in the outdoors is crucial!

The exercise of good judgment by an adult leader in a youth-based outdoor activity is a crucial aspect of risk management.  Indeed, it is the foundation of BSA safety in the outdoors.  In the end, exercising good judgment may be the only factor protecting participants

What is “”Qualified Supervision””?

One of BSA’s Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety  is “Qualified Supervision”. The Sweet Sixteen’’s  “”Qualified Supervision”” and ““Discipline”” form the “bread” of BSA’’s “ “Safety Sandwich””, with the “meat” of the sandwich being the activity-specific rules for each activity (Safe Swim Defense,