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, Safety Afloat, Climb On Safely, Trek Safely, etc.):
How is the ”qualified supervision” of the Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety and the “safety sandwich” defined? It is clearly more than just be an adult over the age of 21.
Indeed, being a “qualified supervisor” in Scouting requires more than may be required to take your neighbors’ sons to the local water or amusement park.
The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety describes a ”qualified supervisor” as one who is “sufficiently trained, experienced, and skilled in the activity to be confident of his/her ability to lead and to teach the necessary skills and to respond effectively in the event of an emergency. Field knowledge of all applicable BSA standards and a commitment to implement and follow BSA policies and procedures are essential parts of the supervisor’s qualifications.”
The Guide to SafeScouting (2013 ed., p. 7) states that each responsible adult leader must personally decide if he or she understands the risk factors associated with the activity and is sufficiently experienced and well-informed to make the rational decisions expected of a ”qualified supervisor”.
BSA’s new (2021) S.A.F.E. activity assessment criteria similarly states that a unit should “ensure that adults are adequately trained, experienced, and skilled to lead the activity, including the ability to prevent and respond to likely problems and potential emergencies.”
Adult volunteers need to do more to prepare for an activity than to merely adopt the philosophy of “The Little Engine That Could” . . . “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can”.
Those participating as adult leaders should accordingly take the training, and gain the experience, necessary to enable them to meet the above qualifications for a “qualified supervisor”.
Scouts and their parents will thank you.