As discussed in a different post, Scout volunteers owe a “standard of care” to those Scouts in their care. The “standard of care” are those actions taken to meet the Scout volunteers’ “duty of care“ toward their Scouts.
Whether the requisite standard of care is met (as evidenced by adult volunteers’ actions or lack thereof) will be determined (possibly by a jury of one’s peers) in relation to BSA‘s policies and procedures, as set forth in at least the following:
- Guide to Safe Scouting
- Youth Protection guidelines
- Safe Swim Defense guidelines
- Safety Afloat guidelines
- Trek Safely guidelines
- Climb on Safely
- Weather Hazards
- Aquatics Supervision
- Paddle Craft Safety
- Sweet 16 of BSA Safety
- Applicable first aid training
- Applicable adult leader training
- BSA Tour Plan
Being familiar with, and conducting activities in a manner consistent with, such policies and procedures, is required by BSA’s “Scouter Code of Conduct” (2015).
Adult volunteers should accordingly be current in their knowledge of the above, so that, when called upon, they may meet the standard of care toward their Scouts in the planning and conduct of the outdoor program. Parents expect no less from adults who have assumed custodial responsibility for their youth.