A. LEADERSHIP
B. TRANSPORTATION
C. WEATHER
D. EMERGENCY CONTACT
E. TOUR PERMITS
A. ARRIVING LATE / LEAVING EARLY
III. GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR SCOUTS
B. FIRE SAFETY
C. EQUIPMENT
1. TROOP 113 12 ESSENTIALS
2. OTHER ITEMS
IV. HIKING SAFETY
C. HIKING RULES
A. RESPONSIBILITIES
C. EARTHQUAKE
E. FIRE
F. LOST PERSON
A. TROOP COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
G. SCOUTMASTER
J. PATROL ADVISORS / ASSISTANT OUTING LEADERS
L. ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER - PROGRAM
M. ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER - PERSONNEL
O. SCRIBE
P. HISTORIAN
Q. LIBRARIAN
A. Leadership
1. There must be at least two adult leaders over the age of 21 on any Troop outings or camp outs. Ideally there should be a ratio of one adult leader over 18 years of age for every 8 boys on an outing or camp out.
2. One of the adults over 21 will be designated the Outing Leader and will ultimately be responsible for all aspects of the outing. The Outing Leader should have copies of the medical histories and consent to treatment forms with them at all times on the outing. The Outing Leader’s decisions will be final.
3. Adult and youth leadership need to be aware of and follow BSA and Troop Guidelines for outings, camp outs and backpacking trips.
4. Adult leadership should let youth leaders lead as much as possible. Adult leaders need to monitor the scouts which they are assigned to watch and be ready to step in to avoid any problems.
5. Adult and youth leaders need to be properly trained for the activity in which the Troop is involved in on the outing.
6. There must be at least one adult leader trained in Red Cross basic first aid or higher one very Troop outing. This person will be designated as the "Safety Officer" for the trip.
7. Adult and youth leaders must set a good example.
8. Adult leaders between the ages of 18 and 21 years of age are not to supervise scouts on an outing by themselves. They need to have another adult leader over 21 years of age with them at all times on outings. This is per BSA policy.
9. Adult and youth leaders should be familiar with "low impact camping" and insure that "low impact camping" is followed by the Troop on all outings.
B. Transportation
1. All drivers on Troop outings must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and insurance.
2. All vehicles should be in good operating condition and have emergency supplies on board.
3. Each scout must have his own seat belt.
4. Drivers should have maps of the route to be taken as well as emergency contacts and rest stops.
5. Rest stops will be scheduled at least once every two hours.
6. Drivers should pull over if there are any behavior problems with any scouts until they regain control.
7. All drivers should have copies of the medical forms for the scouts in their vehicle.
8. The Troop’s "Transportation Chairperson" is responsible to arrange transportation for Troop outings. Patrol Advisors are responsible for transportation for Patrol outings.
C. Weather
1. Every person on the outing should have proper clothing and shelter for any weather conditions that could occur on the outing.
2. It is the responsibility of the Outing Leader and Troop Camping Coordinator to check on the weather, road, trail, water and camp conditions.
3. Outings, camp outs, and backpacking trips will not be canceled due to poor weather; however, the location or scope of the outing may be changed at any time by the Outing Leader due to conditions encountered on or before the outing.
D. Emergency Contact
1. The Committee Chairperson and/or the Telephone Chairperson will be the designated Emergency Contact Person for all outings.
2. In the event of a change of location of an outing, evacuation, or other emergency, the Outing Leader will contact the Emergency Contact Person so that if needed the parents can be notified.
3. If a parent needs to contact their son(s), they should contact the Emergency Contact Person who will in turn contact the Outing Leader if needed and a true emergency exists.
4. The Emergency Contact will be provided with an itinerary of the outing and phone numbers where the Troop can be contacted in case of an emergency.
5. The Emergency Contact will be responsible for notifying the proper authorities if the Troop members on the outing are overdue and will notify parents of the situation.
E. Tour Permits
1. All outings must have prior approval of the Scoutmaster before filing a Tour Permit.
2. A local Tour Permit must be filed with the Council Office for all Troop outings under 500 miles. If the outing is over 500 miles away, then a National Tour Permit must be filed with the Council and Region at least two months prior to the outing.
3. If air travel is involved, a special permit must be filed with the Council.
4. No outings may occur without a Tour Permit. The Tour Permit is needed for insurance purposes and to earn High Adventure Awards.
5. An outing is defined as a hike, camp out, picnic, Court of Honor, car wash, museum trip, or any other "outing" that does not take place at the Scout Shack or the residence of a registered member of the Troop.
6. The Camping Chairperson is responsible for filing Tour Permits for all Troop camp outs, field trips, and day hikes.
7. The Ceremonies Chairperson is responsible for filing Tour Permits for Courts of Honors and Troop picnics.
8. Patrol Advisors are responsible for filing Tour Permits for all Patrol outings.
A. Arriving Late/Leaving Camp
1. No one may leave camp without the permission of the Outing Leader of his designee.
2. If a scout is arriving late or leaving camp early, prior arrangements need to be made and the Outing Leader or his designee needs to be notified upon the arrival or departure of the scout(s).
3. No fewer than four persons are allowed to leave camp for any other activity while on a camp out and one must be an adult over 21 years of age and another must be an adult over 18 years of age.
4. No one may leave early or arrive late on a backpacking trip with a scout unless there are at least one adult at least 21 years of age and at least one other adult over 18 years of age hiking with the scout(s).
5. Leaving camp shall be defined as going someplace out of sight and earshot of the campsite where the Troop is camping.
III. GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR SCOUTS
1. No scout is allowed to use a knife or axe unless they have a valid tot’n chip with their name on it in their possession unless they are in an emergency situation.
2. If a scout misuses a knife or axe, the knife or axe will be taken and returned to the scout’s parent at the end of the outing. The scout’s tot’n chip will have a corner cut off of the card. Once all four corners are cut, the card is no longer valid and the scout must re-earn a new tot’n chip.
3. Only adult leaders and junior leaders with a valid tot’n chip in their possession may cut corners off of a tot’n chip card.
4. Proper safety practices must be followed at all times by those using knives and axes.
B. Fire Safety
1. Matches are to be used to light stoves and campfires only.
2. Stoves should be checked prior to the camp out and prior to lighting to insure that they are working properly.
3. No one may light a campfire unless they have been given permission from the outing leader to do so.
4. Campfire and cooking areas need to be cleared in a ten foot radius of anything burnable. This includes the wood supply for campfires.
5. At least one bucket of water must be at the cooking or campfire location in case any fire becomes out of control.
6. Campfires and bar-b-ques must be dead-out before they can be left unattended.
7. Campfires are not permitted in all areas. Check with the Outing Leader. A permit may be necessary.
8. No flames are allowed in tents.
C. Equipment
1. Each scout must make sure that they have the Troop’s twelve essentials on every camp out. The twelve essentials are:
a. A brimmed hat
b. At least one quart of water
c. Personal first aid kit including moleskin
d. Survival food and kit
e. Flashlight with extra bulb and batteries
f. Scout knife
g. Rain gear
h. Warm sleeping bag rated to at least +15 degrees
i. Heavy jacket
j. Hiking boots with vibrum soles
k. 50' of nylon rope
l. Personal medication (if any)
2. Other items which are highly recommended for safety:
a. One pair of extra clothing including pants
b. A windbreaker or sweat-shirt
c. Thermal underwear or sweats to sleep in
d. Sunglasses
e. Map of area and compass
f. Waterproof matches
g. Whistle
h. Signaling mirror
i. Suntan lotion and chap stick
j. Wallet with picture I.D. and consent form
k. Gloves
l. Wool cap
m. Wool socks
n. Toilet paper
o. Number 10 can for cooking
p. Sleeping pad
3. Other equipment from equipment list.
4. Tents should be properly set-up in a safe location.
D. Other
1. Hazing is not permitted.
2. Scouts may not leave camp without permission.
3. Scouts are responsible to do their pre-assigned duties in regard to meal preparation and/or clean-up.
4. Radios are not permitted on camp outs unless headphones are used. This includes video games.
5. Class "B" uniform must be worn on the first day of a camp out and is encouraged but not required on any subsequent days unless told in advance.
6. Fighting or dangerous horseplay is not allowed.
7. Scouts are to set up camp, sleep, and eat by Patrol. A scout may share a tent on a backpack trip only if both patrols have an odd number of scouts going on the trip.
8. Scouts may not go swimming, wading, or get wet intentionally unless given prior permission by the Outing Leader.
9. Scouts should do what Junior Leaders ask of them, unless there is a safety issue. If there are any problems, follow the chain of command up to the Outing Leader whose decision will be final.
10. Do not throw any rocks anywhere. This is a major cause of accidents.
11. Respect nature. Do not carve into tables or trees or damage the environment.
12. Follow "Low Impact Camping" guidelines.
13. Do not litter. Keep camp and your tent clean.
14. Keep yourself warm and dry. Remove wet clothing immediately and sleep in clean dry clothes.
15. Scouts are expected to participate in the planned activit(ies) on the outing.
16. Pornography, alcohol, illicit drugs, and weapons are not allowed on Troop outings and could result in expulsion from the Troop.
17. The adult leadership of the Troop reserves the right to take any items in possession of a scout which he/she feels is dangerous, inappropriate, or being misused. These items will be returned to the scout’s parents upon returning.
IV. HIKING SAFETY
1. All persons participating in the hike must be physically fit for the planned hike,
2. All persons on the hike must have at least the Troop’s twelve essentials.
3. All persons on the hike must be properly dressed for both expected and unexpected weather conditions.
4. All persons on the hike must make the Outing Leader and "Safety Officer" aware of any medical problems prior to leaving on the trip.
1. At least two adult leaders over the age of 21 must accompany the Troop on the trail. One of them must have at least Red Cross basic first aid training (Wilderness First Aid Courses in addition to Red Cross Training is preferred) and will be designated as the "Safety Officer."
2. One adult leader should be designated as the "Point" and will lead the hike. This position may on occasion be given to an experienced Junior Leader by the Outing Leader if the Junior Leader is very familiar with the hike. The "Point" may not let anyone get ahead of them on the trail. The "Point" should also have a compass and a trail map and is responsible for overseeing navigation on the hike.
3. The designated Outing Leader will hike in the back of Troop and will be known as the "Sweep." The "Sweep" may not let anyone from the group get behind them on the trail.
4. The Outing Leader will conduct a head count and trail briefing at the trail head prior to starting the hike.
5. The "Safety Officer" should hike with the "Sweep."
6. Other adult leaders should hike with the "Sweep" and in the middle of the group to monitor for any problems.
7. Junior Leaders should also watch younger scouts to help them out and insure their safety.
8. All leaders need to watch others and themselves for signs of hypothermia, hyperthermia, altitude sickness, exhaustion, or any other medical problems that could arise.
C. Hiking Rules
1. No one is allowed to hike head of the "Point" or behind the "Sweep."
2. Everyone should hike in groups of no fewer than four persons. If one member of the group needs to stop, at least three persons should stop with them.
3. No one should leave the trail while hiking
4. Do not cut trail. This causes erosion to occur.
5. If you think that you are lost or need assistance, stop and wait for the "Sweep." Do not leave the trail. Let us find you. If you leave the trail, the chances of us finding you is less. See also section on what to do if you are lost.
6. Hike at your own pace. Do not run on the trail. This may lead to injury.
7. If you need to pass a slower hiker, ask them politely to let you pass. Do not push past them.
8. Do not throw rocks anywhere. You never know where other people may be hiking.
9. Stop is one of the following occurs:
a. There is a fork in the trail.
b. Darkness.
c. Poor weather conditions
d. The "Point" and "Sweep" have not had any contact for over one hour.
e. There is a fire, flood, earthquake, or other disaster.
f. You or the group is lost.
g. Someone is unaccounted for.
h. Someone is injured.
10. Be courteous to other hikers, pack animals and mountain bikers. Let them pass.
11. Do not litter.
1. Do not panic. Stay calm.
2. Stay where you are. If you move around, you may move farther away from the trail where you are supposed to be. When we are searching for you, we will be checking all the trails and roads in the area first.
3. Sound or visual signals in groups of three are the universal distress signal. Whistle three times, flash your mirror three times, or set three smoky fires in the daytime or bright fires at night.
4. Stay visible. Wear bright colored clothing.
5. If in a group, stay together. There is greater safety in numbers.
6. Try to orient yourself to the topo map. The sun rises in the east, sets in the west, and is due south at noon.
7. Keep everything you have with you. Do not throw anything away. Everything may become useful later on.
8. Keep warm. Build a fire in a safe location.
9. Find shelter before it gets dark.
10. If you do move, make sure to leave highly visible notes for where you are going.
These sections are only part of the Guidelines for Troop Outings. See the Scoutmaster for the complete set of Guidelines.
A. Responsibilities
a. Responsible for safety of entire group.
b. Makes final decisions as to course of action.
c. Must remain calm and be prepared for any situation.
d. Coordinates and delegates tasks to others.
e. Decides when to call in outside resources.
f. Notifies Emergency Contact, Council Offices, and next of kin.
a. Assist Outing Leader in ensuring safety of entire group.
b. Renders first aid to victims.
c. Must remain calm.
d. Makes recommendations as to best course of action.
a. Must remain calm.
b. Assist Outing Leader and Safety Officer as requested.
c. Supervise scouts uninvolved in the emergency situation.
a. Notifies parents of scouts on outing of the situation.
b. Notifies Scoutmaster, Senior Assistant Scoutmaster, and Committee Chairperson.
c. Coordinates resources from home area.
a. Assist in the emergency as assigned.
b. Assist in supervising uninvolved scouts.
1. Make sure groups is properly clothed and warm.
2. Find appropriate shelter in a safe location for type of weather encountered.
3. Factors to consider:
a. Safety of group
b. Moral of group
c. Consider the unknown
d. Time schedule
e. Food situation
f. Where you are
g. Escape route plans
4. Watch for hypothermia and hyperthermia.
5. Remain calm and reassure scouts.
C. Earthquake
1. If in car, pull over but stay in car.
2. Move away from buildings and trees if outside.
3. Beware of falling rocks.
4. Prepare for aftershocks.
5. Remain calm and reassure scouts.
1. Close doors and windows.
2. Remove contact lenses
3. Cover mouth and nose with clean, damp, cloth.
4. Choose most direct evacuation route.
5. Do not run windshield wipers without water.
6. Remain calm and reassure scouts.
E. Fire
1. If the fire is small, go towards the fire. You may be able to put out the fire. You can also better assess the direction that the fire is burning and determine the best escape route.
2. Fires generally burn at the rate of one-mile an hour and most hikers can out run a fire as long as it is not spotting ahead of itself.
3. Fires burn faster uphill than downhill.
4. Try to get around the perimeter of the fire.
5. Try to get to the top of a ridge and then go down the other side of the hill. Fires often stop at ridge tops.
6. Try to move downhill into the wind if possible.
7. Try to get to a clear rocky or grassy meadow area.
8. Beware of rockslides in burned out areas.
9. Remove nylon or other material that may melt.
10. Wet yourself down, stay low to the ground, put a damp cloth over your mouth and nose.
11. Remain calm and reassure scouts.
F. Lost Person
1. Search only in daylight or if you see a signal fire.
2. Search teams should be in groups of four and stay in sight of each other at all times.
3. Remember that a lost person will not follow any regular problem.
4. After searching for four hours get outside help.
5. Send at least two, but preferably four people for help.
6. Write down everything known about the person:
a. Name, age, physical characteristics.
b. Clothing.
c. Last seen location, time, direction of travel.
7. Contact parents.
8. Keep the rest of the group together.
1. Safety of the group is more important than the individual who is injured. Do not risk many lives to save one.
2. Check environment for hazards before attempting a rescue.
3. Treat injuries to best of ability.
4. "Safety Officer" is in charge of treatment.
5. Outing Leader coordinates the rescue.
6. Send three or more runners for help.
7. Write (make at least two copies, sealed in plastic):
a. Number of victims.
b. Names, addresses, phone and emergency phone numbers of victims.
c. Time of occurrence.
d. Location of victims.
e. Size, location and experience of group.
f. Extent of injury and/or illness.
g. Equipment available to aid in evacuation.
h. Type of evacuation recommended and why.
i. Evacuation location if different from accident scene.
j. Name, age, experience, training of Outing Leader and others which may aid in evacuation.
k. Name and phone number of Scoutmaster, Committee Chairperson, Emergency Contact, and Council Office for notification.
8. Keep victim comfortable and reassured.
9. Keep the rest of the group calm.
1. Provide adequate leadership and logistical support for outing.
2. Insure Committee members follow through with responsibilities.
3. Recruit emergency contacts. Telephone Chairpersons, Camping Chairperson, Ceremonies Chairperson, and Transportation Chairperson.
4. Make sure there are adequate copies of Medical Release Forms and Health Histories.
1. In the event of a change of location of an outing, evacuation, or other emergency, the Outing Leader will contact the Emergency Contact Person so that if needed the parents can be notified.
2. If a parent needs to contact their son(s), they should contact the Emergency Contact Person who will in turn contact the Outing Leader if needed and a true emergency exists.
3. The Emergency Contact will be provided with an itinerary of the outing and phone numbers where the Troop can be contacted in case of an emergency.
4. The Emergency Contact will be responsible for notifying the proper authorities if the Troop members on the outing are overdue and will notify parents of the situation.
1. Recruits assistants.
2. The Telephone Chairperson should be at home at the time that the Troop is expected to return.
3. With the help of assistants, call parents to notify them of expected arrival time of the Troop.
4. Make Outing Leader aware of scouts whose parents they were unable to reach.
5. Be available to call parents in the event of an emergency or change of plans.
1. Plan Courts of Honors, picnics, and other special Troop events.
2. File Tour Permits for Courts of Honors, picnics and other special Troop outings.
1. Make campsite reservations.
2. Obtain Wilderness and Fire Permits.
3. File Tour Permits for Troop outings.
4. Contact Ranger Station for trail, camp, water, and road conditions.
5. Provide road and trail maps for outing.
6. Research new camping locations.
1. Ensures adequate transportation for all Troop camp outs and outings.
2. Makes sure each scout has a seat belt.
3. Ensures that there is enough transportation to transport all Troop gear on the outing.
4. Ensures that drivers are licensed and insured.
G. Scoutmaster
1. Approves and oversees planning of all Troop and Patrol outings.
2. Ensures that there is adequate qualified adult leadership for all Troop and Patrol outings.
3. Makes sure outings are well planned and conducted safely.
4. Determines Outing Leaders and "Safety Officers" for all Troop and Patrol outings.
1. Orient all members of outing as to the plans for the outing.
2. Establishes with the assistance of Junior Leaders the "requirements" for the outing.
3. Gives guidance in awareness, training, equipment, logistics, and sets the example.
4. The Outing Leader should be thoroughly familiar with the plans and back-up plans for the outing.
5. Oversees and leads the outing.
6. Conducts orientations, briefings and plans for all contingencies.
7. With the help of the Patrol Leader’s Council, keeps all participants informed about plans and points of interest.
8. Appoints, recommends and briefs Assistant Outing Leaders.
9. Always is the "Sweep" when hiking or backpacking.
10. Watches participants for signs of fatigue, hypothermia, hyperthermia, good wilderness habits and behavior, lost equipment, and any potential problems.
11. The Outing Leader is responsible for the health and safety of all participants.
12. The Outing Leader is in charge of any emergency situations.
13. The Outing Leader is the final decision maker.
1. The "Safety Officer" must have current Red Cross basic first aid or higher certification. It is recommended that the "Safety Officer" have Wilderness First Aid Training.
2. The "Safety Officer" is responsible for rendering first aid to participants on the outing and to take preventative measures to prevent illness and injury.
3. The "Safety Officer" should be aware of any medical conditions that the participants have and any medication that they are taking.
J. Patrol Advisor/Assistant Outing Leaders
1. Patrol Advisors are responsible to monitor the behavior and safety of their Patrol members. They should notify the Outing Leader of any concerns they have. Remember to try to use the Junior Leaders as much as possible.
2. Patrol Advisors should eat with their Patrols so they can make sure that cooking and cleaning is done safely.
3. Patrol Advisors are responsible to make sure that the scouts in their Patrol on the outing are properly equipped for the outing’s activities and weather conditions.
4. Patrol Advisors are responsible to make sure that each scout in their Patrol has the Troop’s twelve essentials. These items are: a brimmed hat, one-quart of water, personal first aid kit including moleskin, survival food, flashlight with extra bulb and batteries, scout knife, rain gear, sleeping bag, heavy jacket, hiking boots with vibrum soles, personal medication, and 50' of nylon rope.
5. Patrol Advisors need to monitor scouts for signs of hypothermia and hyperthermia as well as other injuries or illnesses that may arise.
6. Patrol Advisors should get to know the needs and characteristics of members of their Patrol.
7. Patrol Advisors are responsible to know where all the scouts in their Patrol are at all times and to do a bed check prior to going to bed.
8. Patrol Advisors are responsible for filing Tour Permits, providing qualified adult leadership, and transportation for all Patrol outings.
1. Runs the outing under the supervision of the Outing Leader and his assistants.
2. Assigns scouts to cars for transportation to outings.
3. Makes sure program planned for outing is carried out.
4. Ensures a safe and clean environment.
5. Supervises the Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders and Patrol Leaders in carrying out their duties.
6. Is aware where Junior Leaders and scouts are at all times.
7. Ensures that food is bought for adults and Senior Junior Leaders.
8. Sets a good example.
L. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader - Program
1. Assists the Senior Patrol Leader.
2. Plans, organizes, and carries out the program for the outing.
3. Approves Patrol menus for camp outs.
4. Sets a good example.
M. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader - Personnel
1. Assists the Senior Patrol Leader
2. Supervises assigned Junior Leaders.
3. Approves Duty Rosters.
4. Runs Patrol competition.
5. Sets a good example.
1. Issues and collects Troop equipment.
2. Inspects tents to make sure that they are properly set-up, maintained, have a ground cloth, and are clean and complete when taken down.
3. Makes note of Troop and Patrol equipment which needs to be repaired or replaced and notifies the committee member responsible for Troop equipment.
O. Scribe
1. Takes attendance for outing.
P. Historian
1. Takes photographs of outing.
2. Keeps journal of outing.
3. Collects literature about outing.
Q. Librarian
1. Keeps copies of maps, camp out information, and program materials from outing.
1. Supervise Patrol members on outing.
2. Assist in planning outing program.
3. Ensure that sufficient food is bought for the outing.
4. Turn in a Duty Roster and Menu at the Troop meeting prior to the outing.
5. Make sure Duty Roster is followed.
6. Make sure Patrol campsite and equipment is clean and maintained.
7. Know where all Patrol members are at all times.
8. Supervise Patrol members in tasks assigned buy the Senior Patrol Leader.
9. Set a good example.