New Updated Camp Guidelines - Effective August 1 2024

NEW BSA UPDATED GUIDELINES (EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2024)

Cub Scout Camping Policy Update Effective August 1, 2024, the Cub Scout camping policies will be updated in the Guide to Safe Scouting. These changes were made to reflect the program updates that occurred on June 1, 2024. These changes include:

  • Separation of policies for Webelos dens versus Arrow of Light den/patrols.

  • Updated policies for Webelos den level camping.

    • For example, Webelos cannot attend camporees as day visitors or camp overnight with a Scouts BSA troop. But can absolutely still camp as a den following youth protection, GTSS policies, BALOO etc.

  • Updated policies for Arrow of Light den/patrol camping.

    • For example, Arrow of Light den/patrols may now camp overnight at a camporee, and not just attend as day visitors.

These camping policy changes do not reflect any changes to the Barriers to Abuse or other youth protection policies indicated in the Guide to Safe Scouting.Please review these policy updates and share with Cub Scout leadership in your Pack and Districts. These policy updates will be included in the forthcoming updated BALOO training syllabus.

https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss03/


NEW BSA UPDATED GUIDELINES (EFFECTIVE 9/2023)

In February 2023, the BSA updated the Guide to Safe Scouting policy to revise the Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse and the Cub Scout Coordinated Camping Sections. The Scouting Barriers to Abuse change directly impacts who is permitted to stay overnight at a Scouting activity.

The following requirements are effective September 1, 2023:

Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including all meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth or female adult program participants.

Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.

All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered in an adult fee required position as listed or as an adult program participant. Limited exception below for Cub Scout overnight Programs.

See FAQ for list of adult fee-required positions. Registration as a Merit Badge Counselor does not meet this requirement.

Cub Scout Programs – Overnight Exception: Cub Scout parents or legal guardians taking part in an overnight Cub Scout program with their own child or legal ward are not required to register as leaders. All adults must review the “How to Protect your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” that can be found in the front of each Cub Scout Handbook. In addition, the parent or legal guardian must be accompanied by a registered leader at any time they are with youth members other than their own child/ward. All other overnight adults must be currently registered in an adult fee-required position.

https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/toc/