The Boy Scouts of America places special importance on protecting all youth, and April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. This is the time to think about the education of both adults and youth on personal safety, not only in Scouting but in all situations where youth are at risk.
The first step in youth protection is to educate all the adults. To be considered a “trained” adult leader in the BSA, you must complete this training component. I strongly recommend that you have all your parents complete it, even if they are not registered leaders. There are two ways that the adult education can be completed. The first, and perhaps easiest, is in the form of an online tutorial found at the Online Training Center: http://olc.scouting.org. The adult training can also be done by watching a video that is available through me, or at the council service center.
A strong part of the BSA Youth Protection process is in educating our youth. This comes in a number of forms including a review of personal safety tips with a parent as a joining requirement (parent’s guide found in front of handbook). But, it is very important that every unit annually reviews the appropriate video with all their youth. There are three videos, each appropriate for a specific age group: “It Happened to Me” for 6-10 year olds, “A Time to Tell” for 11-14 year olds, and “Personal Safety Awareness” for 14-20 year olds. There are faciliatation guides and parent letters available online. These videos are available to be checked out from the district’s library, or can be purchased at a Scout Shop or at www.scoutstuff.org. In addition, I’m available to come and facilitate the program with your unit if desired.
All of the BSA’s youth protection elements are available to the public at large, and the other community organizations, schools, or churchs that you are a part of. The youth videos are available in co-ed formats and commonly used for schools and groups. Again, I’m available to facilitate the program to these groups.
All the BSA Youth Protection information is available in one place online. Simply go to www.scouting.org and click on the to link for “Youth Protection”.
So don’t forget: 1) educate your adults, 2) educate your youth, and April is a great time to do it!
