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The purpose of this section is to let the Scouts, parents and leaders know what precautions and restrictions will be observed in all Troop 612 activities. The safety of the Scouts, and the conformity with insurance and legal requirements are the reasons behind these guidelines.
Scouts, their parents and adult leaders should all be aware and agree to follow these guidelines so that Troop 612's activities can be safe and enjoyable.
Many of these requirements are taken from the official BSA publication
Two registered adult leaders, or one adult and a parent of a participating Scout, one of who must be at least 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips or outings.
No fewer than four individuals (always with the minimum of two adults) go on any backcountry expedition or campout.
When transporting Scouts, if two adults cannot be provided for each vehicle, the minimum required is one adult and two or more Scouts. Never one adult and one Scout, unless the adult is the parent or guardian of the youth.
Under no circumstances shall one adult and one youth be together, out of the sight of other members, unless the adult is the parent or guardian of the youth.
No youth will stay in the tent of an adult other that his parent or guardian.
The buddy system shall be used by youth members at all times. When using latrines, the buddy may wait outside the entrance. The buddy system need not be used within the campsite, nor at the troop meeting room.
Tobacco will not be used by the youth members on any Troop 612 function. Adult leaders and parents who wish to use tobacco products must not do so in the presence of the youth members.
Under no circumstances will the use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or abuse of legal drugs be permitted to either youth, adult leaders, or parents on a Troop 612 event.
Any youth, or adult at a Troop 612 event, who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be asked to leave the event. Youth members will have the parents or guardians notified.
Only registered Scouts, registered adult leaders, and parents or guardians are permitted on Scout campouts. Siblings and other relatives of the Scouts are not permitted. Friends of Scouts are also not permitted.
Each Scout must have a medical form on file with the Scoutmaster before they are allowed to go camping with Troop 612.
Webelos Scouts who are visiting Troop 612, may accompany the troop providing that they have filled out the proper medical forms and provide two-deep leadership within their own group. An adult must be provided from the Webelos den for every two Webelos that attend. Siblings should not be brought on Webelos - Scout outings.
Scouts must camp in designated areas that have been approved by the Scoutmaster, or his designated assistant. Scouts camp as patrols, and no Scout should camp separate from his patrol.
No Scout may use any of these tools until he has been properly trained and awarded the "Totin’ Chip" card. This card must be in the possession of any Scout or leader who is using one of these tools.
Misuse of a tool will result in a corner of the card being torn off. If all four corners are torn off the card is revoked and the Scouts (or leader) must attend another Totin’ Chip class before being recertified. Serious infractions can result in immediate suspension of tool privileges, and other action as directed by the Scoutmaster.
Pocket knives must be less than 4" in the blade and are expected to be kept sharp. We request that only folding blades be brought on Scout functions, and any knife brought must be approved by the Scoutmaster or designated assistance.
Do not bring sheath knives, commando knives, or folding knives whose blade may collapse unexpectedly.
In most circumstances it is preferred that a maul be used to split wood, and the saw used to cut wood.
No Scout may operate a stove without adult supervision, nor build or maintain a fire until they have been properly trained and awarded the "Firein’ Chip."
No flames are permitted in tents at any time. This includes but is not limited to liquid-fuel stoves, heaters, lanterns, lighted candles, matches, or lighters.
Tents are not to be pitched within 10 feet of a flame source. This is a minimum distance that may not be sufficient if wind could carry sparks towards tents. If this is the case the fire should not be lit, or should be put out if the condition arises after the fire was lit.
Fires must be completely dead before being left.
Propane is the fuel of choice for "Coleman" style stoves. White gas should not be used. Liquid fuel for backpacking stoves must be transported in approved fuel bottles.
Stoves and lanterns must always be used in a well-ventilated location. If indoors there must be a low and high air channel to bring in fresh air and expel the lethal gases.
Foods that are subject to spoilage must be stored in an ice chest. All foods must be stored in a sealed container that is proof against the expected animals in the area of the event.
Each patrol is responsible for the cleanliness of their stove, cook kit, and utensils. All items used, or otherwise no longer clean, must be washed with hot soapy water, and rinsed clean. Dishwashing will be done at the patrol site or clearly designated washing area. Restroom sinks, and water pipe stands are not appropriate washing areas.
Each patrol is responsible for maintaining a clean patrol site. Garbage should be collected into a patrol garbage bag and properly disposed of. DO NOT leave garbage where animals can get into it.
All swimming activities will conform to the BSA Safe Swim Defense policy.
1. Qualified supervision
All swimming activities must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult age 21 or older who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of youth members in his or her care, who is experienced in the water and confident of his or her ability to respond in the event of an emergency. and who is trained in and committed to compliance with the eight points of the BSA Safe Swim Defense.
2. Physical fitness
Each swimmer must have a complete health history on file with the Scoutmaster showing evidence of fitness for swimming activity.
3. Safe Area
Areas must be marked off for three ability groups: not more than 3 1/2 feet deep for nonswimmers; from shallow water to just over the head for beginners; deep water not more than 12 feet for swimmers.
4. Lifeguards on duty
Designate as lifeguards two persons who are capable swimmers. These lifeguards are stationed ashore equipped with a lifeline (100' feet).
5. Lookout
Stationed on shore where it is possible to see and hear everything in all areas. This may be the adult in charge.
6. Ability groups
Test at least once a year to determine swimming ability.
7. Buddy system
Every youth must be paired with another in the same ability group.
8. Discipline
Swimming is only allowed when the participants agree to follow these principles and follow the instructions of the adult in charge and the lifeguards.
The guidelines of the BSA Safe Swim Defense are followed even in public pools. In this case some or all of the parts of the safe swim defense plan may be provided by the pool operators.
All boating activities will conform to the BSA Safety Afloat policy.
1. Qualified supervision
All activity afloat must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult age 21 or older who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of youth members in his or her care, who is experienced in the watercraft skills and equipment involved in the activity, and who is committed to compliance with the nine points of the BSA Safety Afloat Plan.
One such supervisor is required for each ten people, with a minimum of two adults for any one group. All supervisors must complete BSA Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense training, and at least one must be certified in CPR.
2. Physical Fitness
All persons must present evidence of fitness assured by a complete health history.
3. Swimming ability
A person who has not been classified as a "swimmer" may ride as a passenger in a rowboat or motorboat with an adult "swimmer", or in a canoe, raft, or sailboat with an adult certified as a lifeguard or a lifesaver by a recognized agency.
In all other circumstances, the person must be a swimmer to participate in an activity afloat.
4. Personal floatation equipment
Properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices must be worn by all persons engaged in activity on the open water.
5. Buddy system
All activity afloat must adhere to the principles of the buddy system.
6. Skill proficiency
All persons participating in unit activity afloat on the open water must be trained and practiced in craft-handling skills, safety, and emergency procedures.
7. Planning
Develop a detailed float plan. Know and follow all local rules. Notify parents, the troop committee, council, and other agencies as required by law. Plan for weather changes. Anticipate possible emergencies.
8. Equipment
All equipment must be suited to the craft, to the water conditions, and to the individual; must be in good repair; and must satisfy all state and U.S. Coast Guard requirements.
9. Discipline
All participants should know, understand, and respect the rules and procedures for safe unit activity afloat.
Except for law enforcement officers required to carry firearms within their jurisdiction, firearms shall not be brought on Troop 612 activities except for those specifically planned for target shooting under the supervision of a certified BSA or National Rifle Association firearms instructor.
Scouts are permitted to fire .22-caliber bolt-action, single-shot rifles, air rifles, shotguns, and muzzle-loading long guns under the direction of a certified instructor, 21 years of age or older, within the current BSA standards. Handguns are not permitted.
(BSA reference: Camp Program and Property Management; Shooting Sports, Section V)
All shooting must be done in an established shooting range.
All archery activities must be done under the supervision of an adult leader, at least 21 years of age, on a clearly defined archery range.
Seat belts are required for all occupants.
An adult leader, of at least 21 years of age, must be in charge and accompany the group.
Each driver must be currently licensed and at least 18 years of age. If the vehicle to be used is designed to carry more than ten persons, including the driver, the driver must have a commercial driver's license.
Scouts can be transported only in passenger cars, station wagons and mini-vans designed for passenger transport. Passengers should not ride on the rear deck of station wagons. Trucks may not be used for transporting passengers except in the cab. The beds of trucks or trailers must never be used for carrying passengers.
All driving, except short trips, should be done in daylight. No more than twelve hours of actual travel time including rest stops and a change of drivers is the maximum for one day. A minimum of eight or nine hours should be planned for sleep at night.
All vehicles must be covered by automobile liability insurance with limits that meet or exceed California requirements. It is recommended that coverage limits are at least $50,000 / $100,000 / $50,000. Any vehicle designed to carry ten or more passengers is required to have limits of $100,000 / $500,000 / $100,000
Insurance and vehicle license information should be provided to the outing coordinator for the troop records.
The posted speed limits are not to be exceeded. Travel should not be done in convoy. Instead, designated meeting sites should be arranged along the route.
Troop 612 Handbook