New Youth Protection Adult Policy

The BSA is committed to the safety of our youth and volunteers. Safety is a practice that must be taught and reinforced at every opportunity. We are all responsible and must hold each other accountable to provide a safe environment for all participants.

As part of our ongoing commitment to abuse prevention, the Boy Scouts of America is updating the adult supervision requirements for overnight activities. This update enhances the minimum “two deep leadership” requirements by additionally requiring every adult present on overnight activities to be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America. These adults must submit an adult application and registration fee, undergo a criminal background check, a volunteer screening database check and must complete mandatory Youth Protection training. All Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Troops, Venturing Crews, Sea Scouting Ships, Exploring Posts, council, and district overnight programs will be required to comply with this update by September 1, 2023. An overview of the changes is available.

A limited exception for parents and legal guardians of Cub Scout youth attending an overnight with their children is planned due to the family centric nature of Cub Scouting. This exemption includes Cub Scout family camping at council events and Pack family camping outings if parents or legal guardians attend with each youth. We encourage you to start planning and adopt these new rules prior to the effective date.  A new Scouting Barriers to Abuse FAQ’s is available. 

Thank you for serving as a leader in the BSA!  Please visit www.ThreeHarborsScouting.org/BTA for updates on this policy.  We realize these changes may present challenges, but these new policies will only reinforce the safety of our program.