Scout Joining Requirements

Attention New Scout Parents:

In the front of your scout's Scoutbook is a tearout pamphlet dealing with Youth Protection and Child Abuse.

The completion of the pamphlet activity is the only requirement that requires a parent signature in rank advancement in Boy Scouts.

I know this is a sensitive issue and may be difficult to discuss with your son. But realize that the Boy Scouts of America takes this issue most seriously.

The Boy Scouts of America is a strong advocate in protecting our children from all forms of child abuse including:

1. Neglect,
2. Physical Abuse,
3. Emotional Abuse,
4. Sexual Abuse

In an upcoming scout meeting we will have an evening dealing with youth protection issues aimed particularly at scouts.

In the meantime, the Scout Joining Requirements includes the parent spending some time with their scout in this very important issue. I want to make certain that your son has every opportunity to get the most out of the scouting program in an environment that is safe for him.

Please review the pamphlet at the beginning of the Scout Handbook with your son at your earliest convenience.

Teach your son the three R's of Youth Protection

1. Recognize that anyone could be a child molester and to be aware of situations that could lead to abuse
2. Resist advances made by child molesters to avoid being abused
3. Report any molestation or attempted molestation to parents or other trusted adult leaders

Please be sure to spend some time with your son on your expectations for Personal Protection Rules for Computer On-Line Services use.

As new parents or continuing adult leaders, please consider signing up for Youth Protection Training for Adults, and renew it at its current three year interval. Our Troop will schedule a session for adult leaders at appropriate intervals. The District holds a monthly training session if you are interested in attending as well as the training sessions each week at our council camp at Broad Creek.

Please note that all scout outings must include one adult who is Youth Protection certified (attended the training session). Most of our active camping adults are Youth Protection Trained.

Your scout should not be in a position where he is working individually with an adult scout leader. These situations should always be in a public situation, in plain view of other people.

Should you have any questions, please call me or see me at a Troop meeting.
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Roy S. Walls, Jr.
Scoutmaster, BSA Troop 613