What every Scout leader needs to know about how to exercise their duty of care toward their Scouts during the conduct of Scouting's outdoor program
In 2003 seven teenagers perished as a result of an avalanche while ski touring in British Columbia during an annual school-sponsored trip. As a result of the tragedy, an after-action report was commissioned, which made various recommendations and conclusions. Many
The “Mission” of the Boy Scouts of America “is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.” One of the Eight Methods of
Many well-meaning, unselfish adult leaders make decisions during outdoor events that, upon reflection, they might characterize as “stupid”. Lester Zook, an experienced outdoor guide in Virginia, has characterized “stupidity” as being “the unwillingness to be open to learning, and receptive
Renowned outdoorsman Cliff Jacobson, in a Scouting magazine issue of September-October, 2016, addressed the “Pitfalls of Impatience” in relation to actions taken during an outdoor activity. Cliff described four different scenarios that might reasonably be faced by a volunteer Scout
BSA has a health and safety page on its website that should be of interest to all Scouting volunteers – “Safety Moments“. BSA’s “Safety Moments“ are single page discussions of specific aspects of the Scouting program, intended to highlight significant
In the finale of the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, the immortal knight says to the villain, who is attempting to pick the Holy Grail from among an assortment of goblets, to “choose wisely” – when he picks
The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council’s Mountain Safety Manual 38, “Outdoor Safety – Risk Management for Outdoor Leaders“, 3rd edition, 2013, p. 16, makes the point that the risk attendant to an activity can be perceived differently by different persons,
Priest and Gass, “Effective Leadership in Adventure Programming“, 1997, p. 98, make reference to the use of “risk management countermeasures” in support of a risk management plan. These “countermeasures” can be employed to either avoid, or minimize, the effect or
A Scout unit participating in an outdoor activity is generally comprised of a mixture of both youth and adults, of differing ages, skill levels, maturity levels, and physical conditioning . . . not to mention, differing views of their own
While outdoor participants are routinely faced with mental “red flags” (or warning signs) either during the planning or conduct of an outdoor activity (such as a bad weather report), there are times when such red flags constitute actual warning signs
Can we sometimes place too much faith in GPS for directions? Some stories make this seem so. In one 2016 story, a young woman became lost for 5 days near the Grand Canyon due to reliance on her car’s GPS,
The National Park Service keeps records of search and rescue missions in its parks, and its 2014 annual report is enlightening as to such causes, most of which are applicable to the planning and conduct of Scouting activities. For instance,
One aspect of BSA‘s SAFETY PAUSE slogan is “Share”, meaning sharing with others anticipated risks and how to deal with them. But, will others listen? All volunteer leaders have their own perceptions of risk to be encountered during an outdoor
All volunteer leaders will at some time during their tenure arrive at a point where a decision must be made that has significant risk management implications for either the group as a whole, or for one or more members of
The author has become aware there have sadly been instances of adult leaders perishing while attempting to complete the BSA swim test while attending summer camp (presumably due to heart attacks), as well as a number of non-fatal cardiac events
The National Park Service since 1997 has engaged in an effort call “Preventative Search and Rescue” (PSAR ), in a proactive attempt to reduce the need to engage in searches and rescues of park visitors. This effort generally involves educating
In this story regarding a near-tragedy during a 2015 Northern Tier canoe trek, it is stated that the Northern Tier “guide” made a mistake by taking the crew too close to a waterfall, with the entire crew ultimately being swept
The participant handbook for BSA’s Northern Tier canoe programs states as follows with regard to its “whitewater” policy: “The running of rapids, whitewater or waterfalls is prohibited. All Northern Tier crews will portage around all falls, rapids, fast water, etc.
On June 19, 2016, while attending a Russian summer camp, 14 children aged 11-15 (out of 47 participants) perished while boating on a large lake during a summer camp activity. The boats overturned during an advancing storm. The water temperature
A recent study analyzed search and rescue (SAR) response reports for Baxter State Park in Maine (home of Mt. Katahdin, terminus of the Appalachian Trail) for the 20+ year period of 1992-2014. Perhaps not surprisingly, the study found that fatigue
The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety (replaced in 2021 by BSA’s S.A.F.E. activity assessment criteria) defined a “qualified superviser” as follows: “Every BSA activity should be supervised by a conscientious adult who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being
On May 14, 2016 a group of 13 Scouts and 6 adults ran a 16 mile stretch of the Dead River in Maine, stated to include Class III to Class IV+ (some say Class V+) rapids. The Dead River reportedly
In their article “Risking a Debate – Redefining Risk and Risk Management: A New Zealand Case Study”, The Journal of Experiential Education, Spring 2001, Vol. 24, No. 1, pp 50-57, authors Robyn Zink et al discussed the results of a
In his article “Learning from accident analysis: The dynamics leading up to a rafting accident”, The Journal of Experiential Education, August 1998, Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 86-95, the author Johan Hovelynck makes the point that accidents can be attributed
I recently read the following quote: “No matter how bad things are, you can always make them worse.” The implications for an adult volunteer during a Scouting activity are many, including failing to appreciate the existence of, and to deal
The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 immunizes from liability unpaid volunteers working for non-profit organizations whose negligence results in an injury to another during the course of their volunteer duties. This Act, of course, applies to adult Scout volunteers acting within
Selecting an appropriate commercial vendor for an outdoor activity is part of the unit’s duty of care. For instance, if the vendor is a source of rental canoes, rafts, or kayaks, does the vendor: maintain the equipment (including PFDs) in
Jeff Jackson, professor and coordinator of Algonquin College’s Outdoor Adventure Program, and co-author of “Managing Risk – Systems Planning for Outdoor Adventure Programs” (2011), in a recent webinar, makes the point that “safe failure” is more important than being “fail
“Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think
Peter Kick, in his 2015 book “Desperate Steps – Life, Death, and Choices Made in the Mountains of the Northeast“, lists the following hints to assist in avoiding or minimizing risk in the backcountry: Plan ahead – know your bailout
Goode et al, in their 2015 publication “Looking beyond people, equipment, and environment: Is a systems theory model of accident causation required to understand injuries and near misses during outdoor activities?“, Procedia Manufacturing 3 (2015) 1125-1131 (available on-line at www.sciencedirect.com),
In the event of an unfortunate incident, involving one or more youth or adults, it may be simplistic to believe that the only victims are those directly involved – i.e., those who are injured, or worse. But, the list of
Professor Angie Moline of Northern Arizona University several years ago released the results of a study directed to the level of preparedness of university faculty who supervised outdoor field programs for students in subject areas such as ecology, biology, environmental
The February, 2016 issue of Boys’ Life contains an article titled “Scuba on Ice”, directed to a winter scuba activity on a frozen lake in Minnesota. An excellent adventure to be sure. Opportunities for Scouts to learn, and participate in,
Most outdoor recreation commentators do not consider an activity completed until a “post-activity review” occurs. That is, what did we do, how did we do it, how did it go, and what do we need to change? Scout units may
Several outdoor risk management commentators equate “risk factors ignored” to “lemons” such as might appear on a slot machine, such that when sufficient “lemons” accumulate due to ignored risk factors, the “jackpot” of overwhelming risk results, potentially leading to a
The “Sweet 16 of BSA Safety” has been an integral part of the standard of care which must be exercised during the planning and conduct of Scouting’s outdoor program for decades. However, as of 2021, the “Sweet 16” is phased
The “default” mode for outdoor participants, particularly youth, probably tends toward dehydration as opposed to being sufficiently hydrated. Why? Most will use the “thirsty” reflex to determine when to consume water, but at that point, most commentators take the view
Some unfortunate stories on the web might cause the reader to conclude that those acting as outdoor program supervisors (such as volunteer Scout leaders) were overconfident in their abilities, and overwhelmed by the circumstances with which they were confronted, leading
The January 2016 issue of Boys’ Life magazine contains an article about a Scout group which attempted to hike to the summit of Mount Washington (NH) during February, 2015. Wisely, on the advice of a park ranger, the group put into
Meier et al, “Camp Counseling – Leadership and Programming for the Organized Camp“, 2012, p. 81, lists a number of “proactive program safety points” for camp staff to take into account during the operation of a camp program. As many
There is a consensus among outdoor program commentators that accidents in the outdoors are the result of one or more of unsafe conditions, unsafe acts, and errors in judgment. Leemon et al, “Risk Management for Outdoor Leaders“, 2005, p.16., among others.
Many outdoor leadership commentators take the view that those in charge of outdoor recreation programs should possess certain “core” skills, stated by some to include activity and technical skills, teaching and modeling skills, group process skills, and judgment and decision-making
BSA‘s Guide to Safe Scouting states the following with regard to BSA‘s liability insurance coverage and activities conducted on behalf of youth: “The Boy Scouts of America’s general liability policy provides coverage for a bodily injury or property damage claim
Rick Curtis, author of “The Backpacker’s Manual” (2005), an excellent and highly recommended 400+ page treatise on backcountry skills, makes the point (pp. 226-228), also made by many others in the outdoor recreation field, that potential hazards in the outdoors
As an adult volunteer, you are frequently confronted with one or more risk factors during an outdoor activity. Will you be able to deal with them, or will you find cause to ignore them? Priest and Gass, in their book
Priest and Gass, in their book Effective Leadership in Adventure Programming, 2nd ed., 2005, conclude that competent planning for an outdoor activity includes the following items: Reason for the trip (what are the purposes, goals and objectives?) Activities involved (do
“Learn it young, remember it forever” . . . a promotional slogan adopted by Scouts South Africa, as discussed and depicted in this video. This slogan has real implications with regard to risk management in Scouting, reinforcing the fact
Several outdoor program commentators characterize an outdoor program participant’s ability to function by relating their level of competence to the degree of difficulty of the activity, denoted as “operation zones“. Such “operation zones” are defined as follows: The “boredom zone”
Cathye Haddock, author of “Managing Risks in Outdoor Activities”, New Zealand Mountain Safety Manual 27, pp. 91-93, 1993, suggests that administrators of outdoor education programs should address a number of areas of inquiry to ensure that their programs are well-planned
Cliff Jacobson, in his book Canoeing Wild Rivers, 5th ed, 2015, lists the following as significant hazards when canoeing in the wilderness (pay attention future Northern Tier, Maine High Adventure, and other wilderness canoeists!): Over-reliance on maps and contour intervals
BSA’s new (2015) “Scouter Code of Conduct” states “I will exercise sound judgment and demonstrate good leadership and use the Scouting program for its intended purpose consistent with the mission of the Boy Scouts of America”. Is that a promise that
Apart from the author’s risk management book, the one and only book written specifically for adult Scout volunteers on the subject, there are a number of other resources directed to outdoor risk management which would find a useful spot in
BSA published (Oct, 2015, revised March, 2021) a Scouter Code of Conduct to guide adult volunteers during their tenure. Adhering to all aspects of this Scouter Code of Conduct will serve to assist an adult volunteer in meeting the requisite
Philmont Scout Reservation has been in continuous use since 1942. During 2015-2016, for two years, BSA offered Philmont advisor training programs at various locations across the country (apparently the first ever offered specifically for Philmont advisors). The program, known as
During a recent outdoor activity, the author requested that one of the activity stations be modified (by reducing the height at which the activity occurred) to provide a greater margin for safety, this despite the activity being within the guidelines
Each Scout unit must establish a culture of outdoor risk management in order to enhance the odds that a successful, safe, outcome is achieved. The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council in its book “Outdoor Safety – Risk Management for Outdoor
The movie “White Mile” (trailer found here) (available on DVD and used in support of some university outdoor recreation courses) is based on a true life event where several adult participants perished during a “corporate-bonding” white water rafting event in Canada.
The author recently read an article about a commercial outdoor recreation organization where the author expressed some concern about the number of participant deaths that had been experienced by that organization since its inception. In the “comment section” to the
The “qualified supervision” of BSA’s Sweet Sixteen involves many responsibilities, one of which is to understand when to exercise “general supervision”, when to exercise “specific supervision”, and when to transition from one to another. In a reported incident of years past,
In his book “Deep Survival” (2003), author Laurence Gonzales offered the following “Rules of Adventure”, which are certainly applicable to the planning and conduct of Scouting’s outdoor program: (1) Know what you are doing (have you taken all applicable training and
Open water paddling, particularly in bodies of water where the temperature is cold, places risk management at the forefront. The margin for error can be slim indeed as shown by this Chilean kayak story involving the founder of North Face. Experienced
Rescue agencies, including the National Park Service, as well as various state agencies, have long questioned whether those in need of rescue, who have created a need to be rescued due to their own negligence, should be billed for those
Hikes in the backcountry include their own challenges, including unknown, unexpected, and unforeseeable risks, resulting in the potential for harm. Being prepared for emergencies by carrying a rescue or survival kit is, of course, part of “being prepared”! The National
A leader’s duty of care to the Scouts includes attempting to understand those risks that are “reasonably foreseeable”, and then either accepting the consequences of those risks, mitigating the effect of the risks by making changes to the activity, or
With the advent of cell phones and satellite phones, not to mention SPOT devices, the question of whether to bring some kind of communication means when exploring the backcountry is being asked more and more. Indeed, all Northern Tier crews
Several persons during a risk management training session shared some personal stories. Story #1: Regarding the issue of driver fatigue, one person confirmed that a scout leader returning from summer camp fell asleep and hit his car in traffic. As
This post will be supplemented periodically with stories about teachable moments in the wilderness. There unfortunately does not seem to be a lack of them on the web . . . Cold water canoe accident 1982 Boy Scout cold water
Weather is a primary risk factor to be addressed. As some say, “WEATHER RULES“! One way to address the risk associated with weather is to employ pre-determined weather “trigger points” which may be cause to put “Plan B” into effect
Cliff Jacobson, a renowned author and outdoorsman with over 35 years experience canoeing in the backcountry, offers the following tips for avoiding accidents in the September-October 2012 issue of Scouting magazine: (1) Pay attention to the weather; (2) Dress appropriately
In his book “Wilderness Secrets Revealed ” (p. 255, 2013), author Andre-Francois Bourbeau expresses the view that it helps to answer the following pessimistic scenarios before undertaking an outdoor activity: (1) What happens if departure is delayed for some time?
Since 1978 (a little more than a generation ago), there have been three outdoor event tragedies involving school-age youth, which were cause for reflection in the outdoor recreation industry – one was a 1978 canoeing incident (13 fatalities), one was
“Barrier analysis” is a concept which originated decades ago with government and industrial accident investigations and accident prevention efforts. While the barrier analysis concept has not routinely been associated with risk management in the outdoor recreation field, extensive discussion of
There are industry-recognized and experience-based risks commonly associated with outdoor activities. As white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, snow skiing, and snowboarding are common outdoor Scouting activities, reference is made, by way of example, to the Victoria, Australia state government’s below
The causes of accidents in the outdoors are many, but have generally been characterized as being related to one or more of GEAR, PEOPLE, and ENVIRONMENT. UNSAFE ACTS, UNSAFE CONDITIONS, and ERRORS IN JUDGMENT also contribute to the occurrence of
In the wilderness, whether on land or on water, reported incidents make clear that rescue of one or more participants may be necessary. Whether the desired rescue is ultimately possible or successful depends on a number of factors, including the
The potential for significant risk during a Scouting activity is generally not something that a parent would find comforting, if not disagreeable, particularly if such potential is significant. There are several Scouting stories on the web which suggest that one
The temperature of the water upon which Scouts conduct boating or rafting activities is a major risk factor, the potential effect of which may be ignored more often than not. However, no aquatic activity should be planned and carried out without due
A summer 2015 Boundary Waters rescue (a church group) confirms that “when you are in the wilderness, you are IN the wilderness”, and absent the ability to self- or group-rescue, the group may be at the mercy of good fortune, and outside
Lightning safety is a necessary skill for those participating in outdoor program activities. Indeed, it is not difficult to find references on the web to lightning incidents. The lightning risk in Scouting is real. See, “Boy Scouts Accused of Not Taking
The exercise of good judgment by an adult leader in a youth-based outdoor activity is a crucial aspect of risk management. Indeed, it is the foundation of BSA safety in the outdoors. In the end, exercising good judgment may be the only factor protecting participants
The August 2014 issue of Boys’ Life contains an article titled “The Wild Wild North”, describing a California troop’s eight day trek through Bowron Lake Provincial Park in British Columbia. Interestingly, the trek followed a number of interconnected lakes and
One of BSA’s Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety is “Qualified Supervision”. The Sweet Sixteen’s ”Qualified Supervision” and “Discipline” form the bread of BSA’s “Safety Sandwich”, with the meat of the sandwich being the activity-specific rules for each activity (Safe Swim Defense,
Regarding vehicles used to transport Scouts, effective September 1, 2015, 15-person passenger vans manufactured before 2005 are no longer permitted for use in Scouting activities. 15-person passenger vans manufactured in 2005 or later may be used as long as they have
All units should recognize that they owe a “duty of care” to their youth. But the duty of care is accompanied by a “standard of care” – i.e., those steps taken by a unit to meet its duty of care.
During approaching spring and summer boating seasons, here are some safe boating reminders. A kayak or canoe river trip may not normally seem to be a high risk event, but what if fast moving water due to heavy rains or
Perhaps to bring a bit of personal perspective to risk management in Scouting, below is an excerpt from a blog written by a Scout mother regarding her two sons’ experiences at Philmont and Northern Tier, respectively, reinforcing the fact that it
The duty of care is every leader’s obligation towards Scouts under their guidance. A leader (or leaders) can enhance the odds that they will have met their duty of care by: following BSA and industry-recognized outdoor activity procedures and best practices;
I recently read an after-action report about an accident involving an avalanche involving high school age youth, which report discussed “decision-making models” that could be used by an organization in an attempt to avoid a bad outcome for an activity.