Proactive program safety points to consider

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 of the referenced proactive program safety points  are similarly applicable to the planning and conduct of Scouting’s outdoor program (both short-term and long-term camps), volunteer Scout leaders may find these points to be both instructive, and good reminders:

• Do not encourage activities that are too dangerous to be practical.
• Inspect equipment to be used.
• Conduct activities at known or familiar venues.
• Know the camp emergency plans.
• Recognize that as a supervisory leader that you cannot ensure safety.
• Be current in first aid, and emergency procedures specific to the activity.
• Develop safety rules, policies, and procedures specific to the activity.
• Know that the ability to avoid accidents is related to the health and emotional state of the participant.
• Follow or exceed industry-accepted standards and practices for an activity.
• Participation should be consistent with the abilities and readiness of the activity.
• Skills should be taught in proper progression and degree of difficulty.
• Use proper safety procedures.
• One’s ego should not get in the way of good leadership or judgment.
• Develop safety consciousness within the members of the group.
• Prevent reckless actions on behalf of the participants of an activity by use of proper supervision.
• Remember that the risks associated with an activity cannot be totally eliminated, even with proper care and supervision.

All good points, many of which are directly applicable to any outdoor activity conducted on behalf of Scouts, and not only consistent with BSA’s policies and procedures, but also consistent with the adult leader’s  standard of care  toward Scouts.