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EnglishWhat Safety and Youth Protection Resources Does Scouting America Provide?
Updated
Scouting America (scouting.org) publishes a set of safety and youth protection resources that families, volunteers, and local councils can use before, during, and after Scouting activities. The core tools are the Guide to Safe Scouting, Youth Protection guidance, an incident reporting channel, the Scouts First Helpline (1-844-SCOUTS1), Safety Moments, and the Annual Health & Medical Record. These are listed on the national site and are intended to support safe participation across all programs.
Core safety and youth protection resources
Guide to Safe Scouting
The Guide to Safe Scouting is the national reference for how Scouting activities should be planned and conducted safely. It is the document to check when you are organizing a trip, campout, or high-adventure activity and need to know what rules and age-appropriate limits apply.
Youth Protection guidance
Youth Protection materials explain the policies and expectations that apply to interactions between adults and youth in Scouting. Volunteers and parents should review these before participating in or leading activities, since they define the standards the organization expects everyone to follow.
Incident reporting
The site provides an incident reporting channel for safety and youth protection concerns. If something goes wrong at an activity, this is the route the national organization lists for reporting it.
Scouts First Helpline
The Scouts First Helpline is listed at 1-844-SCOUTS1. It is the phone contact the national site surfaces for safety and youth protection help, and it is worth saving before an activity so it is on hand if a question or concern comes up.
Safety Moments
Safety Moments are short safety reminders that can be used at the start of meetings or outings. They are a practical way to keep safety visible during regular program activities rather than only in formal training.
Annual Health & Medical Record
The Annual Health & Medical Record is the health form used to document a participant's medical information for Scouting activities. Completing it is part of preparing for participation, particularly for camps and higher-adventure programs.
How these fit together
| Resource | What it is for | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Guide to Safe Scouting | Activity safety rules and standards | Planning trips, camps, and high-adventure activities |
| Youth Protection guidance | Adult–youth interaction policies | Before volunteering or leading activities |
| Incident reporting | Reporting safety or youth protection concerns | After an incident or concern arises |
| Scouts First Helpline (1-844-SCOUTS1) | Direct phone help | When you need guidance on a safety or youth protection issue |
| Safety Moments | Short safety reminders | Start of meetings and outings |
| Annual Health & Medical Record | Participant health documentation | Preparing for camps and activities |
Practical notes for families and volunteers
- Check the Guide to Safe Scouting before committing to an activity type. It tells you what is permitted and what conditions apply, which is more reliable than secondhand advice.
- Save the Scouts First Helpline number now. Having 1-844-SCOUTS1 stored before an outing avoids searching for it in the moment.
- Treat the Annual Health & Medical Record as a prerequisite, not paperwork. It is the health information activity leaders rely on, so complete it before the activity rather than on arrival.
- Use Safety Moments as a recurring habit. A short reminder at each meeting keeps safety part of the routine.
The national site also points to local councils through "Find a Local Council." Because day-to-day activity planning and many safety questions are handled at the council level, the national resources above are best paired with your local council's guidance for specific events.