June 6, 2014

Friends of Scouting is the Colonial Virginia Council's annual giving campaign and is the largest and most important source of funding.   Your support enables Scouting's programs and outdoor adventures to prepare young people for a lifetime of character and leadership.

 

• Chesapeake Bay:  Mathews, Gloucester, and York Counties and the City of Poquoson
• Colonial Trail:  Surry and Isle of Wight Counties and the City of Suffolk
• First Colony:  James City County and the City of Williamsburg.
• Heritage:  The City of Hampton
• James River:  The City of Newport News
• Siouan Rivers:  Sussex, Southampton, Greenville and Brunswick Counties as well as the Cities of Franklin and Emporia

Chesapeake Bay District

Colonial Trail District

First Colony District

Darrand W., Haley G. and Shantel L. were bestowed with the light blue honor cords to acknowledge their membership and participation in the Medical Explorers Post.  We wish them the best of luck in their future as they graduate from Bruton High School.

Heritage District

James River District

James River District will offer the Personal Fitness Merit Badge, sponsored by Tidewater Performance Center.   

Deadline:  August 21st

Siouan Rivers District

Caught doing good!  Troop 209's flag retirement box was featured on a citizen's Facebook post this week.  

Council Events & News

Training

Risk Management

The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety
Few youth organizations encompass the breadth, volume, and diversity of physical activity common to Scouting, and none enjoys a better safety record. The key
to maintaining and improving this exemplary record is the conscientious and trained adult leader who is attentive to safety concerns.

As an aid in the continuing effort to protect participants in Scouting activities, the Health and Safety Team of the BSA National Council has developed the "Sweet
Sixteen" of BSA safety procedures for physical activity. These 16 points, which embody good judgment and common sense, are applicable to all activities.

1. QUALIFIED SUPERVISION
Every BSA activity should be supervised by a conscientious adult who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of the children
and youth in his or her care. The supervisor should be sufficiently trained, experienced, and skilled in the activity to be confident of his/her ability to lead and to
teach the necessary skills and to respond effectively in the event of an emergency. Field knowledge of all applicable BSA standards and a commitment to
implement and follow BSA policies and procedures are essential parts of the supervisor's qualifications.

2. PHYSICAL FITNESS
For youth participants in any potentially strenuous activity, the supervisor should receive a complete health history from a health-care professional, parent, or
guardian. Adult participants and youth involved in higher-risk activity (e.g., scuba) may require professional evaluation in addition to the health history. The
supervisor should adjust all supervision, discipline, and protection to anticipate potential risks associated with individual health conditions. Neither youth nor
adults should participate in activity for which they are unfit. To do so would place both the individual and others at risk.

3. BUDDY SYSTEM
The long history of the "buddy system" in Scouting has shown that it is always best to have at least one other person with you and aware at all times as to your
circumstances and what you are doing in any outdoor or strenuous activity.

4. SAFE AREA OR COURSE
A key part of the supervisor's responsibility is to know the area or course for the activity and to determine that it is well-suited and free of hazards.

5. EQUIPMENT SELECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Most activity requires some specialized equipment. The equipment should be selected to suit the participant and the activity and to include appropriate safety and
program features. The supervisor should also check equipment to determine that it is in good condition for the activity and is properly maintained while in use.

6. PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
The supervisor must ensure that every participant has and uses the appropriate personal safety equipment. For example, activity afloat requires a PFD properly
worn by each participant; bikers, horseback riders, and whitewater kayakers need helmets for certain activities; skaters may need protective gear; and all need
to be dressed for warmth and utility depending on the circumstances.

7. SAFETY PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
For most activities there are commonsense procedures and standards that can greatly reduce the risk. These should be known and appreciated by all
participants, and the supervisor must ensure compliance.

8. SKILL LEVEL LIMITS
There is a minimum skill level requirement for every activity, and the supervisor must identify and recognize this minimum skill level and be sure that none is put
at risk by attempting activity beyond the individual's ability. A good example of skill levels in Scouting is the venerable "swim test" that defines conditions for safe
swimming based on individual ability.

9. WEATHER CHECK
The risk factors in many outdoor activities vary substantially with weather conditions. These variables and the appropriate response should be understood
and anticipated.

10. PLANNING
Safe activity follows a plan that has been conscientiously developed by the experienced supervisor or other competent source. Good planning minimizes risks and
also anticipates contingencies that may require emergency response or a change of plan.
11. COMMUNICATIONS
The supervisor needs to be able to communicate effectively with participants as needed during the activity. Emergency communications also need to be
considered in advance for any foreseeable contingencies.

12. PERMIT AND NOTICES
BSA tour plans, council office registration, government or landowner authorization, and any similar formalities are the supervisor's responsibility when such are
required. Appropriate notification should be directed to parents, enforcement authorities, landowners, and others as needed, before and after the activity.

13. FIRST-AID RESOURCES
The supervisor should determine what first-aid supplies to include among the activity equipment. The level of first-aid training and skill appropriate for the activity
should also be considered. An extended trek over remote terrain obviously may require more first-aid resources and capabilities than an afternoon activity in the
local community. Whatever is determined to be needed should be available.

14. APPLICABLE LAWS
BSA safety policies generally parallel or go beyond legal mandates, but the supervisor should confirm and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations
or statutes.

15. CPR RESOURCE
Any strenuous activity or remote trek could present a cardiac emergency. Aquatic programs may involve cardiopulmonary emergencies. The BSA strongly
recommends that a CPR-trained person (preferably an adult) be part of the leadership for any BSA program. Such a resource should be available for strenuous
outdoor activity.

16. DISCIPLINE
No supervisor is effective if he or she cannot control the activity and the individual participants. Youths must respect their leader and follow his or her direction.

In addition to these general rules, safety concerns in certain BSA activities, including most of the aquatics programs, have been specifically addressed in more
detailed guidelines. All leaders should review and comply with such guidelines in the respective activities. 

Scout Shop