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  • Another YPG rule from BSA ?... all drivers must register / take training?

    #1
    Just got an e-mail from our CC for the troop. They are asking that a minimum of one parent from each family REGISTER under a new heading of "scout parent". No cost, but they are given a BSA# and that any and ALL drivers for unit functions will now be required to have YPG training BEFORE they can transport scouts on unit events.

    Anyone know if this is a national thing, or someone's own interpretation of the rules at the council, district, or unit level?

    Its good to have folks trained, but to register and be forces to train just to drive a carpool of kids... sheesh! Just one more hurdle to keeping the "outing" in scouting, IMHO.

    Any other units getting this new directive?

    Dean
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Another well meaning directive that ignores reality.... I hope this isn't a national requirement.

    Comment

    • #3

      Registering seems a bit unnecessary, IMHO, since there's no major benefit and just hoops to jump through.

      However, our troop leadership requires YPT for any drivers on troop outings from the troop meeting point to wherever we happen to be going. It's been very well received by the parents with no push-back at all. It didn't hurt that the pack at our same school recently had a Den Leader arrested and convicted for child porn. It also helps to get the parents to understand what the leaders' restrictions are with regard to YPT and might open a few eyes if something were to be a bit off.

      45 minutes of time once every two years isn't much to ask, I don't think.

      Comment

      • #4
        I agree. BSA has been slammed for not doing enough, and this is what is the expected result.

        We are doing this already, to get in front of the issue. In January we will begin background checks on all registered volunteers. It is what we have to do, to protect the scouts, our CO, and leaders.

        Comment

        • #5
          The online tour plan asks for names and info for all drivers on outings.
          you fill in name, address, etc if they aren't registered leaders as well as vehicle info.

          and it asks if their ypt is up to date.

          which implies that anyone driving on an outing should have Youth protection training, eh?

          So we are starting to ask everyone to do it.

          Comment

          • #6
            More hassle. This came up at committee meeting and along with some other issues - cellphone use while driving, recent fender-bender with scouts. The parent feedback was "I'll just drive my own kid".
            (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

            Comment

            • #7
              I do know from attending NYLT Course Directors Conference and talking to scouters from all over the Southern Region, the laws differ from state to state. I believe it was folks from Texas who told me that state law prohibits any adults at summer camp except for registered and background checked adults. It's been well over a year since I attended the conference, so I could have that wrong. But the point is that in some places, if your kid is doing activities with an organization like scouts, sports camp, church camp, etc., mom and pop can't just tag along. Documented members of the organization are the only folks who can go. I remember the conversation in general because there were many of us in the room with our mouths hanging open at the description of what some states require. I think the "scout parent" position probably grew out of a need based on differeing laws around the country.

              Comment

              • #8
                I don't see why BSA seems reluctant to adopt what all other youth programs are doing. When I took a church youth group on an extended trip, they did a background check on me. I didn't mind, it's no skin off my teeth. What a lot of people don't realize is that YPT works both ways. It protects the youth and it protects the adults. As a professional clergy, I was taught 40 years ago, one leaves the door of one's office open whenever counseling a person of the opposite sex or youth.

                Not all well-meaning adults understand this and it's unfortunate that they run into problems. YPT take but a few minutes and yet can avoid a major headache down the road. I would find it rather suspicious to have an adult refuse to register and take YPT. If they did, I would just find someone else and be at peace with it.

                Stosh

                Comment

                • #9
                  >>I don't see why BSA seems reluctant to adopt what all other youth programs are doing. When I took a church youth group on an extended trip, they did a background check on me.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    I wouldn't be surprised if this wasn't a requirement of a chartered organization.

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      According to the G2SS

                      http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS/gss11.aspx

                      I don't see that requirement in there.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        I noticed on our recharter that when I added a new scout, the parent was automaticaly added as a scout parent, and could not be deleted without dropping the new youth also.

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          No, but I think National wants the the CO to take on the responsibility and cost.

                          Barry

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            The Baseball League I coached in paid $15 per to background check all head/assistant coaches. They do it annually.

                            Not a lot of $.

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              But do they require background checks for all parents who drive kids to/from away games? That's the equivalent here.

                              Comment

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