DRussell1187Eagle

Laura- The situation that you mention for your unit is one that we caution leaders and under-18 Lifeguards on when we train them. This is where you and the other adult leaders should do two things: 1. Find a way to make yourself trust that this boy has been SUFFICIENTLY trained to handle this responsibility. If you need to go back to the counselor that trained him and have a talk, do so. The bottom line here is that YOU are the adult in charge for ALL unit activities and you're the one who must be sure that everyone stays safe. Is this boy mature enough to handle the lifeguarding s

Laura - Your file idea sounds really good. I'd include extra paper and pens/pencils. Those are some of the things that easily disappear into tents and get lost. The 5 gallon buckets are a good idea, but most of our kids have already gone to Walmart and bought the fold-up camp chairs with the carrying strap, so whatever works for your troop. Being from FL, we really watch what the boys drink (not just during the summer either!) and insist that the boys ALWAYS bring cup/bottle to camp. Another thing we do in my troop when we get to camp is to make sure that the entire troop stops b

SM101- As someone who lives in FL and sees this all the time, you are doing the right thing to NOT lessen the requirements here. I also happen to be a BSA Lifeguard Counselor - the skills are what they are. No more and no less. If the child can not perform the skills, then trust what the trained staff at summer camp told you - PLEASE. The boys will get over this one; like the other members said, there are plenty of other things to do in Scouts and there's always next year. Additionally, if YOU sign that requirement in the boy's book saying that he IS capable of a certain skill and som

Eagle74 - You are correct to consult the G2SS. That publication is the one that sets out the guidelines for leaders to follow. Unfortunately, also, you are correct in reading that a BSA Lifeguard IS NOT required for any UNIT Aquatics activity. I say unfortunately because a few years ago when the BSA decided to change that rule, it meant that ANY adult who had sat through the one hour Safe Swim Defense or Safety Afloat class was "qualified" to lead his/her unit in ANY aquatics activity.(!!!!) The adult must also "be proficient" (my words here)for the type of activity. As for the "stro