Jump to content

A "plug" for the Guide to Safe Scouting


Recommended Posts

Well, Ed, I just looked at the G2SS and you're right... but in this case maybe you're not right. The section I was talking about mentions "canoeing and rafting," so a paddleboat probably would be ok under the right conditions...

 

...but the "right conditions" include that the adult leaders have completed BSA Safety Afloat Training and Safe Swim Defense Training and that at least one be trained in CPR. I know that none of the adults in my pack has Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense Training. A couple are trained in CPR (one of whom is an M.D.) but I do not think either of them are in that den, so they were not on that trip.

 

When I read through the Safety Afloat section, it's amazing the number of ways you can "go wrong" and not even know it unless you've studied the thing. I think sctmom was basically saying the same thing.

Link to post
Share on other sites

All the fun things I did as a kid are banned in this safe scouting guide, which reads more like a guide to avoid litigation. Here in the middle east we do not have scum bag lawyers lurking behind every bush, thank goodness. I pity you USA scouters who have to worry constantly about being sued. Some serious tort reform would put more fun and spontaneity back into scouting, and give scouters some measure of protection.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I have had the opportunity to serve on a camp planning session for my church and CO. I was amazed at how many times we puled out the GSS to help settle what we were planning for the boy's to do at a summer outing. The reason for this is that alot of the youth coming for this event were Scouts and so Scout policy had to override any other policies. We have discovered that even though we look at the GSS and realize a lot of stuff we did as kids is no longer legal we should look at as a guide to having fun within the rules.

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

I tend to agree with John D. I think it's a sad statement that activities such as paintball are not permitted. They have an element of risk, but so does most activities, including many that are BSA approved. As for the "gun" aspect of this prohibition (if in fact that was part of the consideration), it's another example of political correctness. However, as I already noted, if it's in the G2SS, I follow it. Personally, I think BSA does overreact to the prospect of litigation.

 

I don't know if I shared this story before. So, if it's redundant, forgive me. The city I live in, once considered banning sledding on all public properties. That was at the advice of the city manager and per the counsel of the city's lawyer. I don't know about your town, but in mine, the only worthwhile places to sled are public properties. Fortunately, our councilmen decided that they couldn't accept a town that didn't allow kids to go sledding. They opted to post a few signs in some areas that they felt were too dangerous. At some point, whether it be the government, businesses, BSA or some other private organization, people have to stand up and say, "We rather fight these clowns then change our way of life." Alas, too many people cave and write a new ruleusually one that takes our rights away to take some risk and have a little fun. Eventually, it appears that we will all be living in plastic bubbles or paying outlandish insurance premiums in order to leave them.

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, I truly believe that the GSS is there to protect National from lawsuits. I also believe, being from jersey with its abundance of lawyers, that you as a leader need to follow the GSS to protect your own rear end. I also know that national is not coming to your defense and will not provide legal costs, especially if you did not follow GSS. I also believe the GSS is overboard and has the created a ripple effect of keeping people who follow it too fearful of risk and that us folks (I am included somewhat in this statement) look overbearing to the folks who do not have nor read GSS. Having stated that I am in the GSS group, I am compelled to say, that I look for ways to walk that edge, as boys need adventure. So I spend way too much free time making sure that we hit the requirements so the boys can have the adventure.

But, only by being trained and following the guidelines, will you have a defense in court, God Forbid that something catastrophic should happen. I do recall seeing recently a case where a leader was not held liable because she had been trained, filled out a tour permit and conducted the program within the guidelines.

I would also suggest getting a rider on your home owners insurance to cover your scouting activities. Cost more, you bet, but worth it in a catastrophe. Loss often times causes people to seek out blame and punishment. thus the road to h, e double hockey sticks is paved with good intentions.

This is information I try to convey and reconvey at my RT's. Be prepared!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...