Safety First

Youth Protection

Every adult leader is trained. Every activity is supervised. Every concern is heard. Here's how we keep our Scouts safe.

Our Commitment

Safety isn't a policy — it's the foundation of everything we do.

Pack 131 and Troop 311 follow Scouting America's Youth Protection program in full. These are not suggestions — they are mandatory standards every leader, parent, and volunteer is trained on and held to.

Barriers to abuse

Two-deep leadership: at least two registered, trained adult leaders are present at every Scouting activity.
No one-on-one contact between adults and youth — in person, online, by text, or by phone.
Separate accommodations for adults and youth on every campout and overnight.
All registered leaders complete a criminal background check before serving.
Mandatory reporting of any suspected abuse — by anyone, at any time.

The Policies

The standards every leader is trained on.

These are the core protections that govern every meeting, campout, and event we run.

Two-deep leadership

A minimum of two registered adult leaders — or one leader and a parent — are required at every Scouting activity, including transportation.

No one-on-one contact

Adults are never alone with a Scout who isn't their own child. This applies to private conversations, rides, texts, and online messages.

Background checks

Every registered adult — leader or volunteer — passes a criminal background check before they can serve in any capacity.

Mandatory training

All adults must complete Youth Protection Training before registration is approved, and renew it every two years.

Mandatory reporting

Any leader, parent, or Scout who suspects abuse — inside or outside Scouting — is required to report it immediately to authorities and the Scouts First Helpline.

Open & transparent

Meetings are open to parents. Discipline is positive. The Scouting program is built around respect for every youth and family.

Adult Leader Training

Every adult is trained — before they ever serve.

Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required for every registered adult in Scouting America. It's free, takes about an hour, and is completed online through my.Scouting.

How to complete YPT

1
Create a my.Scouting account
Visit my.scouting.org and register for a free account using your name and email.
2
Take the Youth Protection course
From the dashboard, open the Training menu and complete the YPT modules. Total time: about 60 minutes.
3
Save your certificate
Download the completion certificate and send a copy to your unit's Committee Chair before your application is submitted.
4
Renew every 2 years
YPT must be current at all times. my.Scouting will email you when renewal is due.

Start training at my.Scouting

If You See Something

How to report a concern.

If you suspect any youth has been harmed — or is at risk of harm — act immediately. You do not need proof. You do not need to investigate. Reporting is mandatory for every adult in Scouting.

1
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
2
Contact local law enforcement and your county's child protective services.
3
Call the Scouts First Helpline — staffed 24/7 by Scouting America.
4
Notify our Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, or Committee Chair so we can support the family and follow up.

Scouts First Helpline

1-844-SCOUTS1

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call to report abuse, ask questions, or get guidance.

scouts1st@scouting.org

Local Unit Leaders

Contact our leadership team →

For Parents & Families

Resources to talk with your Scout.

Open conversation is one of the strongest protections. Scouting America provides free guides for families on personal safety, digital safety, and recognizing warning signs.

Have a question about safety in our units?

Our Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, and Committee Chair are happy to discuss our policies, training, or any concern — large or small.

Contact our leaders How to join