BSA Policies Overview

BSA Policies Overview

Key BSA policies that all pack leaders must know. For full policy details, refer to the linked source documents.

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Youth Protection

Two-deep leadership: At least two registered adult leaders (or one adult and a parent) must be present at all Scouting activities. No one-on-one contact between adults and youth is permitted.

Female adult requirement: When serving female youth (girl dens), at least one female registered adult leader must be present at all den meetings and activities.

Reporting: Any abuse or suspected abuse must be reported immediately. BSA’s policies are covered in Youth Protection Training — every leader must complete YPT before working with youth.

The Buddy System: Scouts should always be paired with a buddy, never left alone.

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Guide to Safe Scouting

All activities must be planned and conducted in accordance with BSA’s Guide to Safe Scouting (GSS). Key requirements include:

• Use the SAFE Checklist before every activity
• Prohibited activities list (e.g., no fireworks, no use of firearms without qualified supervision)
• Transportation policies (no Scout traveling alone with an adult who is not their parent/guardian)
• Health and safety requirements for camping, swimming, boating

Reference: Guide to Safe Scouting

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Uniforms

• Leaders are expected to wear the Cub Scout leader uniform at pack meetings and activities
• Wearing the uniform properly sets a good example for Scouts
• Purchase through local Scout shop or www.scoutshop.org

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Money-Earning and Finances

• BSA Unit Money-Earning Application: Approval from the charter organization and council is required for all unit fundraising activities (other than the annual popcorn sale, which is pre-approved)
• Scout Accounts: Scouts can credit funds earned toward Scouting expenses, but cannot take money with them if they leave Scouting and cannot use funds for non-Scouting purposes
• No soliciting gifts: Units should not solicit gifts — donations are not tax-deductible at the unit level
• Two-signature rule: All disbursements should be signed/approved by two authorized leaders (Cubmaster, Committee Chair, Secretary, or Treasurer)
• Tax exemption: Check with your council — most chartered units have a tax-exempt status; use your pack’s tax-exempt number when applicable

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Health Forms

• BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A and B) is required for all Scouts and adults at pack events
• Part C (physician exam) is required for events more than 72 hours or high-adventure activities
• The Secretary (or Committee Chair) organizes and maintains health forms for the pack

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Background Checks

• BSA initiates a background check for every adult application
• No adult may work with youth until their application is approved

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Advancement Policies

• Cub Scout advancement is designed to be completed at den meetings — every Scout should advance if they attend regularly
• Awards must be purchased and presented at the next pack meeting after earned — do not delay recognition
• Advancement records are maintained in Scoutbook — all den leaders and the Advancement Chair use Scoutbook

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Chartered Organization

The pack is chartered by your charter organization. The pack must:

• Operate in a manner consistent with the charter organization’s values
• Complete annual rechartering (October–November deadline) through the Charter Org Rep and Committee Chair
• Secure meeting facility use through your pack meeting location space request process (Committee Chair responsibility)

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Key Links

• Guide to Safe Scouting
• SAFE Checklist
• BSA Fiscal Policies and Procedures for Units
• my.Scouting.org — training, Scoutbook access

Used In

Resource Used In	Type
Committee Chair	Role
Cubmaster	Role

Source

Source: View Resource