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BSA Policies — Key Policies All the pack Leaders Must Know

BSA Policies — Key Policies All the pack Leaders Must Know

This file summarizes the most critical BSA policies that apply to all the pack leaders. For full policy details, refer to the linked source documents.

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.

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

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

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: Pack purchases are exempt from New York sales tax — use the pack tax-exempt number

Source: docs/Training/Positions/Treasurer/Additional Treasurer Resources/BSA/BSA Fiscal Policies and Procedures for Units.md

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

Background Checks

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

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

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)