APRIL 2026

Safety Moment

Weather-Related Safety

April showers bring more than flowers—they can bring severe weather. Stay prepared: Hazardous Weather Training is required every two years (available at my.scouting.org).

Remember the lightning rule: every five seconds between flash and thunder equals one mile away. At 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately.

SAFE Checklist Highlights

Incident reports in the first quarter of 2026 have followed previous year trends. Based on root cause analysis of incidents reported last year, let’s focus on a couple of the SAFE Checklist items that, if followed, may have reduced some of these incidents.

Supervision

Accepting responsibility for the well-being and safety of youth under their care.

Accepting responsibility for youth safety is the starting point of deliberate leadership. Volunteers must recognize that when an activity begins, the well-being of every participant rests with them. This responsibility is active, not passive, it requires constant awareness, sound judgment, and a willingness to intervene early. Leaders must stay mentally engaged, watching for subtle signs of fatigue, confusion, or unsafe behavior. Responsibility also includes following established policies without exception and being prepared to act decisively when conditions change. When leaders fully embrace this role, they create an environment where Scouts feel secure and supported. This mindset builds trust with families and reinforces the seriousness of leadership. Ultimately, accepting responsibility means owning both preparation and outcomes, ensuring that safety is never left to chance.

Fitness & Skill

Confirming the activity is right for the age, maturity, and physical abilities of participants.

Every participant brings different abilities and maturity levels. Leaders must confirm that each Scout is ready for the activity. This includes evaluating physical and emotional readiness. Matching participants to appropriate challenges promotes success and safety.

As you plan your next meetings and outings pay particular attention to these items. Let’s see if we can further reduce incidents.

2025 Incident Breakdown

SAFE Checklist

Proper Safety Planning

There has been a frequently repeated quote attributed to James Baker, former Secretary of State called the 5 Ps – Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

In Scouting our motto is "Be Prepared." On the Safety Moment website there are many examples of being prepared for most things – hazardous weather, fire safety, safety afloat, etc. to name a few, but it is difficult to find one specifically on the general planning process. The closest one is the Campout Safety Checklist. You might feel “we have done this ________ times and don’t need a checklist." You might be right, but how many times was something forgotten, not checked before an outing, didn’t know who or how to contact someone, didn’t check someone’s permission slip / medical record (AHMR), or something else that should have been known or with you? If you feel this doesn’t apply to you as an experienced Scout Leader, suggest you read the book “The Checklist Manifesto” by Atul Gawande, MD, MPH.

In general, the Campout Safety Checklist is divided into six basic categories:

Documentation: This includes medical records, guidebooks, and permission slips. A Scout leader can ensure your safety as well as his or her own when you are both better informed of any limitations, hazards, or permissions.

Training: General training, such as SAFEguarding Youth training, CPR/first aid, and Hazardous Weather, or specific training, such as Trek Safely or Wilderness First Aid, gives you the confidence to know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Planning: Planning is important. Become familiar with your campsite location and do some research about the weather, licensing/permit requirements, and project or activity guidelines so you can be prepared.

Equipment: Plan for vehicles involved or tools necessary for your camping experience. Also consider trailer requirements and first-aid or emergency kits.

Emergency Planning: A prepared Scout is a confident Scout. Keep a cellphone handy as well as a list of local authorities (fire department, police, hospitals, etc.) in case an emergency occurs, such as inclement weather or a lost Scout. If you are in the backcountry, canyons, or a remote location, coverage may be one to two hours away. A GPS tracking/messaging device is helpful in these locations.

Program: Know your program. There should be age-appropriate activities, safety equipment, proper supervision, and a discussion on potential hazards.

So, drop the word "Campout" and you might find the "Safety Checklist" can provide guidance on any outing that your unit may take.

S.A.F.E. Scouting is no accident.

Reference: Campout Safety Checklist

Ring the Safety Bell

Reporting your unit safety champion and at least one leader with first aid/CPR training must be completed annually in order to meet the criteria for the council unit recognition program, "Ring the Bell."

Report Unit Safety Champion

Report First Aid/CPR Training

Incident Reduction & Reporting Training

The third criteria for the Safety Bell is for at least half of your unit's direct contact leaders to complete Incident Reduction and Reporting training. This is a free, approx. 45-minute course that provides an overview of our organization’s safety policies, resources, and reporting procedures. Leaders who completed the training in 2024 or 2025 don't need to take it again.

Five dates have been posted for 2026, with in-person or virtual Zoom webinar options to make it as convenient as possible. Registration is required. Click the link below for dates and registration.

Visit scoutingphilly.org/safety

Cradle of Liberty Council

scoutingphilly.org

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