Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse - Revision
The Boy Scouts of America have revised and updated the Adult Supervision Requirements effective September 1, 2023. Units need to start planning now for how they will comply with these new requirements. The Greater Hudson Valley Council will be working on policies & procedures at our Camps and Events that will help confirm that these new Adult Supervision Rules are being complied with at all activities.
New BSA Rules Effective – September 1, 2023
Adult Supervision
Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including all meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth or female adult program participants.
Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.
All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered in an adult fee required position as listed or as an adult program participant. Limited exception below for Cub Scout overnight Programs.
See FAQ for list of adult fee required positions. Registration as a Merit Badge Counselor does not meet this requirement.
Cub Scout Programs – Overnight Exception: Cub Scout parents or legal guardians taking part in an overnight Cub Scout program with their own child or legal ward are not required to register as leaders. All adults must review the “How to Protect your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” that can be found in the front of each Cub Scout Handbook. In addition, the parent or legal guardian must be accompanied by a registered leader at any time they are with youth members other than their own child/ward. All other overnight adults must be currently registered in an adult fee required position.
Please CLICK HERE for further information regarding the Sept. 1 change and Cub Scout Program exceptions.
If you have questions about the new Adult Supervision Requirements, please contact the Greater Hudson Valley Council – Service Center.
Richard Stockton
Scout Executive
