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Aquatics
The Mile Swim BSA award was introduced in 1961 by the BSA Health and Safety Service. The original purpose of the award was for Scouts to learn to swim a mile safely with ease. It was, and remains, a challenging recognition that contributes to fitness and safety. The last time the award requirements were updated was in 1981 when the purpose shifted from a worthwhile accomplishment promoting both safety and physical fitness to “encourage the development of physical fitness by introducing the youth to swimming as regular exercise.” Four hours of required training before swimming the mile was added as a requirement.
Drawing from feedback gathered from BSA Aquatics personnel at camps nationwide, the revised Mile Swim BSA award is refocusing on enhancing swimming stroke effectiveness and efficiency, particularly for individuals seeking improvement. Most Scouts who can walk or bike on level ground for an hour or so without stopping will likely have enough stamina to swim a mile and there are numerous other Scouts BSA programs that promote and develop regular exercise. The Mile Swim BSA award purpose is to build confidence and improve water competency.
UPDATED BSA Mile Swim Award Requirements:
- Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test: Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn.
- Learn through discussion and application how skill, stamina, stroke selection, and pace influence distance swimming.
- Pre-qualify for the mile by either swimming continuously for ¼ mile or otherwise demonstrating ability to the satisfaction of a counselor approved by the local council.
- Swim one mile under safe conditions over a course approved by the counselor supervising the swim.
Program Implementation
The revised Mile Swim BSA requirements are effective immediately (Spring/Summer 2024). It is recognized that many BSA camps will already have planned their camp summer aquatics program. Those camps may continue to present the previous (1981) version of the award program; however, all BSA Camps and Mile Swim BSA Counselors should plan on implementing the new Mile Swim BSA requirements for their 2025 programs. The Scouts BSA Mile Swim Emblem (SKU 245) and the Mile Swim Pocket Certificate (SKU 34394) remain unchanged. These recognition items are available at scoutshop.org. Award application and support materials can be found in the 2024 version of BSA Aquatics Supervision No. 34346
The Mile Swim BSA aquatics award is the ultimate recognition of Scouts and Leaders swimming prowess. It is hoped that this revised version of the award will encourage more BSA members to take the plunge and achieve this award.
Fishing
Great news for Cub Scouts, as of June 1, 2024, there is a fishing adventure in every Cub Scout rank! Lion Scouts up to Arrow of Light Scouts can earn fishing elective adventures as they progressively learn how to become an accomplished angler. Fishing holds a special place in Scouting history, being one of the original merit badges, and recent surveys have consistently ranked it as one of the top outdoor activities. It’s no wonder that fishing serves as a fantastic recruiting tool for new Scouts and families alike. Fishing also retains Cub Scouts in the program because it is fun, builds useful skills and challenges them on so many levels. Moreover, fishing isn’t just a temporary activity; it’s a lifelong pursuit that Cub Scouts and their families can continue to enjoy together. Furthermore, fishing has the power to reignite the passion of those who may have drifted away from Scouting, as it fosters a sense of community within packs, where knowledge and skills are shared and passed down through generations, much like cherished traditions.
How does it work?
Each rank has specific requirements for fishing elective adventures. In addition, there are den leader resources on for each rank that will outline the basic requirements for earning the fishing elective adventures available on Scouting.org that will launch on June 1, 2024. These requirements emphasize fishing safety and basic fishing knowledge such as fish identification, fishing equipment, biology, casting skills and knots. The adventure always has a fun trip to go fishing with their pack and adult leaders.
How do Cub Scout leaders make it successful?
Fortunately, the BSA Certified Angler Instructor Working Group has been preparing for this for several years. They have created an extensive network of more than 2,000 Certified Angling Instructors (CAI) and Angling Educators (AE) to assist councils with their fishing programs. CAIs and AEs can teach fishing basics to parents and Cub Scout leaders and help them create successful fishing outings and provide fun programs. Leaders are encouraged to contact their local council fishing committee, sign up for an Angling Educator Class, or visit BSA Fishing for more information about Scouting’s Cub Scout fishing resources.
Fishing is more than fun!
The bottom-line is that fishing is a family-friendly, safe, and fun hands-on activity that is an excellent addition to Cub Scout pack programming. It is inexpensive to start a fishing program and teaches Scouts hand-eye coordination, cooperation, team skills, goal setting, environmental awareness, patience, outdoor survival, persistence, problem solving, friendly competition and at the end of the day … storytelling. Help a Scout tell a great fish tale by taking them on a fishing adventure!
Camping
On June 1st, Cub Scouting unveiled eagerly awaited updates, bringing new energy and opportunities for Cub Scouts to explore the great outdoors. The updated Cub Scout program has a significant new number of outdoor focused adventures that can be a great addition to your district or council event.
Several updates were made to the camping required and elective adventures that Cub Scouts at all ranks can participate in. The opportunity to camp outdoors has consistently been the number one reason Cub Scouts join the Scouting program! The updated Cub Scout program continues to offer camping at every rank. So first, how can you assist packs in earning these new adventures?
- Ensure packs know their Cub Scouts may be eligible for the summertime elective adventure. Like the previous “Summertime Pack Award”, these new “Summertime Fun” elective adventures encourage a Cub Scout to participate in an activity each month of the summer. Each Scout can earn the elective based on their individual participation. (Reminder Lion Scouts did not join until kindergarten started this fall so incoming kindergarten Lion Scouts cannot earn this elective adventure until the conclusion of their kindergarten school year.) Touch base with your packs this fall and see if they have Scouts who earned this elective!
- Host a family camp weekend for your district or council. Reminder these events are “short-term camps” and must operate under the National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) standards. This will help packs have a successful camping experience by leveraging your council property and experience program staff and volunteers.
- Facilitate BALOO training courses. A new syllabus will launch in September – take advantage of this updated material to encourage more Cub Scout leaders to experience this hands-on training.
In addition to program changes, several updates were made to the Guide to Safe Scouting regarding Cub Scout camping. These changes specifically impact Webelos (4th grade) and Arrow of Light Scouts (5th grade) dens. The complete policy (including details like required BALOO training etc) can be viewed online HERE but below are a few key parts:
- Effective June 1, 2024, Webelos is the designated program for 4th graders and Arrow of Light is the designated program for 5th graders. As such, the Arrow of Light program is no longer combined with the Webelos program and the purpose of Webelos (4th grade) is no longer to prepare Cub Scouts to join Scouts BSA. The purpose of the Arrow of Light program is to prepare for Arrow of Light Scouts to join a Scouts BSA troop. Therefore, the camping policies for these two age groups have officially been separated. Understanding that these two dens have officially separated is critical to determining how each den can camp and with whom. This separation will also be showcased on the upcoming update to the Age Appropriate Guidelines Chart.
- Both Webelos and Arrow of Light dens can still camp as a den. Reminder, only these two den types can camp as dens (other Cub Scout ranks can camp as part of a pack coordinated or at a council/district camping event). Webelos and Arrow of Light den campouts are for these two ranks alone – “tagalong” other age Cub Scouts or siblings are not allowed on den campouts.
- Webelos can camp as a den or with their pack but cannot camp with a Scouts BSA troop either at a troop or district/council event. This opportunity will become available when they become Arrow of Light Scouts and is even part of one of the required Arrow of Light adventures.
- Be sure to consider this as you plan legacy camporees or other Scouts BSA events where you may have invited all “Webelos” – now these camporees or other Scouts BSA events are no longer for Webelos but exclusively a potential opportunity for Arrow of Light Scouts.
- Arrow of Light Scouts can participate and camp at a unit coordinated campout with a Scouts BSA troop they are eligible to join. They must attend as an Arrow of Light den/patrol under the supervision of two deep leadership from their Arrow of Light den/patrol or pack.
- Arrow of Light Scouts can also participate at a Scouts BSA “camporee” (council coordinated, short-term camp, see NCAP SA-001) during the day and/or overnight as either a member of their den (with the den’s two deep leadership) or with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) if the local council coordinates two deep leadership per NCAP Standard HS-502.
Be sure to read the entire section in the Guide to Safe Scouting so you can help your Cub Scout packs and their older dens have a successful camping experience this fall and into next year. The newly updated Cub Scout program is a great way to engage more Scouts outdoors! Don’t miss the chance to incorporate camping into your year-round district/council events. Questions,
Range & Target Activities
The Range and Target Activities (Shooting Sports) currently offered by Scouting America are highly complex, requiring knowledgeable supervision, qualified instruction, and strict adherence to standard operating procedures. The following Q&A reviews upcoming September 1st program adjustments that aim to simplify these programs while ensuring safety standards are met. Prior to reviewing these FAQs, please review the upcoming changes listed HERE in the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Q: Why are range and target activities (shooting sports) part of Scouting’s programs?
A: Range and target activities provide Scouting the opportunity to instruct critical safe firearm handling to all age groups while also providing an opportunity for a Scout to learn self-discipline, concentration, mental discipline, self-reliance, self-esteem, problem-solving and responsibility. Teaching safe firearm handling includes conversations such as “What happens when you see a gun? Never touch the gun, leave it where it is, and tell an adult right away.” Scouting is committed to teaching youth how to be safe around firearms, whether at home, in their neighborhoods, or around the community.
Q: Why is Scouting updating its range and target activities (shooting sports programs) effective 9/1/2024?
A: With a focus on safety and delivery of a quality program, these program adjustments aim to simplify and further standardize range and target activities, thus enhancing the overall experience for Scouts and Scouters alike.
Q: Why is the name of shooting sports programs changing to Range & Target Activities?
A: This new name reflects both where these activities take place (on established ranges) and what these activities are.
Q: Starting in September, besides a nationally authorized camp property’s range, Scouts can participate in firearms programs on a commercial range. How will the BSA define a commercial firearm range?
A: A commercial firearm range is a supervised facility that offers a controlled environment for safe firearm practice. It will provide shooting lanes, targets, and may offer equipment rentals and training in safe firearm handling and marksmanship. Standard operating procedures are required for each firearm type used on-site. Scouting’s range and target activities must follow all of Scouting’s range and target activities policies or range standard operating procedures that are equivalently stringent, including no variation from Scouting’s limitations on firearms used. These ranges may be operated by a licensed business, a government entity or non-profit.
Q: And also, what is a nationally authorized camp property?
A: A national authorized camp property is defined by the National Camp Accreditation Program standards in SA-001. This definition is “A camp property includes any property over which a BSA council exercises long-term control that is made available to BSA units or individuals for use in BSA-branded program activities.” For full information on what is a nationally authorized camp property, please review the entire NCAP standard SA-001.
Q: My Scouts BSA troop wants to conduct a weekend activity focused on the Rifle Shooting merit badge, can we still host this event after September 1, 2024?
A: Yes. Scouts BSA troops can offer these activities with the required supervision certifications indicated in the BSA Shooting Sports Manual at either a nationally authorized camp property range(s) or at a commercial firearm range. Reminder- your unit must also have someone who has completed the online Range Activity SAFEty training. This trained adult leader must be present at the range. Note this training does not replace the requirements for certified NRA firearms instructors and range safety officers. This training will be available beginning 9/1/2024.
Q: There is a new Range Activity SAFEty training??
A: Yes. On September 1, 2024 this training will be available for unit leaders to take on My.Scouting (the same place you can take Youth Protection training online etc). Less than 40 minutes, this online training will help Scout leaders be prepared to successfully offer these programs at the unit level.
Q: Our Venturing crew is interested in participating in a pistol program. Is it still possible for us to do so?
A: Yes, Venturing crews participate in the NRA FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation at an accredited camp program (day camp, short-term camp, long-term camp) or a council organized one day event. Reminder, effective 9/1/2024, unit-level sponsored/planned Venturing and Sea Scouting pistol programs are prohibited. This program will also be available for older Scouts BSA youth.
Q: How does Scouting define “firearm”?
A: Firearms include pellet rifles, airsoft (any type), rifles, pistols, shotguns, and muzzle loading rifles and shotguns. While Scouting does not define a BB gun or “BB device” as a firearm, some states, counties, or jurisdictions may regulate BB guns as firearms, depending on their design and capabilities. Councils must review and follow any local regulations before conducting programs.
If planning an upcoming event or outing for your unit or council involving range & target activities, please remember to visit Scouting.org on September 1st to review the new National Range & Target Activities Manual and any revisions to the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Still have questions? We invite you to watch a recording of our Range and Target Activities Program Updates (a Venturing focus but all levels are reviewed) webinar that premiered on July 10. You may also attend an additional, Outdoor Program & Properties Team sponsored, webinar on August 15th. The links for both the recording and to register for the upcoming webinar may be found below.
Resources:
- Range & Target Activities Program Updates Discussion and Q&A Registration Link (August 15th Live Webinar)
https://scouting-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqce2orDotHN378fJ0lxBhit6kJGubesBC
- Range & Target Activities Program Updates Discussion and Q&A (July 10th Recording)
https://scouting-org.zoom.us/rec/share/c7osEzaX53o6tKTSRCcnbDVNmBbhK_19JcNVtbw091wDjMLf2G6ptuMz2-f5FYr8.BiklBNvgl4QfQPM9
- Guide to Safe Scouting (Online Edition)
https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/toc/
Aquatics
After careful consideration and evaluation, Scouting America will transition away from the BSA Lifeguard certification program effective December 31, 2024. Over the last decade, training lifeguards across the entire aquatics industry has continued to evolve. While our partnership with the American Red Cross remains strong, the Red Cross materials will no longer be available to be used jointly for instruction of the BSA Lifeguard program. In addition, Scouting America does not possess the scientific and other resources required to develop and update a Scouting America specific lifeguard training curriculum that meets the industry standards mandated through state and federal regulations.
Moving forward, we believe that partnering with well-established certifying agencies such as the American Red Cross, YMCA, StarGuard Elite, and Ellis & Associates will still allow us to offer local councils access to top-tier lifeguard training. We are confident that this approach will provide Scouting with quality training while also meeting industry standards. Our primary focus is on ensuring that every council has the support it needs to certify lifeguards for both summer camp and year-round aquatic activities.
We will provide further updates in the coming weeks to local councils and currently certified BSA Lifeguard Instructors/Aquatics Instructors to ensure everyone is well-informed about the next steps.
Finally, individuals currently certified as BSA Lifeguards may continue to use their certification until it reaches its expiration date. Individuals who are certified as BSA Lifeguard Instructors will receive additional information on how to potentially transition to an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor.
We appreciate your understanding and collaboration as we make this transition, and we are committed to working closely with each council to maintain the high levels of safety and preparedness that our Scouts and leaders expect and supporting local council lifeguard certification programs for summer camp and year-round aquatics programs. Additional information will be posted on this website as plans progress during this transition period.
Aquatics
As we look toward the warmer months, it’s time to gear up for a splash of excitement and safety awareness. May is National Water Safety Month, and as proud members of the Scouting community, it’s our responsibility to champion safety while embracing aquatic adventures. From thrilling campouts to refreshing swims, let’s make a splash in promoting water safety across all units and camps.
- Understanding Safe Swim Defense: A Fundamental Principle
Safe Swim Defense is the key to unlocking a world of aquatic exploration without compromising safety. Safe Swim Defense helps reinforce the importance of the buddy system, qualified supervision, and appropriate swim ability and more. Each of us should familiarize ourselves with the Safe Swim Defense guidelines and ensure that all aquatic activities adhere to these fundamental principles. Reminder you must take Safe Swim Defense every two years and it can be done online or even from your mobile device! Camps can also offer in-person Safe Swim Defense courses and your local Scout Executive has access to the current in-person training materials.
- Safety Afloat: Navigating Waters Responsibly
For those venturing into the realm of boating and watercraft adventures, Safety Afloat guidelines are paramount. Safety Afloat reinforces rigorous training for leaders and participants which ensures a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. Life jackets, weather awareness, skill proficiency and proper supervision are the cornerstones of Safety Afloat. Remember you must take Safety Afloat every two years and it can be done online or even from your mobile device! Camps can also offer in-person Safety Afloat courses and your local Scout Executive has access to the current in-person training materials.
- Dive into Awareness: 7 Ideas to Promote National Water Safety Month
- Host Training: Arrange to teach Paddle Craft Safety or Swimming & Water Rescue locally.
- Training for BSA Swimming & Water Rescue provides BSA leaders with information and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to swimming emergencies during unit swimming activities. It expands the awareness instruction provided by Safe Swim Defense training.
- BSA Paddle Craft Safety expands Safety Afloat training to include the skills and knowledge needed for a unit leader to confidently supervise canoeing or kayaking excursions on flat water with additional modules for moving water.
- Organize a Swim Classification Test Event: Get prepared for your Scouting water-based adventure by offering a swim classification test event. Details about the swim classification test can be found in Aquatics Supervision.
- Community Outreach: Partner with local organizations to spread awareness about water safety. Offer free swim tests or demonstrations to the community, emphasizing the importance of learning to swim.
- Safety Poster Contest: Host a poster contest focused on water safety. Engage Scouts in creating eye-catching posters that highlight the key principles of Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat.
- Boating Adventure Day: Arrange a day dedicated to boating adventures, incorporating Safety Afloat guidelines. From kayaks to canoes, let Scouts experience the thrill of watercraft under safe supervision. And don’t forget Friday, May 17th is “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day”.
- Merit Badge Focus: If your unit or camp has a water-related merit badge program, make May the month to dive into those activities. It’s a perfect way to merge skill-building with safety awareness. You can encourage Scouts coming to camp to sign up for a water related merit badge this summer.
- CPR and First Aid Training: Equip leaders and older Scouts with CPR and first aid skills specific to water-related emergencies and host local courses. This additional layer of preparedness can be a lifesaver in critical situations.
As we celebrate National Water Safety Month this May, let’s champion a culture of safety that ensures every Scout can dive into aquatic adventures with confidence. By embracing Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat, we not only safeguard our Scouts but also nurture a love for water activities that will last a lifetime. Let the waves of safety awareness ripple through our units and camps, creating a sea of knowledge that keeps everyone afloat. Happy Water Safety Month, Scouts!
Outdoor Ethics/Leave No Trace
September 12-14, 2024
🌲 Unleash your adventurous spirit at the 2024 BSA National Outdoor Ethics & Conservation Conference! 🏕️ Mark your calendars for September 12th-14th at stunning Camp Tracy, just east of Salt Lake City, UT. But wait, there’s more! Dive into a week of pre-conference offerings from September 9th-12th, expanding your knowledge and expertise.
🔍 Explore the theme that will set us on a course for the future as we lean on our Outdoor Ethics and Conservation legacy: “Guiding Our Youth Into The Future ~ 70 Years Of The Outdoor Code.” Get ready for an unforgettable experience as we celebrate seven decades of the Outdoor Code and chart a course for the future.
📅 It’s never too early to save the dates – so lock them in NOW! Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for exciting updates about the conference. This isn’t just a conference; it’s a journey into the heart of BSA Outdoor Ethics & Conservation. See you there! 🌿 #AdventureAwaits #OutdoorEthics2024
COPE/Climbing
What is a Level 2 COPE or Climbing Instructor? A Level 2 COPE or Climbing Instructor is an instructor over 21 who has taken a course from a Program Manager or Program Trainer to be able to be the primary instructor of climbing or COPE events, depending on their training on that particular facility. They are assisted by another level 2 instructor or a level 1 instructor over age 18. They are capable of training Level 1 instructors to assist with COPE and Climbing events. A 6:1 ratio is necessary for participants actively participating with rope. Two instructors are required to run any event or program, so they can supervise up to 12 participants. Another instructor must be added for every 6 participants. The Level 2 instructor is proficient in the foundation skills of both COPE and Climbing, still up to date on their level 1 skills, and have taken a course in COPE or Climbing to expand their skills to Level 2 Instructor to those specific programs.
A Level 2 COPE or Climbing Instructor and his assisting level 2s or Level 1s can run a summer camp program if their Council and its Program Manager or Program Trainer wish to train summer camp staff. The Program Manager or Program Trainer is available to advise those who he or she trains and is responsible for vetting and monitoring the quality of that instructor’s operation; such that a Program Manager or Trainer’s training abilities can be reviewed or revoked if sub par training is discovered.
Many COPE and Climbing instructors both take a tower class. Some COPE instructors take a course from a council that may only have low COPE and then maybe a tower and a zip line. Some Climbing instructors may only take people climbing on local rock faces. Others may only operate their council’s indoor climbing wall. There are a variety of combinations, so in most councils (or at some times, collaborations of councils) that have a Program Manager or Program Trainer who teaches Level 2 instructors to run the programs for the facilities or rock in their council (or collaboration of councils) only.
This summer, we may see some councils for temporary or long standing collaborations with councils that have Program Managers or Program Trainers who teach on similar facilities due to the lack of availability of National Camping School courses because of Covid 19.
In this subcommittee chair’s opinion, becoming a COPE or Climbing Director at National Camping School often affords the Director the interaction with more than one out of council NCS Instructors, yielding a perspective possibly not available in a local council program, to his or her benefit, though I have seen many very strong Program Managers and Program Trainers’ training. To this end, councils that exclusively use the Program Manager or Program Trainer Program to train Level 2 COPE or Climbing Instructors have been informed of the new 2020 NCAP standard in SQ 409 that says as Program Manager’s cards expire, all who wish to continue to teach or develop Level 2 training programs within their councils will send someone back to National Camping School to get a COPE or Climbing Director card before they can take the Program Trainer card to train Level 2 Instructors; thus yielding the perspective of a return to National Camping School at least every 5 years to the Program Trainer who will pass his or her insight on to his Instructor candidates. Level 2 Instructors will no longer be allowed to become Program Trainers.
And as always, this sub-committee’s passion is to spread a love of climbing and challenge activities among units and the youth in them. Unit leaders who become Level 2 COPE or Climbing instructors will take youth climbing and out on challenge courses. They will foster growth, team building and challenging experiences for youth in many different types of units. Whether the unit leader or youth got his or her passion to teach or participate in climbing and COPE from attending a summer camp, or the unit members chose to further their instruction through a merit badge or instructor class at summer camp because they came from a troop who climbed, the Level 2 instructor trained by a Program Manager or Program Trainer can be the point where these passions begin to grow and expand. We love to see Units who take the Level 2 Instructor course who take youth climbing who grow up to be leaders who become Instructors to take youth climbing.
Continue to train safely.
Aquatics
Did you know that the largest percentage of fatal drownings in the United States in kids 19 and younger occur in open water, such as lakes, oceans, and rivers? To get an idea of just how quiet and undramatic from the surface drowning can be, consider this: It is the No. 2 cause of accidental death in children ages 15 and under, just behind vehicle accidents.
Some drownings occur because people do not recognize the signs it is happening. No yelling, no waving. Just a silent gasping for air and 20 to 60 seconds later, submersion. And someone has drowned, maybe in plain sight.
Since the inception of Scouting, learning to swim and engaging in aquatics activities have been core to the program. More than 1.5 million aquatics-related merit badges have been earned by Scouts BSA since 2009. The BSA has also been a leader in promoting and providing training in aquatics safety. For at least 80 years, checklists have been in place to make sure those aquatic experiences are positive ones.
Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat govern BSA swimming and boating activities. These programs help provide leaders, Scouts and parents with the tools they need to be prepared to participate in aquatics activities. These programs are the BSA way to conduct a safe and fun aquatics program.
Be prepared for your aquatics adventures this summer!
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