Blog

S is for Supervision

by tamlynsheng

S is for Supervision Scouting America’s SAFE Checklist is the primary methodology we use to help ensure all Scouting America activities are conducted safely. While Scouting America expects leaders to use the four points of SAFE when delivering the Scouting Program, this article will be focusing on the first point: Supervision

Our movement has always worked on the concept of youth-led adventure, supervised by qualified and trustworthy adults. Today we codify this concept in the SAFE Checklist. Adults supervising youth:

  • Accept the responsibility for the well-being and safety of youth under their care
  • Ensure that adults are adequately trained, experienced and skilled to lead the activity, including the ability to recognize and respond to likely hazards and potential emergencies
  • Know and deliver the program of Scouting America with integrity
  • Use qualified instructors, guides or safety personnel as needed to provide additional guidance
  • Maintain engagement with participants during activities to ensure compliance with established rules and procedures

Supervision is not a checkbox step in Scouting, or a one and done. Rather, supervision is the continually occurring process leaders use to ensure adventures have safe and positive outcomes. Scouters must be honest about assessing their knowledge in any given subject to ensure they have the knowledge, skills and abilities to recognize hazards and respond to them properly. Units often need to be strategic and help ensure their adult leaders have the correct training for planned adventures throughout the year. Remember, your council can help connect you with upcoming training activities.

Scouters’ knowledge also extends to the program of Scouting America. One way to think of that is to understand “what chapter and page” you are in the Scouting program. If you can’t find an activity in our official materials, that is a good sign it is not aligned with our program goals. An adult leader should only deliver official program-approved materials from qualified subject matter experts.

Lastly, supervision means being involved in activities so that you can detect hazards before they occur and help ensure participants are engaged properly. Supervision is not just watching the exits, but being involved in the moment with Scouts, which also demonstrates what real leadership looks like.