It’s never been easier to for Scouting Groups to discover the great outdoors! After extensive consultation with Scouters, Scouts Canada is excited to introduce our new Adventure Standards. With a straightforward approach to managing risk, our new Standards make it simpler for Scouting youth of all ages to share great, safe outdoor adventures.
What’s changed?
- The risk categories for adventures have been reviewed and updated, with a focus on reducing paperwork. We’ve made it a breeze for youth, Scouters and parents to find out which risk category applies to a given adventure by providing plenty of helpful examples. Quite simply, the less risk, the less paperwork is required.
- Group Commissioners are empowered to help Sections with risk assessment and adventure planning. They can place additional requirements on adventures when necessary to ensure everyone—from participants to parents—feels confident about the preparations for the adventure. The new Standards are more flexible to better apply to all kinds of adventures.
- The responsibilities of the Scouter in Charge have been clarified, so that nothing gets missed between the Scouter in Charge and the Group Commissioner.
- On a related note, the Third Party Waivers, Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreements Procedure has been updated. Parents are now able to sign third-party waivers on behalf of themselves and their youth, meaning there are all kinds of exciting adventures Scouts can share that they couldn’t before.
We have also introduced a new Adventure Application Form, which replaces the Camping and Outdoor Activity Application. The form aligns with the new Adventure Standards and The Canadian Path — there are no mixed messages. It includes helpful links to all the information needed to be fully prepared for your adventure—think of the form as a way for Group Commissioners and Scouters to ensure that the necessary precautions have been taken to stay safe.
And to make things even easier, the new Adventure Application Form has also been added to ScoutsTracker! You can now do even more to plan your next adventure using one convenient tool.
These changes will make planning adventures simpler so that more Scouting youth can enjoy fun and enriching experiences in nature, while making lifelong memories with friends.
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