April 2024 Update to Barriers to Abuse Concerning the Policy for 18 to 20-year-old Adult Leaders/Program Participants
Please note the following update to the Guide to Safe Scouting and help communicate this important information to your units.
18 – 20 Adult Leader/Program Participant Policy
17-year-old* youth members transitioning to an adult leader (Scouts BSA), Camp Staff or adult program participant (Order of the Arrow, Venturing and Sea Scouts) upon their 18th birthday may continue to participate while their adult application and CBC are processed, but this period shall not exceed 30 days. These individuals are subject to the same youth protection policies and guidelines as all adult Scouters even during this registration transition period.
This includes:
- Adhere to the Youth Protection and Barriers to abuse polices of the BSA.
- Follow housing and tenting policies that apply to adult membership.
- Utilize restroom and shower facilities for adults.
- Buddy system is not required but is recommended for all participants.
- While adult program participants do not require two deep leadership, as they are subject to the same youth protection policies and guidelines as all adult Scouters. All Scouting activities are still required to meet barriers to abuse and must have two leaders over 21.
*Exception
17-year-old youth members whose 18th birthday occurs during active participation at Summer Camp, a High Adventure Base or any BSA National Events may complete the activity they started as a youth participant without interruption; however, at its conclusion they must immediately register as an adult. This exception is intended for limited use in scenarios such as completing a trek while staying in the same tent or accommodation in the last few days of an event. It does not change or extend Eagle Scout or other advancement required to be completed by a Scout’s 18th Birthday; they will need to follow all applicable advancement policies.