School has started, and it is that time of year where we welcome the greatest number of new families into Scouting.  Those new families are looking for the adventure with the character and leadership development that Scouting promises.  They are also looking for a place that their son or daughter is going to be safe. 

Scouting is safe!  Safe enough for my own son Tyler, whether it is at our two outstanding local camps Lakota or Berry, Philmont or any of our other high adventure bases or at a unit meeting.

When I think of safety two things come to mind, physically injury and child abuse.

As Scouting leaders, the Guide to Safe Scouting is an excellent resource and guiding document to help us keep our youth members safe.  The Guide to Safe Scouting can be found at this link:   https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/toc .  We also must continue to live by our motto of Be Prepared! 

On the front of Child Abuse, the Boy Scouts of America has been on the cutting edge of keeping our youth safe.  Strict Safe Scouting policies including 2 deep leadership are in place and all suspected instances of abuse are reported to law enforcement. 

90% of the child abuse claims pre-date 1987, which was when the BSA put two-deep leadership in place, no one on one youth contact with any adult other then their parent.  Since then we have added required youth protection training as well as criminal background checks.

When an individual is reported to BSA as hurting a child, swift action is taken including removal of that individual from Scouting and a report is made to the local law enforcement agency.

If an incident or an accident occurs during a Scouting activity you must use the reporting procedures found at this link:  http://blackswampbsa.doubleknot.com/openrosters/vieworgpagelink.aspx?orgkey=2477&ItemKey=15132

With that all said, Scouting needs you to share what we do within the Scouting movement to keep our kids safe, with your friend’s neighbors, and coworkers.  Tell our story and the positive impact we all make on todays youth! 

As we move into the fall, I challenge all Scouters to make sure you invite every family you know to join the Scouting movement! Help support your local Cub Scout Pack on our Council Wide Join Scouting Night on September 12! The only way we are going to positively impact youth and their families with the Scout Oath and Law is to invite them to join us for the adventure of Scouting.  How many families are you going to invite to join Scouting this fall? 

Marc D. Kogan has been serving the Boy Scouts of America as a commissioned professional since 1998 and currently the Scout Executive/Executive Director for the Black Swamp Area Council.  As a youth in Scouting, Marc earned the rank of Eagle Scout. In addition, he was bestowed the Vigil Honor from the Order of the Arrow and completed the Wood Badge training.  Marc also currently serves as the Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 309, where his son is working on his Webelos rank.  He resides in Findlay, OH with his wife and their son.