February 21, 2013

New Tiger Cub Resident Camp Policy Announced

The Outdoor Programs Committee at the February board meeting approved the following change to NCAP and Guide to Safe Scouting. This change takes effect immediately. As we reprint publications, the language will be changed. The change now allows Tiger Cubs to attend resident camp with their adult partner or guardian.

Family camp is a council-organized overnight or longer event for Tiger Cubs, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts and their families that involves more than one pack where the council provides the staffing and program. These events are often referred to as parent/pal, mom and me, or adventure weekends.

Family camps for Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers, or Sea Scouts may also be accredited upon application of the council.

Resident camp is defined as follows:

1. For Tiger Cubs, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts, a council-organized overnight camp of at least two consecutive nights in duration that operates under council-retained leadership.
2. For Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts, a council-organized overnight camp of at least five consecutive nights in duration that operates under council-retained leadership.
3. For Venturers and Sea Scouts, a council-organized overnight camp of at least three consecutive nights in duration that operates under council-retained leadership.

Revised language in GTSS

Age Guidelines
The Boy Scouts of America has established the following guidelines for its members’ participation in camping activities:

Overnight camping by Tiger Cub, Wolf, and Bear Cub Scout dens as dens is not approved, and certificates of liability insurance will not be provided by the Boy Scouts of America.

1. Tiger Cubs may participate in boy-parent excursions, day camps, pack overnighters, or council-organized family or resident camping.
2. Tiger Cubs, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts may participate in a resident overnight camping program operating under BSA National Camping School–trained leadership and managed by the council.
3. A Webelos Scout may participate in overnight den camping when supervised by an adult. In most cases, the Webelos Scout will be under the supervision of his parent or guardian. It is essential that each Webelos Scout be under the supervision of a parent-approved adult. Joint Webelos den/troop campouts including the parents of the Webelos Scouts are encouraged to strengthen ties between the pack and troop. Den leaders, pack leaders, and parents are expected to accompany the boys on approved trips.
4. All Scouts registered in Boy Scout troops are eligible to participate in troop or patrol overnight campouts, camporees, and resident camps.
5. Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts 12 through 17 are eligible to participate in national jamborees. Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts 13 through 17 are also eligible to participate in world jamborees and high-adventure programs.
6. All youth registered in Venturing are eligible to participate in crew, district, council, and national Venturing activities as well as national high-adventure programs and world jamborees.