Health & Safety
Health and safety of all involved in the Scouting program is of upmost concern. Hawkeye Area Council maintains a volunteer risk management advisory committee to oversee all Scouting operations and ensure that all applicable standards and laws are reviewed and enacted.
Guide to Safe Scouting
The publication, Guide to Safe Scouting, is a set of regulations and reference resource published by Boy Scouts of America. This publication is available on ScoutSource.
Youth Protection
Prevention of abuse is of top priority. A number of policies have been adopted to prevent abuse within all Scouting programs. They include two-deep leadership, no one-on-one contact, respect of privacy, separate accommodations, proper preparation for high-adventure activities, no secret organizations, appropriate attire, constructive discipline, hazing prohibited, and youth leader training and supervision. These ten policies are explained in detail in the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Age-Appropriate Guidelines
The wide range of activities that are available for participants of Boy Scouts of America programs are uniquely tailored to the mental and physical capacity of the youth involved. A quick reference on which activities are approved for each Scouting program is available on ScoutSource. This publication is available on ScoutSource.
Tour Permits
Any time that a group of Scouts is traveling on an official Scout outing they must file a tour permit. Units taking trips of less than 500 miles are required to file the Local Tour Permit at least two weeks in advance of the trip. Units taking trips of 500 miles or more require the unit to file the National Tour Permit Application at least one month in advance of the trip. These applications are available on ScoutSource.
Any Scout trip that includes climbing, high adventure activity, or using canoes on moving water requires the unit to file a High Adventure & Float Plan with the council, as well as with the parent/guardian of each youth attending the trip. The High Adventure & Float Plan must be filed at the same the as the tour permit. This plan is available on the forms download section.
Liability Insurance
As part of the annual charter agreement, the Boy Scouts of America provides liability insurance for all chartered units. For specific details about this insurance and coverage please contact the Council Service Center. To request a certificate of insurance download and submit the Request for Certificate of Insurance.
Accident Insurance
Beginning in 2010, the Council has purchased Unit Accident Insurance from Health Special Risk, Inc. for all chartered units. This accident insurance provides additional coverage during Scout events and outings. For specific details about this insurance and coverage please contact the Council Service Center.