Lake Erie Council Venturing

07/13/2023

Camping is a long-honored tradition for many families, including the BSA family. Timing, supplies, and location should be determined ahead of time so you can make the most of your camping experience. There might be some instances where you overthink or underestimate a camping trip, but there are also many ways to enjoy the adventure, fun, discovery, and teamwork involved. A campout safety checklist will help to ensure these aspects of camping are accomplished while keeping you safe.

Read more about our camping checklist here: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/campout-safety-checklist/

SUMMARY Camping is a long-honored tradition for many families, including the BSA family. Timing, supplies, and location should be determined ahead of time so you can make the most of your camping experience. There might be some instances where you overthink or underestimate a camping trip, but there...

07/06/2023

Young people today seek greater challenges, and climbing and rappelling offer a worthy challenge. While the Climbing merit badge spurs interest in these activities, the proliferation of climbing gyms and facilities has also made climbing and rappelling readily available. Knowing and following the BSA’s guidance will help units execute a fun and safe activity for all.

https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/climbing/

SUMMARY Young people today seek greater challenges, and climbing and rappelling offer a worthy challenge. While the Climbing merit badge spurs interest in these activities, the proliferation of climbing gyms and facilities has also made climbing and rappelling readily available. Knowing and followin...

06/28/2023

Since the inception of Scouting, learning to swim and engaging in aquatics activities have been core to the program. More than 1.5 million aquatics-related merit badges have been earned by Scouts BSA since 2009. The BSA has also been a leader in promoting and providing training in aquatics safety.

Read more about aquatic safety here: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/aquatics-safety/

Adult Audience Only SUMMARY Since the inception of Scouting, learning to swim and engaging in aquatics activities have been core to the program. More than 1.5 million aquatics-related merit badges have been earned by Scouts BSA since 2009. The BSA has also been a leader in promoting and providing tr...

06/15/2023

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are defined as “motorized recreational cycles with three or four large, soft tires, designed for off-road use on a variety of terrains.” While all-terrain vehicles—including ATVs, utility task vehicles (UTVs), and side-bysides—are fun and exciting to navigate through a forest course, they are also under the watchful eye of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and have a reputation of scarring the environment.

Read more about ATV Safety here: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/all-terrain-vehicles/

SUMMARY All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are defined as “motorized recreational cycles with three or four large, soft tires, designed for off-road use on a variety of terrains.” While all-terrain vehicles—including ATVs, utility task vehicles (UTVs), and side-bysides—are fun and exciting to navig...

06/07/2023

Each year, heat-related illnesses strike the unprepared. Prevention is key! Be prepared by acclimating to the environment for 3 to 5 days before going on an outdoor adventure, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a healthy diet beforehand, and continuing to drink fluids when outdoors on hot or humid days. Be sure to drink only when you’re thirsty to avoid overhydrating. Take extra rest breaks, especially if you are exercising strenuously.

Read more here: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/heat-related-illness/

SUMMARY Each year, heat-related illnesses strike the unprepared. Prevention is key! Be prepared by acclimating to the environment for 3 to 5 days before going on an outdoor adventure; drinking plenty of fluids and eating a healthy diet beforehand; and continuing to drink fluids when outdoors on hot....

06/01/2023

Did you know that incidents related to the use of pocket knives are on the rise in the Scouting community? While the Scouting program teaches Scouts how to safely use a knife as a tool, it is important that we also remind our Scouts that a knife is not a weapon. Knives cannot be used for attention, to threaten or to harm others. Please engage your local unit to evaluate the use of pocket knives to ensure the safety of all program participants.

The Age-Appropriate Guidelines indicate the use of pocketknives within the following Cub Scout Programs: Bears, Webelos, and Arrow of Light.https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-685.pdf

05/25/2023

Summertime fun is almost here. Are your health forms ready?

The Scouting adventure, camping trips, high-adventure excursions, and having fun are important to everyone in Scouting—and so is your safety and well-being. Completing the Annual Health and Medical Record is the first step in making sure you have a great Scouting experience. Read more here about filling out your Scout's health forms: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/annual-health-and-medical-record/

https://youtu.be/C7Z_UkrzcsY Adult Audience Only SUMMARY The Scouting adventure, camping trips, high-adventure excursions, and having fun are important to everyone in Scouting—and so is your safety and well-being. Completing the Annual Health and Medical Record is the first step in making sure you...

05/09/2023

Are you familiar with the adult supervision requirements going into effect on September 1, 2023?

The BSA has adopted the following policies for the safety and well-being of its members. These policies primarily protect youth members; however, they also serve to protect adult leaders. All parents and caregivers should understand that our leaders are to abide by these safeguards. Parents and youth are strongly encouraged to use these safeguards outside the Scouting program. Registered leaders must follow these guidelines with all Scouting youth outside of Scouting activities.

Read more here: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss01/

Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse The BSA has adopted the following policies for the safety and well-being of its members. These policies primarily protect youth members; however, they also serve to protect adult leaders. All parents and caregivers should understand that our leaders are to abide by the...

04/05/2023

Concussions are difficult to diagnose and are often called “invisible injuries.” It is important to note that in 90 percent of all youth-related concussions, there is no loss of consciousness. Most people with concussions recover quickly and fully, but for some the symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer. Recovery may be slower among young children and teenagers. Those who have had a concussion in the past are at greater risk for another one, and recovery may take longer the second time.

Read more here to learn about signs and symptoms of concussions: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/concussions/

SUMMARY A concussion, also known as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), is an injury that results from a blow to the head causing an alteration of brain function. Concussions may also be due to falls or blows to the body that cause the brain to move quickly back and forth. GENERAL INFORMATION Concussion...

03/29/2023

These FAQs are provided to explain the “why” behind the updates to the prohibited activities list. Please do not put participants or yourself at risk by permitting any of these activities in the name of Scouting. Read more here: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/prohibited-activities-faqs/

Additional FAQ’s: General Health and Safety, Annual Health and Medical Record, Shooting Sports program, Family Scouting Information These FAQs are provided to explain the “why” behind the updates to the prohibited activities list. Please do not put participants or yourself at risk by permittin...

03/15/2023

As Scouts and leaders, we all know that the motto of Scouting is “Be Prepared.” But just how prepared are we when an emergency strikes, and we are alone, or we come upon someone who is unable to communicate? The BSA has multiple safety programs within the BSA to keep our Scouts and Scouters safe, but let’s look at other ideas that can enhance that ability and be passed on to our friends, families, and people outside of Scouting.

Read more here to stay prepared: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/in-case-of-emergency/

SUMMARY As Scouts and leaders, we all know that the motto of Scouting is “Be Prepared.” But just how prepared are we when an emergency strikes and we are alone or we come upon someone who is unable to communicate? The BSA has multiple safety programs within the BSA to keep our Scouts and Scouter...

02/16/2023

This week's Safety Moment focuses on staying well! We’ve all caught some kind of infection, or sickness, from someone else. These illnesses are known as communicable or contagious diseases because they are spread from one person to another. They may occur when a healthy person becomes infected through contact with a sick person or by touching something with which a sick person has come in contact. Communicable diseases are caused by germs—both viruses and bacteria—and some examples include colds, flu, or strep throat. Read more below on how to prevent and stop the spread of these illnesses.

https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/communicable-disease-prevention/?utm_source=scoutingwire&utm_campaign=swvolunteer01112023&utm_medium=email&utm_content=

SUMMARY We’ve all caught some kind of infection, or sickness, from someone else. These illnesses are known as communicable or contagious diseases because they are spread from one person to another. They may occur when a healthy person becomes infected through contact with a sick person or by touch...