It was my first day as a “walker” at Cub Scout Day Camp at Mineral Springs Park in Pekin. Several carloads of rambunctious boys were itching to get started on a full day of fun—archery, leathercraft, games, BB guns, demonstrations, paddle boats, songs, and more. The other parents and I thought a stop at the restrooms should be the first stop, so we herded the boys in that direction. When one of the parents started to enter the restroom with his son, he was stopped by an adult staff member. We all learned then and there that in Scouting, adults are never allowed to use restrooms at the same time as youth. It was an eye-opening introduction to Youth Protection.

In the years since, I have completed Youth Protection training many times, first in a classroom setting and in recent years through an online training portal. Renewing the training every two years has been required to remain a registered leader.

In 2025, Youth Protection changed. You may recall news stories about a class action lawsuit filed by survivors of childhood abuse in Scouting. As a result, the Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. These challenges were met head-on, and I am happy to say that Scouting has emerged with a few bruises, but it is still healthy, fit, and ready to serve America’s youth as it has for 115 years. With the announcement of a new name last year, Scouting America has moved forward with a renewed commitment to safety in all aspects of the Scouting program.

One of the positive outcomes of these changes is a new mandatory adult leader training called Safeguarding Youth training. It replaces, and in my opinion, improves the previous Youth Protection training that adult leaders were required to complete since way back in my Cub Scout Leader days. Safeguarding Youth training drives home the importance of Barriers to Abuse in preventing sexual and physical abuse, bullying, improper use of technology, and other harmful interactions between adults and youth of all ages. Scouting America’s Barriers to Abuse include:

• Two-Deep Leadership: At least two registered adult leaders (21 or older) must be present at all campouts, meetings, and activities. If girls are present, one of those leaders must be female.
• No One-on-One Contact: Adult leaders are prohibited from being alone with a single youth, whether in person, online, or via phone/text.
• The Buddy System: Scouts must always be with a buddy their own age to ensure no one is ever alone.
• Separate Accommodations: Separate tents, lodging, and shower/latrine facilities are required for male/female adults and male/female youth.
• Adult/Youth Separation: Adults (18 and older) may not share tents with youth, except for parents with their own children.
• Mandatory Youth Protection Training: All registered adults must complete Safeguarding Youth training annually to learn how to prevent, recognize, and report abuse.
• Digital Privacy Rules: This covers inappropriate use of cameras, imaging, or electronic devices for abuse, intimidation, and bullying.
• Background Checks and Screening: All leaders must be approved by their charter organization and are subject to criminal background checks.
• Reporting Requirements: Adult leaders are mandatory reporters who must immediately inform authorities of abuse or suspicion of abuse.

Scouting has always taken the lead when it comes to protecting youth. The new Safeguarding Youth training is a natural evolution that addresses the realities of the world we live in. I will admit that this is not a cheerful topic of discussion, and there is always grumbling about anything that is “required.” But there are no exceptions. Abuse has no place in Scouting.

Anyone can take Safeguarding Youth training. It is available free to all youth-serving organizations, large and small, courtesy of Scouting America. You can find it at My.Scouting.org. Full disclosure: The training is 90 minutes long, and there is a quiz at the end to make sure you are paying attention. But if it prevents even one incidence of abuse it is time well spent.

Stay safe, and Scout On!

Scott Fishel wears several hats in Scouting, including a longtime association with Troop 178 in Morton. You can contact him at [email protected]. Find a Scout unit in your community at beascout.org.