Youth Camp Policies for Adults

Updated 10/14/09

On April 16, 2006, the state of Texas passed into law new regulations that affect the Texas Youth Camps Safety and Health Act. These new laws affect all licensed youth camps in the state of Texas, including Boy Scout summer camps and Cub Scout day camps. As a result, there is a change of policy for all leaders and adults attending any of the Buffalo Trail Council Camps this summer. (BTSR, HAB, Thomas, or District Day Camps)

The following is a synopsis of the new laws in place that affect summer camp operation:

• The camp management shall have on file a record of any criminal conviction for all adult staff members and all adult volunteers working at the camp. (This includes adult leaders and parents attending camp with their Pack, Troop, or Crew as participants.)

• Records of criminal convictions and sex offender status may be obtained by an annual criminal background check and by performing an annual background check using a Sex Offender Registration database for each staff member's permanent residence and educational residence.

• Effective June 1, 2006, a youth camp licensee may not employ or accept the volunteer service of an individual for a position involving contact with campers at a youth camp unless youth camp has on file documentation that verifies the individual has successfully completed the training and examination program required by this subsection. (This includes adult leaders and parents attending camp with their Pack, Troop, or Crew as participants.)

As a result of these changes to Texas law, the following policies shall now be in affect for all adults coming as participants to Buffalo Trail Council Camps this summer, whether as an adult camper or adult staff member.

ADULT = ANYONE OVER THE AGE OF 18

1. All adults coming to participate at Buffalo Trail Council Camps MUST be registered as an adult leader with the Boy Scouts of America. No exceptions. (Since registration with the BSA requires a criminal background check, this covers new rule # 1.)

2. All adults coming to camp must submit to and show the results of a background check through the Sex Offender Registration database. (This is done through a website and is conducted without charge. This covers rule change # 2.)

3. All adults must show completion of the BSA ONLINE Youth Protection Training, with a date on the card showing April 16, 2006 or beyond, and must still be currently valid (taken within the last two years). The Online YPT is the only approved course acceptable for showing compliance to rule #3. All courses must be approved by the state, and this is the one that has been approved by the State for BSA Leaders. NO OTHER YOUTH PROTECTION CLASSES TAKEN PRIOR TO APRIL 16TH, 2006 CAN BE ACCEPTED. ONLY BSA ONLINE YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING CAN BE ACCEPTED. (MUST BE COMPLETED BI-ANNUALLY!)

As an aid in complying with these new rules, the Buffalo Trail Council has put together an application that MUST be completed by EVERY adult coming to camp this summer. The only exception to this rule is a person that comes to camp as a visitor, does not stay overnight, and stays no longer than half a day. Beyond that, ALL adults at camp (whether it is one day or all week) must complete this form and the steps indicated.

This can be assigned as a duty to a unit leader. That person can collect the forms, conduct the background check in the Sex Offender Registration database, collect YPT certification cards, and obtain a BSA copy of the unit roster showing all adults as registered in the Pack, Troop or Crew. This packet must then be submitted to camp management immediately upon arrival to camp.

More Information/Application Form

An information sheets and Adult Leader Application for Camp is available via this PDF document.