Young people today seek increasingly challenging activities,

Parental Informed Consent and

Hold-Harmless/Release Agreement
many of which involve trekking in backcountry or wilderness areas.
I understand that participation in the ____________________________________________ offered through

trek s afely
(Activity)

the _____________________________ Council, BSA, on __________________, involves a certain degree of

(Date)

Treks can include such high-adventure activities as b

­ ackpacking, risk that could result in injury or death. In consideration of the benefits to be derived and after carefully

considering the risk involved, and in view of the fact that the Boy Scouts of America is an organization in

which membership is voluntary, and having full confidence that precautions will be taken to ensure the

canoeing, caving, horse packing, kayaking, m

­ ountain biking, safety and well-being of my (son/daughter), I have given ________________________ (son/daughter) my
(Name)

consent to participate in ________________________________________, and waive all claims I may have

(Activity)

A Guide to Unit Trek Planning

against Boy Scouts of America, _________________________________ Council, activity coordinators, and

mountaineering, rafting, sailing, and skiing. While some treks are all employees, volunteers, or sponsors associated with the _______________________________________.
(Activity)

In case of emergency, I understand every effort will be made to contact me. In the event I cannot be

reached, I hereby give my permission to the physician selected by the adult leader in charge to secure
as short as overnight, others last a week or two. Trek Safely, the
proper treatment, including hospitalization, anesthesia, surgery, or injections of medication for my child.

Boy Scouts of America’s recommended ­procedure for organizing

Signature _______________________________________________________________  Date _________________

BSA outdoor treks, applies to overnight treks of any duration.

By being aware of the seven points ­

of Trek Safely, youth and
SKU 430125

Boy Scouts of America

1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079
Irving, Texas 75015-2079 430-125 2012 Printing
adult leaders will be better prepared for a safe trekking experience. http://www.scouting.org
Backcountry and extended treks provide the excitement that Each of the following elements plays an important role in the overall Trek Safely ­ 4. Gear Up
many older Scouts and Venturers are looking for. With this added
procedure. Fun and safe overnight trekking activities require compliance with Procure topographic maps, as well as current trail
excitement comes the responsibility to pay close attention to maps, for the area of the trek. Take equipment
every detail. Your planning must anticipate weather changes, Trek Safely by both adult and youth leaders.
and clothing that is appropriate for the weather
the itinerary’s difficulty, and crew dynamics.
and unit skill level, is in good condition, and is
1. Qualified Supervision properly sized for each participant. A qualified
Trek Safely is designed to help Scouting groups be fully prepared
All backcountry treks must be supervised by a mature, youth or adult leader ensures that participants are
for a backcountry trek. It will help each youth member and adult
conscientious adult at least 21 years of age who trained in the proper use of specialized equipment,
leader recognize situations that could develop where the group
understands the potential risks associated with the particularly items with which they are not familiar,
will have to adjust its schedule or route, or even make camp for
trek. This person knowingly accepts responsibility for such as climbing ropes, ice axes, crampons, water­
the night due to weather or an injured or ill crew member. Crews
the well-being and safety of the youth in his or her craft, bridles, saddles, and cross-­country skis and
who address possible scenarios in advance are less likely to be
care. This adult supervisor is trained in and committed poles. A shakedown must be conducted to be
surprised on the trail. Contingency planning is critical to the
to compliance with the seven points of the BSA’s Trek sure each person has the right equipment without
success of every trip.
Safely procedure. One additional adult who is at least taking too much.
Knowing the members of the crew is one of the most effective ways to avoid 18 years of age must also accompany the unit. 6. Monitor Conditions
Crew equipment includes a first-aid kit stocked The leaders are responsible for making good
conflicts and other problems. A strenuous backcountry trip will always be
The lead adult is responsible for ensuring that someone with current med­ic­ ations and supplies. The leader decisions during the trek, conservatively estimating
physically and mentally challenging. Rugged backcountry conditions will
in the group is currently trained in first aid appropriate reminds youth and adults to bring and take the capabilities and stamina of the group. If
magnify emotions and create stress levels that may be a new experience
to the type of trek and the environment. Training in basic ­prescribed ­­med­i­cations. Every crew must have adverse conditions develop, the group is prepared
for some members. Groups should expect occasional friction and not be
wilderness first aid (typically a 16-hour course) and CPR the means to treat water for drinking by boiling it, to stop or turn back. The unit is responsible for
surprised if some conflict occurs on a trek. Understanding that this is a normal
is recommended. A signed parental informed consent treating it with chemicals, or using an approved monitoring weather conditions and forecasts
occurrence enables the group to maintain unity and work through disputes.
form for each participant under 18 years of age may be water filter. When ultraviolet light (sunlight) is before and during the trek—a small National
Leaders should consult current BSA training materials used for adventurous activities such as whitewater, prevalent, it is critical that participants have ade- Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
and literature on trekking for additional guidance. Among climbing, and horse packing treks. quate sun protection, including broad-brimmed (NOAA) radio is helpful for learning current
the many training sessions and resources that can help hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. weather forecasts. Leaders continually assess
leaders plan and prepare for a trek are the following: conditions, including weather, terrain, group
2. Keep Fit
• Trek Leader section, National Camping School morale, food and water supplies, group physical
Require evidence of fitness with a current BSA Annual The Fieldbook, 5. Communicate Clearly and Completely
• Aquatics section, National Camping School condition, and other factors to determine the
Health and Medical Record, No. 680-001. A regular No. 33104, has a Communication is one of the keys to a safe out- difference between what is difficult and what is
• Climbing section, National Camping School fitness regimen is recommended for trek participants. chapter called
door adventure, and staying in touch with home dangerous. Dangerous conditions are avoided.
• Fieldbook, No. 33104; http://bsafieldbook.org They are urged to start slowly, gradually increasing the “Becoming Fit” that
base is the first step. A youth or adult leader should
duration and intensity of their exercise. The adult leader includes exercises
• Principles of Leave No Trace, No. 430-105 complete a trip plan and share these details of
should adjust supervision, protection, and planning to to increase physical
• Okpik: Cold-Weather Camping, No. 34040 fitness and stamina, the trek—including time of departure, overnight 7. Discipline
anticipate potential risks associated with individual health Each participant knows, understands, and respects
• Topping Out: A BSA Climbing/Rappelling Manual, and tips on increasing stops, the time of expected return, the trailhead
conditions. Neither youth nor adults should participate in the rules and procedures for safe trekking and
No. 32007 mental fitness and (where vehicles will be parked) and the itinerary
a trek or activity for which they are not physically has been oriented in Trek Safely. Applicable rules
• Guide to Safe Scouting, No. 34416; awareness as well. and alternate itinerary—with a contact person in
prepared. See the Fieldbook, No. 33104. should be presented and learned prior to the
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/ the home area. At any time the itinerary changes,
HealthandSafety/GSS.aspx one of the leaders relays the changes to the outing and should be reviewed with participants
3. Plan Ahead contact person, who in turn relays them to the before the trek begins. When participants know
• Backpacking merit badge pamphlet, No. 35863
Planning a trek includes filing a tour and activity plan with the local council service center Scouts’ parents. A plan for communicating with the reasons for rules and procedures, they are
• Camping merit badge pamphlet, No. 35866 T
more likely to follow them. Adult and youth
at least 21 days before the departure date. Log into www.myscouting.org to find the tour each parent is developed before the trek.
he Sup
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• Canoeing merit badge pamphlet, No. 35867

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• Cooking merit badge pamphlet, No. 35879

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up power—may be helpful should an emergency

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The trek should match the maturity, skill level, and fitness of unit members. A youth or
nee d. he sup

• First Aid merit badge pamphlet, No. 35897

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adult leader must secure land-use permits to use public land or written permission from occur. The leader should carry the telephone
, qua thr oug
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• Horsemanship merit badge pamphlet, No 35909

gea r adv ent
tha t
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north mee t
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the owner to cross or use private land. It is also crucial to learn about any requirements numbers or contact information of medical and
st are rea
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• Orienteering merit badge pamphlet, No. 35925

. r you
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fitnenal
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and recommendations from the local land manager. Find out about the terrain, elevation emergency services in the area of the trek. Before
on the
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• Personal Fitness merit badge pamphlet, No. 35927 T

out stuf dur able
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ranges, trails, wildlife, campsites, typical weather conditions, and environmental issues
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• Snow Sports merit badge pamphlet, No. 35951

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for the period of the trek.

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and nature of the patient’s injury or illness should

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• Weather merit badge pamphlet, No. 35964

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Training in Leave No Trace using the Principles of Leave No Trace, No. 430-105, and
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• Whitewater merit badge pamphlet, No. 35965

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the Leave No Trace Training Outline, No. 21-113, is crucial. Units should anticipate a
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• Wilderness Survival merit badge pamphlet, No. 35966

pass r.indd 4-1
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range of weather conditions and temperatures and develop an alternate itinerary in the
req uir

sure that everyone knows what to expect and what

eme nts
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• Council high-adventure website, florid

event that adverse conditions develop.

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http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/
12/28/11
12:08 PM
SKU 3587
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6
with each other, as well as with the entire crew, to
avoid unpleasant surprises.
• High-adventure trek planning, Philmont Training Center